How to Tile Over Old Wood Floor
In the past, you had to float a thick mortar bed to prepare for the tiles if you want to install them over wood floor. The new method of using cement backer boards is much easier. Cement backer boards go over the old wood floor so that you have a smooth, even surface for tiles. They usually come with clear installation instructions from the manufacturer. You can then plan the layout for your tiles and finally lay them on the floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Corrosion-resistant screws
- Screwdriver
- Gypsum leveling compound
- Tape measure
- Circular saw, jigsaw or carbide-tipped scoring tool
- Cement backer boards
- Tile backer board tape
- Thinset adhesive
- Tiles
- Pencil
- Tile spacers
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
- Water
Instructions
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1
Locate any sunken screws and nails in the old wood floor. Fill the indentations above screws and nails with a lightweight gypsum leveling compound.
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2
Measure the size of the room and use a circular saw, carbide-tipped scoring tool or jigsaw to cut the cement backer boards to size.
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3
Lay the cement backer boards on the old wood floor. Make sure there are no places where four corners come together. Drive corrosion-resistant screws through the boards and into the floor.
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4
Apply tile backer board tape to the joints between the backer boards and apply thinset adhesive over the tape to create a smooth surface.
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5
Lay the tiles on the cement backer boards to plan the layout. Use a pencil to make marks on the cement backer boards as a guide, if necessary.
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6
Apply a layer of thinset adhesive over a section of the backer boards and press the tiles into place. Wedge tile spacers between the tiles to ensure even spacing. Continue until you finish covering the entire area.
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7
Apply grout to the spaces between the tiles after waiting for the tiles to set for 24 hours. Wipe excess grout with a damp sponge.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
