Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

"Mikepier" wrote in message
oups.com...
A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".

What condition is the original floor in? If it's in decent shape I would be
very hesitant to cover it at all, or at least to permanently marr it up.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

On Oct 23, 10:56 pm, "Noozer" wrote:
"Mikepier" wrote in message

oups.com...

A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".

What condition is the original floor in? If it's in decent shape I would be
very hesitant to cover it at all, or at least to permanently marr it up.

The floor is kind of marred up already. I removed the old tile and
1/4" plywood that was on it originally. Structurally its fine.
We have oak floors throughout the first floor, but we liked it better
to have tile in this entryway because it was easier to clean plus the
tile floor continued into the kitchen, which I am remodeling.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

What condition is the original floor in? If it's in decent shape I would
be
very hesitant to cover it at all, or at least to permanently marr it up.

The floor is kind of marred up already. I removed the old tile and
1/4" plywood that was on it originally. Structurally its fine.
We have oak floors throughout the first floor, but we liked it better
to have tile in this entryway because it was easier to clean plus the
tile floor continued into the kitchen, which I am remodeling.

I'd just sand the finish rough, seal it (in case any water gets under there)
and just tile on top. Sounds like you have a secure base already... But I'm
just a handyman, so take my comments with a pinch o' salt!

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

On Oct 23, 9:42 pm, Mikepier wrote:
A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".

The tile will likely be ok, but the grout will crack.

I recently did tiled two kitchen floors in a duplex. On the advice of
a tile pro, I put down ECB membrane, which is an antifracture
membrane, and I tiled over that. I had exactly enough membrane to do
both kitchens, and skipped a small area that would be covered by
cabinets. I tiled and grouted, and all the grout lines cracked in the
small areas where I hadn't used the membrane, in less than 24 hours.

JK

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

Mikepier wrote:
A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".


An 1-1/2 is a pretty thick sub-floor already without adding a 1/4"
board. If the oak floor is roughed up a bit and the joists are not
spaced too far apart and there's no flexing between them, you should be
fine. Someone mentioned sealing the sub-floor first, but I disagree. A
sealer may interfere with the adhesive you use for the tile.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:38:16 -0700, Manster wrote:

Mikepier wrote:
A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".


An 1-1/2 is a pretty thick sub-floor already without adding a 1/4"
board. If the oak floor is roughed up a bit and the joists are not
spaced too far apart and there's no flexing between them, you should be
fine. Someone mentioned sealing the sub-floor first, but I disagree. A
sealer may interfere with the adhesive you use for the tile.

I would be hesitant to put over oak floor, as it may let loose or
float(due to heat and humidity), and result in cracked grout. Oak
floors are just nailed in, and will 'creak' over time. Ever had a
squeeky wood floor?? Especially in a high traffic area, you want it
strong as possible.

To do it properly, remove the oak, then you'll have laths which are
over the floor joists. Put 1/4 plywood, then a thinset, then 1/4"
Wonderboard (or whatever to meet the desired other flooring height),
then mortar and tile. Be sure to use screws to secure the Wonderboard
throught to the joists.

You could even remove the laths, then you could nearly match your
existing flooring. You'd need minimum 1/2" plywood, and 1/2"
Wonderboard.

That would be a rock solid finish.

samurai.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

"samurai" sammer003 @ yahoo.ca.spam wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:38:16 -0700, Manster wrote:

Mikepier wrote:
A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".


An 1-1/2 is a pretty thick sub-floor already without adding a 1/4"
board. If the oak floor is roughed up a bit and the joists are not
spaced too far apart and there's no flexing between them, you should be
fine. Someone mentioned sealing the sub-floor first, but I disagree. A
sealer may interfere with the adhesive you use for the tile.

I would be hesitant to put over oak floor, as it may let loose or
float(due to heat and humidity), and result in cracked grout. Oak
floors are just nailed in, and will 'creak' over time. Ever had a
squeeky wood floor?? Especially in a high traffic area, you want it
strong as possible.

