It sounds like a perfect situation for a thinset install. If
there is concern about cracks, Google for Ditra isolation sheet.

If the plumber is providing a floor drain, make sure he knows the
approximate height of tile and both of you predetermine the amount
of slope to drain, if any. If it is your first ceramic tile
experience avoid the slope to drain.

(top posted for your convenience)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)




"fish" wrote in message
...
hi all,

i am beginning work on tiling a basement floor, in an area of
about 6'
by 6'. the area is a bathroom, the drains are not cut out yet
so i am
waiting for the plumber to finish that up then i can start the
tile.
the plumber is due to show up in the next couple of weeks.

here is my question. i have read several online sources, and
they
warn against installing tile in several conditions, 1. moist
basements, 2. over concrete slabs with cracks, and 3. without
proper
preparation. I dont have a moist basement in this area, or at
all,
and there are no cracks at all in the floor in this area to
worry
about. The house was built in about 1990, so all concrete has
finally
settled i beleive. So to summarize, I am mainly concerned with
correct preparation to maximize adhesion. The concrete surface
is not
shiny, although it is somewhat smooth.

What is the best way to prepare this area for tile? If I sand,
or use
muratic acid, or grind off the top surface of the concrete,
could i
then use regular tile mortar for securing the tiles to the
floor?

Thanks,
Fish