Ceramic tile over plywood substate

brucew11 · 08-29-2012, 07:23 PM

Client wants to change from sheetgood flooring to a ceramic tile. Pier & beam house with 1x6 diagonal and 3/4 plywood substrate in place. DW height with existing kitchen cabinet will not allow adding 1/4 inch backerboard as would be preferred. Any suggestions as to using mastic & or other installation method. Areas that will be served are a laundry room, kitchen and den area that all connect.

rusty baker · 08-29-2012, 07:26 PM

Mastic will not work on a floor.

brucew11 · 08-29-2012, 07:48 PM

So what installation method would you use

JazMan · 08-29-2012, 09:47 PM

Bruce,

Since you're a handyman, I'm gonna ask you to give us some specific measurements and description of what you've got to work with. In most cases the dishwasher does not prevent the proper installation of ceramic tile in the kitchen.

Will you please tell us the exact measurement from the plywood to the bottom of the counter top. Normally cabinets are shimmed up off the subfloor 5/8"-3/4". The dishwasher's adjustable screw-in feet can also be removed completely if necessary. Another trick is to slide the machine in, then tilt it towards you a little to make it shorter. Then slide it back more and stand it up. This usually works since the machine is several inches shorter in depth than the top. The machines I've seen measure just under 34" high with adjusters still attached. It should work.

Just to be clear, do you have a 1x6 plank subfloor with 3/4" plywood on top? Also, please get "mastic" and any pre-mixed setting materials out of your head.

Jaz