Ceramic floor tiles

scotty123 · 02-03-2009, 09:29 PM

Hi i am redoing my kitchen. I will be putting ceramic tiles down. I had some of that sticker type tile stuff before. I removed it and i have 3/4" plywood. I know its a good idea to put cement board down before the tiles. Is there any other way of doing it?
Any advice would be appreciated, flooring is not something ive dabbled in before.

JazMan · 02-03-2009, 10:16 PM

You could install a membrane like Ditra instead of cement board.

On the other hand, not everyone can/should install their own floors.

Let us know which way you want to go.

Jaz

scotty123 · 02-03-2009, 11:31 PM

Ditra is really expensive, what do you gain from using that over cement board?

angus242 · 02-03-2009, 11:55 PM

Ditra is a superior product versus cement board for a few reasons.

1. It's much easier to install. Cuts with just a utility knife and you're ready to go. Cement board can be very messy to cut.

2. It's much lighter than CBU (cement board). Try carrying 12 sheets of CBU from the store shelf to your cart, to your vehicle, to your garage and then finally to install. Ditra comes in a roll. Easy to store. Easy to carry.

3. Ditra is an uncoupling membrane. That means it separates your tile installation from any movement in your subfloor. It also is waterproof so it acts as a vapor barrier.

Ditra is just over double the cost of Hardibacker but well worth it if you ask me.

scotty123 · 02-04-2009, 01:15 PM

Very helpful, thanks Angus. Not sure which way i am going to go yet. Just in the planning stages.

JazMan · 02-04-2009, 11:21 PM

OK, so you had peel & stick vinyl tiles and they are now gone. Was there a sheet of 1/4" plywood under them? If so, that has to go to the curb too.

Your subfloor is 3/4" plywood? How about the type and size of your joists? Their spacing? Unsupported span of the joists? Are there markings on them telling you the species and grade?

Obviously I recommend Ditra over a CBU. You think it's too expensive, if 60-80 cents a foot is going to make a difference causing a compromise, maybe you should consider something else?

Jaz