Ceramic tile floor installed on a strong subfloor.
The subfloor used beneath ceramic tile is the difference between a long-lasting ceramic tile floor and a floor where tile loosens or cracks. Ceramic tile lasts longer when installed on a strong, rigid subfloor. Use cement backer board over the existing subfloor to add strength and a smooth surface for installing the ceramic tile. Cement backer board consists of a layer of cement attached to a layer of mesh. This board is waterproof and is an ideal base for ceramic tile.
Instructions
1. Inspect the existing subfloor thoroughly. Countersink any nails or screws that are protruding above the surface. Add additional nails or screws to areas that flex when stepped on. Use a lightweight gypsum leveling compound to fill voids and low spots. Sand the leveling compound smooth. Use a vacuum to remove any debris from the subfloor.
2. Spread a layer of thinset mortar over a plywood subfloor to prepare for the installation of cement backer board. According to Tim Carter on his website Ask the Builder, this is a necessary step to fill any voids between the plywood subfloor and the cement board. Spread the thinset with a notched trowel on an area of the subfloor that can be covered with cement backer board in 20 minutes.
3. Stagger the joining seams of the cement backer board to avoid having backer-board joints fall on top of the joints in the existing plywood subfloor. Install the backer board with the smooth side out if you are planning to use mastic tile adhesive. Place the rougher side out if using a Portland-based mortar mix to install the ceramic tile.
4. Use a flooring knife with a carbide blade to score the cement board. Use a metal straight edge as a guide for the knife. The cement board will snap at the scored line as drywall does. Drill pilot holes in the cement board before driving the screws. Attach the cement board to the subfloor with galvanized screws that are long enough to reach the floor joists. Place the screws six to eight inches apart and ½ inch from the edges of the board.
5. Spread thinset on the seams of the cement board and imbed fiberglass tape into the thinset. Use a trowel to spread the thinset and to remove any excess from the joints. Apply a layer of thinset over the fiberglass tape and feather out the edges. Leave the joints as level and smooth as possible.
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