To do it properly, remove the oak, then you'll have laths which are
over the floor joists. Put 1/4 plywood, then a thinset, then 1/4"
Wonderboard (or whatever to meet the desired other flooring height),
then mortar and tile. Be sure to use screws to secure the Wonderboard
throught to the joists.

You could even remove the laths, then you could nearly match your
existing flooring. You'd need minimum 1/2" plywood, and 1/2"
Wonderboard.

That would be a rock solid finish.

samurai.

Laths on a floor? Where are you? 1/2" plywood is NOT enough under 1/2"
wonderboard, 5/8" minimum for joists on 16" centers. If you need to keep
height down, use 1/2" ply over the joists but first put 3/4" between the
joists level with the joist top, with 2x2" attached to the joists under the
ply, supporting the edges, then install the 1/2" ply subfloor, add the
wonderboard then you have a solid base.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

samurai wrote:
On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:38:16 -0700, Manster wrote:

Mikepier wrote:
A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".

An 1-1/2 is a pretty thick sub-floor already without adding a 1/4"
board. If the oak floor is roughed up a bit and the joists are not
spaced too far apart and there's no flexing between them, you should be
fine. Someone mentioned sealing the sub-floor first, but I disagree. A
sealer may interfere with the adhesive you use for the tile.

I would be hesitant to put over oak floor, as it may let loose or
float(due to heat and humidity), and result in cracked grout. Oak
floors are just nailed in, and will 'creak' over time. Ever had a
squeeky wood floor?? Especially in a high traffic area, you want it
strong as possible.

To do it properly, remove the oak, then you'll have laths which are
over the floor joists. Put 1/4 plywood, then a thinset, then 1/4"
Wonderboard (or whatever to meet the desired other flooring height),
then mortar and tile. Be sure to use screws to secure the Wonderboard
throught to the joists.

You could even remove the laths, then you could nearly match your
existing flooring. You'd need minimum 1/2" plywood, and 1/2"
Wonderboard.

That would be a rock solid finish.

samurai.

The OP said he was screwing the oak to the joists. Anyway, a 1/4"
Hardibacker over the oak would give it some density, however ripping it
out is overkill and 1/4" plywood is good for cabinet backs, not
sub-flooring. Also the Hardi or Wonderboard does not need to be screwed
to the joists. Ya want proper? Place an actual mortar bed over the
sub-floor for a tile base.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

On Oct 25, 10:03 am, Manster wrote:
samurai wrote:
On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:38:16 -0700, Manster wrote:

Mikepier wrote:
A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".

An 1-1/2 is a pretty thick sub-floor already without adding a 1/4"
board. If the oak floor is roughed up a bit and the joists are not
spaced too far apart and there's no flexing between them, you should be
fine. Someone mentioned sealing the sub-floor first, but I disagree. A
sealer may interfere with the adhesive you use for the tile.

I would be hesitant to put over oak floor, as it may let loose or
float(due to heat and humidity), and result in cracked grout. Oak
floors are just nailed in, and will 'creak' over time. Ever had a
squeeky wood floor?? Especially in a high traffic area, you want it
strong as possible.

To do it properly, remove the oak, then you'll have laths which are
over the floor joists. Put 1/4 plywood, then a thinset, then 1/4"
Wonderboard (or whatever to meet the desired other flooring height),
then mortar and tile. Be sure to use screws to secure the Wonderboard
throught to the joists.

You could even remove the laths, then you could nearly match your
existing flooring. You'd need minimum 1/2" plywood, and 1/2"
Wonderboard.

That would be a rock solid finish.

samurai.

The OP said he was screwing the oak to the joists. Anyway, a 1/4"
Hardibacker over the oak would give it some density, however ripping it
out is overkill and 1/4" plywood is good for cabinet backs, not
sub-flooring. Also the Hardi or Wonderboard does not need to be screwed
to the joists. Ya want proper? Place an actual mortar bed over the
sub-floor for a tile base.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What if I used an anti-crack membrane over the oak floor?

