Porcelain Tile Install

[Warstud]

I'm going to be installing 18" porcelain tiles in my bathroom. The old floor thickness was .80" and I want to stick with that if I can. I am going to be using Hardibacker (cement board) which is .25" and the tile is .25" and 3/16" mortar using a 3/8 trowel. This will be installed on 3/4" planks.

Anyone see a problem with this?

 

[justintendo]

nice move using the hardi backer....thats the only way to do it! your plan sounds good.

 

[Danno]

Will you cement the hardi to the floor then screw it in? Back butter the tile too. Good luck.

 

[Billbert]

You must install plywood over the planks of you will end up with problems. You might want to read the tcna (tile council of North america ) and check what is allowable. Or check 'the John bridge forum's and save yourself a lot of problems down the road

 

[Snagglefoot]

You might consider a tile under lay product on top of the cement board like Schluter Ditra or equivalent.

 

[greenjp]

What Bill and Snaggle said. You need to verify that the underlyling structure is sufficient for tile - it depends on the joist size and spacing as well as the subflooring - the planks may not be suitable. Consider a 1/2" trowel and a levelling/anti-lippage system for those big tiles. Johnbridge forums are invaluable, easily among the best help forum for DIY.

I'm in the middle of a master bathroom remodel myself. I had to add a layer of plywood over the existing subfloor, then on top of that I used a combined underlayment/heat wire mat called Strataheat, made by Laticrete. It's similar to Schluter Ditra Heat.

jeff

 

[Warstud]

Originally Posted by Danno
Will you cement the hardi to the floor then screw it in?

Given the situation....I think I will.

 

[Warstud]

Yep