Can I install stone tile onto cement?

We are on a concrete slab. I know there is no wood subfloor because I just added laminate flooring to another room.

The particular tile I like has a "stone" feel and appearance. I'm not sure what it's really called, other than "stone tile". Can I simply glue this down, or do I require a wood subfloor?

 

If the slab is in good shape you can install the tiles with thin set mortar. Get a modified such as Versa Bond (Home Depot). Make sure the floor is clean and free of cracks.

 

Okay, thanks. My next question is, what are the subfloor requirements for tile if I wanted to install it upstairs? Do I just "glue and go", or do I need to install a special subfloor with a certain thickness?

 

According to tile industry gurus you can start out with 2x10s spaced 16 in. apart and 5/8 tongue and groove plywood over them. You would then go with a cement backer board and finally the tiles.

For my money, though, I would never install anything over 5/8 plywood. I don't think it's stiff enough.

No you cannot just "glue and go."

 

My two cents...am I just asking for trouble? I've re-done a couple of bathrooms with ceramic tile and I simply just applied them over the existing plywood subfloor which appeared to be about 1/2-5/8 inches thick. I didn't use backerboard (don't know wthat that is, really) as it was not a consideration owing to ignorance. Anyway, I haven't had any kind of trouble...its only been less than a year...but am I goinfg to be regretting this at some point? From an amateurs point of view, I don't see why the simple existing plywood can't support some little 'ole tile.

Also, just this weekend, I applied 12 inch tiles directly onto a 5X7 foot section of my basement being used as a laundry area (note: it is a pretty humid basement as I'm in the Northeast). Plus teh floor had some hairline cracks. I just applied some thin-set mortar which I had left-over from the bathroomn projects. Am I really asking for trouble here?

Thanks