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

On Oct 25, 1:35 pm, Mikepier wrote:
On Oct 25, 10:03 am, Manster wrote:





samurai wrote:
On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:38:16 -0700, Manster wrote:

Mikepier wrote:
A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".

An 1-1/2 is a pretty thick sub-floor already without adding a 1/4"
board. If the oak floor is roughed up a bit and the joists are not
spaced too far apart and there's no flexing between them, you should be
fine. Someone mentioned sealing the sub-floor first, but I disagree. A
sealer may interfere with the adhesive you use for the tile.

I would be hesitant to put over oak floor, as it may let loose or
float(due to heat and humidity), and result in cracked grout. Oak
floors are just nailed in, and will 'creak' over time. Ever had a
squeeky wood floor?? Especially in a high traffic area, you want it
strong as possible.

To do it properly, remove the oak, then you'll have laths which are
over the floor joists. Put 1/4 plywood, then a thinset, then 1/4"
Wonderboard (or whatever to meet the desired other flooring height),
then mortar and tile. Be sure to use screws to secure the Wonderboard
throught to the joists.

You could even remove the laths, then you could nearly match your
existing flooring. You'd need minimum 1/2" plywood, and 1/2"
Wonderboard.

That would be a rock solid finish.

samurai.

The OP said he was screwing the oak to the joists. Anyway, a 1/4"
Hardibacker over the oak would give it some density, however ripping it
out is overkill and 1/4" plywood is good for cabinet backs, not
sub-flooring. Also the Hardi or Wonderboard does not need to be screwed
to the joists. Ya want proper? Place an actual mortar bed over the
sub-floor for a tile base.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What if I used an anti-crack membrane over the oak floor?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

OK, I think I'm going to tear this floor up and just lay in a 3/4
plywood. I tried taking up some of the floor and it looks like it's
coming up easy, so I'll just do it the right way. Thanks for all you
inputs.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

Mikepier wrote:
On Oct 25, 1:35 pm, Mikepier wrote:
On Oct 25, 10:03 am, Manster wrote:

The OP said he was screwing the oak to the joists. Anyway, a 1/4"
Hardibacker over the oak would give it some density, however ripping it
out is overkill and 1/4" plywood is good for cabinet backs, not
sub-flooring. Also the Hardi or Wonderboard does not need to be screwed
to the joists. Ya want proper? Place an actual mortar bed over the
sub-floor for a tile base.


What if I used an anti-crack membrane over the oak floor?

It would help I'm sure.


OK, I think I'm going to tear this floor up and just lay in a 3/4
plywood. I tried taking up some of the floor and it looks like it's
coming up easy, so I'll just do it the right way. Thanks for all you
inputs.


Then glue and screw the plywood to the joists, followed by 1/4"
Hardibacker over that plywood.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

Then glue and screw the plywood to the joists, followed by 1/4"
Hardibacker over that plywood.

I figured it would better to put 3/4" plywood rather than 1/2" plywood
plus 1/4" hardibacker, right or wrong?

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

Mikepier wrote:
Then glue and screw the plywood to the joists, followed by 1/4"
Hardibacker over that plywood.

I figured it would better to put 3/4" plywood rather than 1/2" plywood
plus 1/4" hardibacker, right or wrong?


I suggest the 3/4" ply + the Hardibacker. With the plywood there's
chance of flexing, the backerboard adds density which helps to eliminate
flex problems. You'll sleep better. :-)

I posted this link the other day. It's a short but IMHO extremely
important read. Check it out.
http://www.ttmac.com/deflection_limitations.htm

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

On Oct 25, 6:30 pm, Manster wrote:
Mikepier wrote:
Then glue and screw the plywood to the joists, followed by 1/4"
Hardibacker over that plywood.

I figured it would better to put 3/4" plywood rather than 1/2" plywood
plus 1/4" hardibacker, right or wrong?

