How to Stick Floor Tiles to Masonite
Whether you have just moved into a previously-owned home and want to improve it or if you simply find yourself looking for a change of scenery in your current home, new tile installations can liven up any home or office building. Given the various underlayments on the market today, it is necessary to understand how to install tile over different materials. Some materials, such as masonite or fiberboards, require specific products be used to adjust to this type of substrate versus concrete-based underlayments.
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Sweep the area completely clean of debris prior to the installation. This will ensure that there are no particles on the surface that can mar the integrity of the installation. While it is optional, you can also vacuum and/or mop the surface of the area prior to installation.
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Spread an even layer of thinset onto the masonite in the area where you are installing the tile using your notched trowel. (Thinset is an adhesive mortar made of cement, fine sand and a water-retaining agent.) Avoid spreading too large of an area to start with until you are familiar with how quickly you can install the tiles, otherwise you run the risk of your thinset setting up (hardening) before you get to it. An area large enough for two or three tiles should be sufficient.
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Place a piece of tile into the desired location. Apply firm but gentle pressure to the tile and move it slightly in all directions to ensure the bond between the masonite and the tile itself. Once the bond is set you can move the tile to its final resting place.
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Repeat the process in Step 3 for every tile, using tile spacers between the tiles to keep an even spacing for the grout joints.
Resources
Tips
- A typical 12-by-12 tile requires a 3/8 inch notched trowel. Larger tiles will require a larger notch, and smaller tiles vice-versa.
- All materials and tools can be purchased or rented from your local home improvement store.
- Masonite is a flexible substrate, and it is mandatory that Superflex thinset or its equivalent be used, rather than regular latex-modified thinset used for concrete-based installations. Only Superflex types of thinset are rated for installation over wood substrates
Warnings
- Use a dust mask when sweeping to avoid inhaling harmful particles.
Writer Bio
Tim Anderson has been freelance writing since 2007. His has been published online through GTV Magazine, Home Anatomy, TravBuddy, MMO Hub, Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group. He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing.
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