Install Ceramic Tile Over Wood Flooring

How To Install Ceramic Tile Over Wood Flooring

Renovation is another option when redesigning or restructuring a house. There are times wherein you can keep some parts in its original form or restructure it. One of the favorite places being renovated is the flooring of a home. One of the primary reasons in changing the flooring is to improve the present state of the floor. Changes can vary by installing ceramic tile over plywood or cement flooring, ceramic tile over another ceramic tile but when you try to install ceramic tile over wood flooring, you should follow certain instructions to have longer lasting output.

Ceramic tile is available in many different looks and designs. It adds to the elegance of a home as well as it adds value to it. Installing a ceramic tile is quite expensive so you will save a lot if you do it by yourself. In doing it, you should be extra careful in handling the ceramic tiles. These are stiff materials that easily crack when pressure is applied to it. It likewise, does not bend nor stretch, making it more fragile.

It is advised that ceramic tile should not be installed over wood flooring because of the characteristic of the tiles. But with the present innovations, there are several materials which are utilized to adapt to the needs of the ceramic tiles.

Before starting to install the ceramic tiles, you should clean the wood flooring first. Remove raised areas, seal cracks which were previously incurred and level rough areas. The wood flooring should also be securely fastened to avoid movement of the floor.

Do dry runs for the patterns that you intend to put in your floor. Lay out the ceramic tiles in a manner that you want to see it. Mark the tiles which need to be cut or reshaped to fit the edges. Use a chalk to make a straight line for your pattern. You should also put equal spaces in between the tiles for uniformity.

You are now ready to permanently stick your ceramic to the floor. For this process, you will need a special kind of cement which is use for ceramic tiles. With the use of a trowel, spread the cement on the floor and gently put the ceramic tiles over it. Press the tiles a little, as you move on, to create an even layout. Apply the cement as needed to avoid drying up. Repeat this process until you finish the whole room. Let it dry for one whole day.

After the first drying, apply grout in between the tiles. In cases wherein the space is large, you should use a sanded grout to fill in for the spaces. Let it dry again for another two days. After the 2 days of drying, you can now use a damp sponge, remove the excess grout in the tiles. You can also apply a sealant which will serve as a protection of the tiles from color fading and stains.

To clean your new ceramic tile flooring, you can use a damp cloth or mop. These materials can keep your floor shiny and more attractive.

To install ceramic tile over wood flooring is a challenge that you should take. It is feasible if you follow the requirements in making a sub floor and the instructions on how to properly install the ceramic tiles.