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Tiling

Advice on laying porcelain plank-style tiles over underfloor heating

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.22 PM

We have porcelain wood-effect 20 x 120 tiles to go over a Wunda overlay underfloor heating system. Our builder is laying these, and while Wunda provide guidance on which adhesive to use, they don't advise how the tiles should be laid. As they're wood-effect we'd like them as close together as possible. Can these tiles be butted together or does there need to be a minimum space between the tiles? Is there anything else we should be aware of regarding laying these tiles over underfloor heating? Thanks very much in advance.

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1 Answer

Anonymous user

Hi, Your tiles will need spacing in between as grout allows for tile expansion and contraction. Not only that, but you will leaving the subfloor exposed to moisture buildup as no matter how close you butt them up there will always be a small enough gap for water/moisture to get through. 3-5mm spacers are the most common size for flooring and you will be able to get a grout colour to match. Regarding the underfloor heating, I normally lay a thin bed of self levelling compound to protect the heating element prior to tiling and would recommend waiting 7-10 days before switching on the heating to allow the adhesive to fully dry and protect the install from failing.

Answered17 August 2016