Discussion: Ceramic & Stone Tile Underlayments, by Bud Cline

[TFP Admin]

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This thread is for the discussion of the article, Ceramic & Stone Tile Underlayments, by Bud Cline. You can also rate the article by selecting an option in the Rate Thread drop-down near the top of this discussion.

Bud said Of the entire inventory of floor covering products on today's market, ceramic and stone tiles probably lend themselves more to do-it-yourself home improvement projects than almost any other flooring product but there are rules and special underlayments required to insure a proper and lasting installation. Tile in its elementary form is easy to install. It doesn't take long to get the hang of it, however if you research installing ceramic tile you will find that the techniques are many and there are in fact absolute rules that should be followed to insure a suitable return on your investment.

[hookknife]

Nice article Bud, I run into the" 1/2 cbu for strength all the time", even the so called tile pros here are still under the same misconception that cement backers add the necessary support for tile And when you tell em different they no likey

[Danny Ferguson]

1/2" is bigger than a 1/4". It has to be stronger?

[Jerry LA Tile]

Great article Bud I know you have more in ya. How bout some more info I can sink my teef into Oh yeah, nice pic! For some reason I aways pictured you as a grumpy old man

[Jim McClain]

Jerry/L.A.Tile said Oh yeah, nice pic! For some reason I aways pictured you as a grumpy old man

That job's already taken.

[Bud Cline]

That job's already taken.

AMEN!!!!

Jerry...
There's more in the works but someone has to rattle some cages to get someone off his butt and moving in the right direction again.

[redraider2x1]

I am just about to attempt to lay down some ceramic tile on a plywood underlayment. From what I've read, I must first seal the plywood, thereby preventing the adheasive from being absorbed into the wood.

I just read the discussion about using plywood as an underlayment...and its now making me think twice about using plywood.

will my attempt be successful if I use plywood?

Also, what size nails or screws should I use?

redraider2x1

[Kman]

There are many factors to consider when installing tile directly to plywood. Most importantly, you must have two layers of plywood, each of them 5/8" thick. Just as important is the joist size and span. A certain type of thinset must be used to adhere to the plywood.

Everything has to be perfect for that type of installation. I never install tile directly to plywood, I always use some type of tile underlayment (CBU or Ditra). The risk of failure is too great, and when it fails you lose everything, usually in an effort just to save the expense of the underlayment, which is not as much as what you'd expect.

[Bud Cline]

redraider2X1,

HOLD ON A MINUTE!

From what I've read, I must first seal the plywood, thereby preventing the adheasive from being absorbed into the wood.

Where did you get that information about "sealing the plywood"? That would be the last thing you would want to do.

I just read the discussion about using plywood as an underlayment...and its now making me think twice about using plywood.

As mentioned in the article, plywood as the ONLY tile underlayment isn't always the best idea.

will my attempt be successful if I use plywood?

No one can answer that question for you. Why not do as recommended and use a proper tilebacker?

Also, what size nails or screws should I use?

ALL tilebacker products have installation information from the manufacturers available. All you need to do is to ask where you buy the product for the manufacturers written installation recommendations. All of the information is also readily available on line.

[TFP Admin]

Bud Cline said All of the information is also readily available on line.

Is it possible for that information to be presented here too? We are an online resource of information. Maybe even just a link to the proper information?

Thanks,

Jim

[Bud Cline]

All of the manufacturers offer Data Sheets and Installation Recommendations on their respective websites.

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