how to tile over floorboards

Hi I agree with The Handyman, do not use 6mm or 9 mm ply this is too thin, although you can use ply at no less than 15mm. It is far better to use 6mm cement backer board glued and screwed but remember to leave a 2mm gap between the boards for expansion, if you do decide on ply only prime with SBR NOT pva, pva is not fit for purpose. Hi further to your new comment you can install the bath first then board up to it but do not use ply, I recommend cement backer board this is a far better substrate to tile on. A lot of people think that the tile backer board is to pricey so they opt for ply this can work out being more expensive when the tiles start to crack due to movement from the ply and will need replacing,and really the backer board works out roughly 10 to 12 pounds more for around the same as an 8 x4 of ply so for a average bathroom it's worth the extra cost. Hi, further to your comment you can get the backer board from any builder merchants, also topps tiles, tile giant, or any tile retail outlet. Think Wickes do aqua panel, as for ply for vinyl can not comment as only trade in ceramic.

Hi I wouldn't recommend that you tile directly over floorboards, I would suggest you put down a cement backer board with cement adhesive to have a stable floor to tile on. For the cost of about £14 for a 1200 x 800 board it's not worth not doing it as it will prevent problems later. If you are removing all then do the whole floor in cement boards as it will give the whole floor a solid base

All floorboards are not good enough to lay on. They are invariably uneven and will need a minimum 6mm ply board sheet fitting over. Preferably 9mm. This will then smooth over the floorboards and give you a perfect surface to tile on. Then use a flexible adhesive to stick the tiles. Hope this helps and good luck

Bit of a mixed bag here lol. A.G Fright is exact on everything, especially the pva!!!!!!

Hi heres some tips on tiling a bathroom floor you can not put tiles straight over floor boards they will come up as soon as you walk on them. 1.you need to screw plywood down over the floor boards the thicker the better as this will take the bounce out the floor. 2.when you fit the plywood you need to prime it. 3.you then need to buy a flexible floor adhesive to tile over wood I recommend bal flex it is a two part adhesive with a add mix to enhance flexibility but it is expensive. you can buy this and also buy cheaper one part flexible adhesives from your local tile supplier they will advise you on which one you need. I hope this helps just make sure your plywood is screwed down correctly and there no movement. Kind regards Stephen.

You should put a layer of 12mm wbp (exterior grade ) ply over the floorboards, screwed down well to the joists, make sure you secure any loose floorboards first to stop it squeaking in the future, prime with a latex base primer and use a cement based flexible adhesive and flexible grout.