Concrete Floor Prep For Ceramic Tile

One of the first steps in refinishing a basement or turning a garage.

Concrete floor prep for ceramic tile.

How to prepare for laying tile over a concrete floor. In our case we had to tile the stair hallway but you can use these techniques to lay ceramic tile on any concrete floor. Preparing a subfloor is an essential step for installing floor tile it provides a level surface that will allow the tiles to properly stay in place. How to prepare concrete floor for ceramic tile.

Installing tile directly on concrete. Patch little cracks or holes with a cement patching compound. Cracks and depressions may create weak spots that cause tile to crack in the future. A sound surface is necessary when preparing concrete floor for tile installation.

Using an acid based cleaner or deep cleaner of your choice clean the concrete and allow it to dry thoroughly. A concrete floor is a good base for laying ceramic tiles provided it is level and free of cracks or abrasions. Ceramic and porcelain tile are so frequently installed at or above grade level on a cement board underlayment or directly on plywood that it almost seems novel to install tile directly on concrete. If you re unsure about yours remove a tile and send it to a local asbestos abatement firm for testing.

Seal off the area with poly sheeting. In this step by step guide we explain how to prepare the concrete sub floor and the main techniques required to lay the ceramic floor as to help you get the job done in a professional manner. If you re going to install tiles in wet areas such as bathrooms and balconies you need to apply a waterproofing membrane or paint first. Installing ceramic tiles over concrete can help to create a more inviting indoor or outdoor living space.

This guide will show you how to prepare your subfloor for a tile installation project to ensure that it s fit to support ceramic or porcelain tile. Use a trowel to apply and use the edge to ensure the patch has edges level with the surrounding concrete. Self leveling compound can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Most floor tiles made from the 1920s to the 1960s contain asbestos and require special procedures for removal.

If it tests positive follow these asbestos abatement procedures. After all cracks and uneven areas in the concrete can cause damage to the tile above and uncontrolled moisture in the concrete can destroy the mortar and loosen the tiles. Yet this application does make sense since concrete is heavy solid and is typically thought of as an unbending uncompromising material.