Can I lay tile directly on concrete?

You can install the tile directly on the concrete. You can install a CBU or cement board on the concrete, then the tile on top of that. Finally, you can use an uncoupling membrane between the tile and the concrete.

Can I lay tiles straight onto concrete?

In most cases, it is OK to lay tiles directly onto concrete. But make sure the surface is free of any contaminants, dust, moisture, etc, as these can prevent the adhesive from bonding. If the concrete floor is not in good condition, or may be at risk of cracking, an uncoupling membrane is recommended.

Do I need underlayment for tile on concrete?

Although you don't need to install an underlayment between the concrete and the tile, you need to prepare the surface before placing the tile. 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.

Do I need to prime concrete before tiling?

Primer is absolutely necessary if you have an anhydrite screed (aka calcium sulphate). This is a liquid screed pumped onto the sub-floor that self-levels. It's quite common in modern construction and has many benefits over sand and cement screeds, but you can't tile straight onto it with standard adhesives.

Can I use mortar instead of thinset?

Thinset is an adhesive cement used to secure floor and wall tiles to concrete surfaces. The word “thinset” is sometimes used interchangeably with “mortar,” because it's a type of modified mortar made specifically for tile.

Thinset on Concrete

What do you put down under ceramic tile?

Install a cement-based backer board following the manufacturer's instructions. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. Backer board panels typically measure 3-feet by 5-feet and can be trimmed as needed.

Do I need a membrane under tile?

Although it would be ideal to install a waterproof membrane in areas that would be subjected to residual moisture such as the mud room, laundry room and bathroom floors it isn't required. It is optional. It is required to have a waterproof membrane in a shower.

Do you need a moisture barrier under tile?

A moisture barrier helps control the water vapor's movement to help protect your floors. Therefore, if you're installing floors in an area that sees moisture, even a little, a vapor barrier is needed.

How smooth does concrete need to be for tile?

As noted in the first answer above, the surface to be tiled, in your case the floor, must be flat within 1/8” in 10' when measured from the high points of the floor. To achieve this, be sure to use the appropriate patch or self-leveling compound (with the same manufacturer's primer), but never thin set mortar.

How do you prime a concrete floor before tiling?

Do I need to screed a concrete floor?

Screeds are required when a colourful or functional floor is needed rather than a bare concrete surface. For industrial purposes, or commercial locations, which will undergo frequent traffic, a more robust screed is required than is used in DIY or residential projects.

Do I need backer board for floor tile?

Whenever you're laying tile on a wood subfloor, you need to first install cement backer board. Backer board prevents leaks and water damage that could harm your flooring and the structure of your home.

Do I need to waterproof concrete floor before tiling?

Sealing a concrete floor before covering it with tile or carpet is a great idea. Sealing the concrete can prevent condensation and protect the floor. This means your carpet or tile stays dry and thus lowers the chances of mold and mildew building up.

What can I use instead of cement board?

Glass mat gypsum board is a better choice. Sheets of glass mat gypsum are made from water-resistant silicone-treated gypsum, reinforced on both sides by fiberglass mats. DensShield is one common brand. It is easier to cut than cement board, it is mold resistant, and it has a built-in moisture barrier.

What holds tile down?

Thin-set mortar is a common bonding agent used to attach tiles to the backer board or concrete subfloor. It is made of cement and fine sand and will need to be mixed with water if bought dry. Mix your thin-set in a large bucket using a drill with a mixing paddle, following the package directions.

How thick can mortar be under tile?

Most tile installations require a 3/16-inch layer of mortar beneath the tile. A mortar layer 3/16 an inch thick is accomplished by spreading mortar with a 3/8-inch by 3/8-inch square-notched trowel. This thickness is ideal for most tile installations. However, sometimes a thicker layer of mortar is required.

Is thinset and tile adhesive the same thing?

Thinset mortar is your default tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. Thinset is a mortar that is made of Portland cement, silica sand, and moisture-retaining agents. Thinset tile mortar has a smooth, slippery consistency, similar to mud. It is applied to the substrate with a notched trowel.

Is tile adhesive better than thinset?

If installing a small area of ceramic floor or wall tiles, mastic is the better choice. The adhesive is premixed, does not require water and will hold the tiles in place with no beating or additives. If installing a large amount of tiles, stone tiles or glass tiles, thinset mortar should be used.

Can you put porcelain tile on concrete?

Concrete provides one of the most stable working platforms in the world and is the preferred foundation layer for a ceramic or porcelain tile installation.