Ceramic Tile subfloor requirements
#1
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Ceramic Tile subfloor requirements
Hey all,
I have a question on subfloor requirements for putting down ceramic tile. We are remodeling our laundry room and I have ripped out the existing laminate floor and plywood layer down to the subfloor. The subfloor is 23/32" OSB supported by 2" x 10" floor joists spaced CTC at 16". The house is 19 years old if that tells you anything.
We would like to put down ceramic tile. I have been reading online regarding joist spacing requirements of a minimum of 16" (good there), but I have also read where OSB is not a good subfloor to support ceramic tile. Any thoughts?
I was looking at putting down cement board but then started reading about Schluter Ditra as a better option. I will have to match to the height of the existing laminate in the hallway and kitchen which I need to measure (doh!)
At this time I am not sure of how big of tiles we are going to use.
Any recommendations on how to proceed?
Thanks,
FG12351
I have a question on subfloor requirements for putting down ceramic tile. We are remodeling our laundry room and I have ripped out the existing laminate floor and plywood layer down to the subfloor. The subfloor is 23/32" OSB supported by 2" x 10" floor joists spaced CTC at 16". The house is 19 years old if that tells you anything.
We would like to put down ceramic tile. I have been reading online regarding joist spacing requirements of a minimum of 16" (good there), but I have also read where OSB is not a good subfloor to support ceramic tile. Any thoughts?
I was looking at putting down cement board but then started reading about Schluter Ditra as a better option. I will have to match to the height of the existing laminate in the hallway and kitchen which I need to measure (doh!)
At this time I am not sure of how big of tiles we are going to use.
Any recommendations on how to proceed?
Thanks,
FG12351
#2
You should be fine with the spacing, joisting and the OSB. Most likely it is a product like advantech, which is subflooring material. If you find your rise across the threshold is too great in the hallway, you can always revert back to using 1/4" CBU, then tile. Ditra is a good product, but a little pricey, IMO.
#3
Member
Assuming your laundry room isn't too large, Ditra would be good to use, but cement board will work just fine for 16" joist spacing. I believe Ditra comes in 3/16" thick rolls whereas the thinnest cement board I know of is 1/4", so Ditra would give you a slightly lower floor. Look online for someone selling it by the linear foot.
#5
I don't know of an underlayment grade OSB that is not stiffer than the common plywood subfloor. Both of course are t&g to qualify as "subfloor" grade. Your OSB should be just fine if installed right and in good condition.
mossman
So, Ditra is a smart move for small areas but not if it's a large room? Why is that?
Ditra is 1/8" thick installed. Ditra XL is 5/16" thick. The thinnest CBU is 1/4" plus a bit for the thin set under it.
Jaz
mossman
Assuming your laundry room isn't too large, Ditra would be good to use,
So, Ditra is a smart move for small areas but not if it's a large room? Why is that?
Ditra is 1/8" thick installed. Ditra XL is 5/16" thick. The thinnest CBU is 1/4" plus a bit for the thin set under it.
Jaz