I live in northern British Columbia. I will be installing ceramic tile in kitchen/bath etc. I currently have 5/8" chipboard subfloor. Installers around here are telling me I can use 1/2" plywood on top of subfloor to place ceramic tile. I have been reading some posts stating you should use cement board instead. I have to have an answer before 26th when my carpet layer is here. Thany You for advice in advance.

 

bump

 

Didn't know there was a northern British Columbia. Thought it stopped right outside Vancouver.

I'm affiliated with people who will tell you to rip out the chip board and convert to plywood. I won't tell you that, but you first of all have to take a look at the floor framing. It must meet the minimum requirements no matter what you load on top of the chip board. And you should end up with cement backer board or an approved membrane such as Schluter "Ditra" under the tiles.

The Tile Council of America and its Canadian counterpart, the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada, have laid out basic standards that should be observed. The directorship of the TTMAC recently changed, so I don't know who's in charge, but you can contact them at their web site.

http://www.ttmac.com/

http://www.schluter.com