How to lay tiles in a bathroom?
#1
08-01-16, 10:27 PM
How to lay tiles in a bathroom?
Hi,
i'm new in doing this. Please check the pic. It looks like there is pretty thick mortar under the existing tile. Do i need that thick mortar (about one inch)?
I'm planning to remove the old mortar and replace with new.
I have a Harbor Freight laser device for laying out tiles on the wall. Not sure if it will work on the floor.
Please advise.
Thanks.
i'm new in doing this. Please check the pic. It looks like there is pretty thick mortar under the existing tile. Do i need that thick mortar (about one inch)?
I'm planning to remove the old mortar and replace with new.
I have a Harbor Freight laser device for laying out tiles on the wall. Not sure if it will work on the floor.
Please advise.
Thanks.
#2
08-02-16, 02:27 AM
It appears you have a house built prior to the 70's with the mortar bed. It will take an SDS hammer drill to break up the mortar bed, most likely. Once it is removed, you can tell what is below and what needs to be done to rebuild it. I would not replace the mortar bed. Technology has gone light years from when this was done. Build up the framing and install two layers of 3/4" Advantech and a layer of 1/4" Durock or Hardiebacker (you may choose a lighter product like Ditra), embedded in a layer of thinset. You will need to calculate the overall height needed for the framing modification to allow your tile to not be too high or low at the threshold.
The laser will help if it is a PLS type with a vertical line, but for most bathrooms snapping a chalk line down the middle is about all you will need. Work from that line to the edges.
The laser will help if it is a PLS type with a vertical line, but for most bathrooms snapping a chalk line down the middle is about all you will need. Work from that line to the edges.
#3
08-03-16, 12:38 PM
Thanks Chandler! You're right. The house was built in 1979. You said you wouldn't replace the bed but I do need to remove mortar and replace it by the stuff you recommended. Sounds lots of work. I know what's under the bed: it's plywood sub-floor.
One question. Is that possible to remove about 1/2" mortar bed and then lay tiles on top of the bed, trying to keep the height as same as before?
Thanks again!
One question. Is that possible to remove about 1/2" mortar bed and then lay tiles on top of the bed, trying to keep the height as same as before?
Thanks again!
Let's do it right. Let us know if you run into problems. There's enough help here to get you through the project.
