How to install ceramic tile flooring Part 4 - Subfloors and other Substrates
In keeping with the idea that a good installation relies on getting the basics
right, looking to your
substrate is the next major consideration. The substrate is the surface or
medium that serves as a
base for tile flooring. It is a term used to describe the subfloor, subwall and
subcountertop. The
term can be extended to a concrete subfloor, or an existing floor over which
the ceramic tile is to
be installed. Either way, when looking to install ceramic tiles as flooring or
even as wall tile, a
clean, level surface is an absolute must. When installing ceramic tile on an
uneven surface, you
risk the possibility of allowing the ceramic tile to crack or loosen. As such,
it is worth your
while to spend some energy and resources on making sure that your substrate
will support your
installation.
In some instances, ceramic tile will be installed on a new substrate. Installing
ceramic tile
flooring on a new substrate adds extra dimension to the procedure. There are a
few elements to
consider in a case like this. Preparing a good substrate is the most important
step in ensuring a
beautiful tile installation.
General Requirements:
-
New concrete subfloors must be left to cure 28 days before tiling.
-
All floor and wall substrates must be rigid. Any spring in the substrates may
crack the
tile.
-
All substrates, particularly floors, must be structurally sound.
-
All substrates should be level.
-
All substrates must be completely free of surface adherents such as oil, grease,
dust, loose
or peeling paint, concrete sealers or curing compounds. If these elements are
not
removed, the tile will not adhere properly to the substrate.
Suitable Substrates
Suitable tile subfloors include those that are structurally sound and free of
excessive movement.
They include:
-
Concrete which has been allowed the appropriate curing time
-
Terrazzo or natural stone
-
Other varieties of ceramic tile
-
Non-cushioned vinyl and linoleum
-
Cement backer boards
-
Double layered plywood (exterior grade) combined 1 1/4"
Unsuitable Substrates
Unsuitable substrates for tile are those that tend to flex, expand, contract or
warp. Any excessive
movement will loosen the tile and pop the grout. These substrates must be
replaced or covered
with a suitable underlayment. Unsuitable substrates may include:
Your substrate is an essential element to your efforts in installing ceramic
tile as flooring.
Keeping the above in mind may save you time and money later on in the process.