How to Prep for a Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Floor

Porcelain and ceramic tile flooring is beautiful, durable and easy to clean—especially in the high traffic areas in your house. For a long-term installation, youll need to prepare a solid base underlayment.

Floor tile works well in areas of high traffic, but also in rooms with a lot of moisture, such as a kitchen or bathroom. The following instructions will show you how to lay the cement backerboard underlayment for a strong foundation under your tile flooring. In the next video and printable instructions in this series,
How to Install Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Floors, youll see how to install, grout and seal the floor.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• ceramic tile
• installing tile
• porcelain tile
• tiling
• flooring
• mastic
• thin set
• DIY
• home improvement
• grout
• underlayment
• lowes
• lowe's

[popcorn4two]

I've been tiling for over 20 years and tiling over vinyl with durock is the best system. Sure you can remove the vinyl but in older homes where vinyl materials are made half with asbestos, it is best to not remove the vinyl or if you did, have the asbestos guys come do it because it is a health hazard. They are expensive and look forward to paying a few thousand if you hire them.

[Red96TA]

@thegoosebrain

You can lay over vinyl flooring if you use hardibacker or durock (spelling) . I recommend durrock. Just like the video said, use thin set underneath and fasten it with screws. I always put one screw every 6 inches. That ensures the board is fastened and that it is pressed hard against the thin set and will be level. Also the board should be layed opposite of the floor joists if you have a big room.

[mikon222]

@thegoosebrain You can place backer board over vinyl, it'll work fine. All everyone else is saying is that it's worth it to rebuild the floor so that you can feel 100% safe that you have a fresh floor underneath with no moisture or weak points, since you are about to spend a lot of time and money.

[Mrverdugazzo]

i have a question do I need to remove my old loor to put new floor on ???



[KnowYourRealEstate]

The floor should be repaired first if there are any problems...you also want to make sure it's flat and level like he said. Don't forget to seal the tile...many folks skip that part and regret it later.

[Geraldtoo]

Shouldnt repairing a loose subfloor be included? I have a floor that has a few squeaks in the winter and Im going to screw it down tight to the floor joists before any of this. This video is a good reference!

[spatdog01]

If you have any questions about installing a Glass Shower Door go to sierra-glass.ca

They were really helpful to me!

[razorsazors]

@mystic81006 as long as its not disturbed, it should stay dormant. so if you dont tear it up, it should be fine. i think thats how it is anyway. i have no proof or credentials. thats just what ive heard. but if you have the money get that crap out of your house!

[mystic81006]

@popcorn4two Its best to get rid of any asbestos from your house all together,if back board is installed it will not protect you at all.All you are telling people here is to live with asbestos in your flooring.

[congtusacto]

hi i have two stories house, do i need to install the backer board on the first floor in the kitchen? currently i have vinyl floor now. thanks