Tiling Basement Floor Over Concrete

Customer wants to tile the concrete floor throughout their entire basement.

Tiling basement floor over concrete.

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. Skip this step and we guarantee your new tile will crack right over the cracks in the concrete. However if you choose to remodel your basement and need a new floor the first thing to consider is what type of floor you need. Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles.

If you feel that despite all precautions the basement floor may get wet put down 2 by 4 inch sleepers cover with plastic and then install the plywood as the subfloor. Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature. How to lay porcelain tile over a concrete floor. Installing tile directly on concrete.

Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4. One of the first steps in refinishing a basement or turning a garage. Mop the entire floor area of your basement as any dirt or dust is a potential hazard to the success of your tiling job. Concrete floors are dull drab and boring but oftentimes people lack the time or the necessity to lay down an alternative floor.

Most often concrete floors are seen in basements and other out of the way places. Concrete floors are durable and easy to clean but not very attractive. Remove stubborn dust and dirt with a mop soaked in a solution of bleach and water. No problem i said but i m wondering if i need a membrane such as ditra between the tile and the concrete as the little voice in my head s telling me that slapping tile on thinset over concrete is unwise.

Concrete provides one of the most stable working platforms in the world and is the preferred foundation layer for a ceramic or porcelain tile. Installing a tile floor in all or part of your basement lets you have some fun with design while still quickly covering up existing concrete floors. Yet this application does make sense since concrete is heavy solid and is typically thought of as an unbending uncompromising material. Tile is available in many different sizes and styles and the price range is equally broad.

How to prepare for laying tile over a concrete floor.