Hi all, I have a property that has undergone a major refurb, I have a 70+ m2 kitchen living linking to a 14m2 hallway, 12 m2 bathroom, and 6m2 utility that will all be newly tiled.
So to the question... the original floors have been patched in after plumbing and elec 1st fix and C24 grade 12mm softwood plyboard screwed at 300mm centers laid out throughout all the above-mentioned areas.
How can I prepare this ply boarding ready for the tiling?? I haven't yet secured a tiling contractor to complete the works so am turning to you lovely bunch for your best-timeserved advice.
do I need to and how can I seal these boards as they feel very porous and I am concerned they will soak up water from the adhesive during the tiling installation causing them to swell/ blow?
Tiling will be installed on flexible adhesive and grout to allow for any movement etc.
Thanks in advance.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
It is now British Standard that you are not allowed to tile onto plywood walls and I don't think it will be long before floors come into the equation too.
Best practice would be to overlay the existing floor with 6mm Hardibacker board and then depending on tile size and material, you may or may not need an anti-fracture matting to deal with any lateral movement. Matting alone will not be sufficient as it's not used to cope with deflection.
Kind Regards
Ben Carey
Clevedon Tiling
Hi there I would use a decoupling mat on top of the boards (3mm thick) which prevents any cracked tiles due to movement,
Many thanks
Russell@RM Tiling
Answered18 September 2020
0
Anonymous user
If I was going to do your job I would overboard with at least a 9mm structual hardwood plywood screwed at 150mm centres
Answered18 September 2020
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Anonymous user
Yes since you already have plywood on your floor boards what I would do is rather than using ply I’d use a cement tiling board because 1) it is heat resistant so the weather can won’t really affect it as you know wood expands in heat and if you’re floor boards expand under your tile work it will cause your tiles to move out of place and 2) cement boards are way more durable then ply boards and the surface of it is a lot more smooth to spread your adhesive and get the perfect level for your tiles.
Answered22 December 2021
0
Anonymous user
Hi there
Personally, I would prime the plywood with a good primer then glue and screw some Hardie backer boards on top. Secondly install a decoupling membrane so any movement in the floors doesn’t effect the tiles. Be sure to use good quality adhesive and grout and of course a good tiler!
