Comments on: Installing Tile Over A Wood Subfloor

By: Allen

Allen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:55 +0000

Jerry, as long as the tile floor is clean, you don’t really have to acid etch it. I realize some folks may want to argue that point until they’re blue in the face, but it just isn’t necessary. I’ve done similar jobs in the past 25 years and not once has there been an issue with tiles popping loose. I did use a de-greaser on that bathroom makeover episode, but that’s it. I also like to use the fortified thinset. It costs a little more, but I’m more comfortable with it.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:02:17 +0000

I am going to tile over an existing tile floor as shown on your bathroom makeover. I have been told to acid etch the tile first to help the thinset adhere to the old tile. Do you recommend this ? or should I just clean the old tile floor and apply thinset, then the tile? Thanks for any advice you can give.

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:24:34 +0000

Hi Darren,
Try a 50/50 solution of white vinegar (which is a mild acid) and water with a scrub brush or plastic abrasive pad. If that doesn’t work you could try phosphoric acid or muriatic acid, diluted to the recommended strength. Be sure you have plenty of ventilation, wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles, and experiment first to be sure they don’t soften the grout or damage the tile.

By: Darren

Darren — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:12:51 +0000

Ben,
My tile is finished!! Thanks for your advice and counsel. I put down pre-sealed porcelain tile and did not seal it prior to grouting. About 10% of the tiles still have a visual haze when the light hits them just right. What can I do? I have tried a haze remover from a hardware store, but no luck. The porcelain tiles have a dull finish, if that is something you need to know. Please help, these hazed tiles are driving me crazy!!

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:47:18 +0000

Hi Joe,
Check out my comment above posted on September 17, 2009, to find the answer to your questions.
Good luck with your project!

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:07:40 +0000

I am redoing my upstairs bathroom and want to put in ceramic tile. The previous owner had 5/8 subfloor that had an 1/8 inch spacing between the sheets of plywood. The shower leaked and rotted the floor a little, so I replaced the subfloor with a 5/8 inch osb subfloor. I went to a tile store and the guy said they recomend to put another 5/8 inch plywood down for support of the subfloor. I guess I am confused, what type of subfloor and how thick should I use for ceramic tile? Thanks Joe

By: rusty

rusty — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:13:54 +0000

dear,Danny
im looking to install porclen tile in my parents home the house is about 40+ years old my dad lacks the exsperence in this area i know alil the flood in not all that cracked up to be well its not all great at all like i said its a old house i guess my question would be can we ues 1/4 backer board and what could i fill the holes in the floors to make it even to lay the backerboard down
thanks rusty

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:59:57 +0000

Hi Barry, If adding backer board will make the floor higher than you would like, you could consider using one of the thin new underlayment membranes instead. You can out more in our Best New Product video on Tile Underlayment Membrane and our DIY video on How to Tile a Floor Using an Underlayment Membrane. Good luck with your project!

By: Barry

Barry — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:48:21 +0000

Ben,
So right now the Kitchen floor has thin vinyl tile squares. Not sure what is underneath. I am going to remove the tiles before installing ceramic tiles. If I put that backer board down first and then the ceramic tile, won’t that raise the floor up too much in comparison to the wood floors in the dining room and hall?
Thanks

By: Dennis

Dennis — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:59:21 +0000

Hi Ben, and thanks for the prompt and concise response. It’s greatly appreciated! BTW, based on what you said, I may simply swap out the 1/2″ backer board for 1/4″ stuff due to potential floor height issues. Thanks again!