Quick Answer: How To Lay Ceramic Floor Tile On Concrete?

Can you put ceramic tile directly on concrete?

A: It’s perfectly acceptable to put tile directly on concrete — with a couple of caveats. First, it is important to determine if there is moisture coming up from the slab. Those products should help prevent any cracks in the slab from damaging the newly installed tile.

Do I need underlayment for tile on concrete?

Although you don’t need to install an underlayment between the concrete and the tile, you need to prepare the surface before placing the tile. After all, cracks and uneven areas in the concrete can cause damage to the tile above, and uncontrolled moisture in the concrete can destroy the mortar and loosen the tiles.

What type of thinset do you use for ceramic tile on concrete?

Modified thinset is the product of choice for most tile installations because of its increased strength and bonding with minimal shrinkage, which means a reduced chance of cracks forming in the tile. WarmlyYours Radiant Heating recommends modified thinset mortar for nearly all tile and stone installations.

Do you need a moisture barrier under ceramic tile?

Ceramic Tile and Water



But if moisture seeps through the grout in the joints between tiles, it can degrade the thin-set adhesive used to secure the tile and cause the floor to fail. The grout used to fill the joints between tiles is not naturally waterproof, so it needs to be sealed to prevent moisture infiltration.

What is the best flooring to put on a concrete floor?

Ceramic tile is the designer’s choice, with tons of colors and styles. It’s unaffected by moisture and goes directly onto concrete that’s smooth and free of cracks. Vinyl tile and sheet flooring also goes directly over prepared concrete and will withstand even minor flooding with no ill effect.

What goes under ceramic tile?

Oriented strand board (OSB) and exterior-grade plywood will work if first covered with a latex-modified mortar and a tiling backer board. Install a cement-based backer board following the manufacturer’s instructions. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking.

How do you prepare a concrete floor for tile?

Start by sweeping your concrete floor to get rid of all dust and debris. Then clean with a wet mop of plain water. Use a few tablespoons of a degreasing cleaner in warm water and scrub the concrete with a scrub brush. Finally, rinse thoroughly.

How do you lay tile on concrete?

The tiles should be installed with a narrow (1/16″) grout joint using tile spacers. Tiles should be laid on a perfectly level and clean surface. If laying on concrete, make sure the concrete has had time to cure and is completely dry. The tiles can be cut using a wet saw with a diamond blade.

What is the best backer board for floor tile?

Cement board is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.

Can I use regular thinset for porcelain tile?

Which thinset to use with porcelain tile? ANSWER – Porcelain Tile should be installed with a latex modified thin-set or a polymer modified thin-set. For larger tiles 12×12 or larger should use a 1/4″ sq. notch trowel.

Is Versabond good Thinset?

Versabond makes reliable yet affordable thinset mortar, which is why it’s a mainstay in the home improvement world. So, if you’re worried that you won’t get a good bond or that you’ll have to redo your mortar after using Versabond, don’t be. In most cases, Versabond is a great pick.

Can I use tile adhesive instead of mortar?

Mortar is commonly used to attach tiles to drywall or flooring. However, tiles can also be installed using an organic tile adhesive called mastic, or in select cases with epoxy. Mortar can be used with most tiles, and glass and stone tiles typically require mortar.

How do you waterproof a concrete floor before tiling?

For that reason, it is best to use an elastomeric, crack-prevention membrane to both seal the floor and protect your tile installation from failure. These membranes prevent water from seeping up through the concrete and into the mortar as well allowing the thinset to cure and preventing future mold or mildew growth.

Can I tile directly on plywood?

While tile can be laid on plywood, do not install tile directly onto the plywood subfloor itself. Use intervening layers of two sheets of plywood.

Can you tile straight onto screed?

Assess and prepare floor



Screeds should be firm enough to walk on, usually at least 3 days after application, before tiling can be started. Concrete should be at least 7 days old. All substrates to be tiled must be clean and surface dry. Particular care should be taken that movement joints are adequately specified.