I suggest the 3/4" ply + the Hardibacker. With the plywood there's
chance of flexing, the backerboard adds density which helps to eliminate
flex problems. You'll sleep better. :-)

I posted this link the other day. It's a short but IMHO extremely
important read. Check it out.http://www.ttmac.com/deflection_limitations.htm


I can only go 3/4" high due to height problem matching existing floor.
So whats better?
A) 3/4" plywood,
B) 1/2" ply plus 1/4" backer
C) 1/4" ply plus 1/2" backer

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

I can only go 3/4" high due to height problem matching existing floor.
So whats better?
A) 3/4" plywood,
B) 1/2" ply plus 1/4" backer
C) 1/4" ply plus 1/2" backer

Forgot to mention I am still keeping my 3/4" subfloor.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

On Oct 25, 9:12 pm, Mikepier wrote:
I can only go 3/4" high due to height problem matching existing floor.
So whats better?
A) 3/4" plywood,
B) 1/2" ply plus 1/4" backer
C) 1/4" ply plus 1/2" backer

Forgot to mention I am still keeping my 3/4" subfloor.

Looks as if this thread has changed topic, so I'll post this question
in a new post.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

You may wish to consider .5" plywood and ditra, this stuff...
http://www.schluter.com/6_1_ditra.aspx




"Mikepier" wrote in message
ps.com...
I can only go 3/4" high due to height problem matching existing floor.
So whats better?
A) 3/4" plywood,
B) 1/2" ply plus 1/4" backer
C) 1/4" ply plus 1/2" backer

Forgot to mention I am still keeping my 3/4" subfloor.

Installing 1/2' thick ceramic tile over oak floor
 

On Oct 25, 12:35 pm, Mikepier wrote:
On Oct 25, 10:03 am, Manster wrote:



samurai wrote:
On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:38:16 -0700, Manster wrote:

Mikepier wrote:
A few weeks ago I asked if I could tile over oak floor area in my
foyer 4'X15' and everyone suggested using some kind of underlayment.
Recently my wife and I picked out a tile that is 1/2" thick and is 11
3/4" X 11 3/4". This tile looks a lot more beefy than ordinary tiles
and of course costs twice as much. Now the problem is because it's
1/2" thick it would be a problem heightwise even if I used a 1/4"
backerboard. So my question is will this tile be less likely to have
problems if I go over the wood floor because it's so thick even if I
screwed down the floor at every joist.
By the way my combined subfloor and hardwood thickness is 1 1/2".

An 1-1/2 is a pretty thick sub-floor already without adding a 1/4"
board. If the oak floor is roughed up a bit and the joists are not
spaced too far apart and there's no flexing between them, you should be
fine. Someone mentioned sealing the sub-floor first, but I disagree. A
sealer may interfere with the adhesive you use for the tile.

I would be hesitant to put over oak floor, as it may let loose or
float(due to heat and humidity), and result in cracked grout. Oak
floors are just nailed in, and will 'creak' over time. Ever had a
squeeky wood floor?? Especially in a high traffic area, you want it
strong as possible.

To do it properly, remove the oak, then you'll have laths which are
over the floor joists. Put 1/4 plywood, then a thinset, then 1/4"
Wonderboard (or whatever to meet the desired other flooring height),
then mortar and tile. Be sure to use screws to secure the Wonderboard
throught to the joists.

You could even remove the laths, then you could nearly match your
existing flooring. You'd need minimum 1/2" plywood, and 1/2"
Wonderboard.

That would be a rock solid finish.

samurai.

The OP said he was screwing the oak to the joists. Anyway, a 1/4"
Hardibacker over the oak would give it some density, however ripping it
out is overkill and 1/4" plywood is good for cabinet backs, not
sub-flooring. Also the Hardi or Wonderboard does not need to be screwed
to the joists. Ya want proper? Place an actual mortar bed over the
sub-floor for a tile base.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What if I used an anti-crack membrane over the oak floor?

See my post. That's exactly what I did over a maple floor.

JK