The Way to Install Tile Substrates

Tile can be used by you in a lot of places in a home. Ceramic tile makes good flooring, countertops and walls. Vinyl tiles are used on flooring. What tiles discuss is the demand for substrate or a base, the material to which the vinyl is fastened with mortar or mastic concrete. A substrate has to be flat on a floor or plumb on a wall, stable and solid, made of a material that will provide all the tile adhesive to a secure bond and moisture-free. Wall and floor requirements vary; check local building codes for particulars in your town.

Concrete

Concrete is an acceptable substrate for both vinyl or ceramic tile. It has to be dry and clean and fully cured for 28 days. Concrete substrate should be installed above a moisture barrier; it is a good idea since if it is too dry or too moist, it may interfere with bonding of vinyl mastic or ceramic tile mortar prior to tiling to test an area for moisture. The surface should be somewhat rough, not smooth. Some concrete might require water-seal priming or sanding to roughen it.

Cement Board

Fiber plank, frequently called backerboard, is also a substrate for virtually any tile. It is comparable to concrete — created with cement and some kind of fiber instead of a stone aggregate. It comes in massive sheets and could be fastened to a wall or even a subfloor with adhesive or screws. Strand board on countertops and flooring must supports board, but might be installed over gypsum drywall on walls.

Plywood

Plywood is acceptable substrate for flooring in some uses but should not be used for wall tiles. It should only be used in places that were well-ventilated and dry. Use the very best grain perpendicular to the floor framing and exterior grade plywood positioned together with the smooth side up. Leave a gap of 1/8 inch involving sheets 1/4 inch for an adhesive mortar, for tile adhesive or mortar.

Drywall

Use gypsum drywall on walls in spaces; never place tile on gypsum plank in showers or moist locations. Use moisture-resistant drywall in other areas or kitchens. Prime drywall thoroughly and allow it to dry before installing vinyl. Use comparable tile adhesive or latex thin-set mortar.

Unacceptable Substrates

Many wood-related products except exterior grade plywood are unsuitable, although any timber material is suitable as a substrate for tile. Unacceptable materials include oriented strand board (OSB), Engineered wood, particle board, chipboard, Masonite, engineered timber flooring and solid wood planks. Marine and pressure-treated plywoods also are unsuitable since tile adhesion can affect.

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