Installation of Ceramic Tile
How Difficult
Is It To Install Ceramic
Tile?
When using the thin-set method in
residential areas it's rather simple. To put it in better
perspective, it's easier to install than wood or vinyl
sheet goods and slightly more difficult than vinyl tile.
Actually, the subfloor preparation, layout and
installation is very similar to vinyl tile. The only
major difference is grouting.
Installation Time
It is important for you to understand that,
unlike carpet installations, the installation of ceramic
tile is not a one day job. Installation of
tile requires a waiting time 14 to 24 hours before
grouting can be applied. Failure to do so could
result in loose tile or grout
discolouration.
The following guide is an approximate
timetable for completion of a job.
| 50 sq. ft. and
under |
one
day |
| 51 - 175 sq.
ft. |
two
days |
| 176 - 350 sq.
ft. |
three
days |
| 351 - 500 sq.
ft. |
four
days |
| each additional 200
sq. ft. |
add one
day |
Facts About Substrates
Preparing a good substrate is the most important step
to insure a beautiful installation. For those of you
unfamiliar with the term "substrate" we are referring to
subfloors ... subwalls ... and
subcountertops.

Floors
Suitable
Subfloors:
All subfloors that are
structurally sound and free of
excessive movement are suitable for
tiling over. They
include:
- Concrete
- Terrazzo or natural
stone
- Ceramic
tile
- Non
cushioned vinyl and
linoleum
- Cement backer
boards
- Double layered plywood
(exterior
grade)
|
Unsuitable
Subfloors:
These are not suitable because
they tent to flex, expand and contract
or warp. Any excessive movement
will loosen the tile and pop the
grout. These subfloors must be
replaced or covered with a suitable
underlayment. They
include:
- Cushioned
vinyl
- Perimeter installed
vinyl
- Single layered
plywood
- Flake
board
- Particle
board
- Chipboard
- Stripwood
- Luan
plywood
|

Walls
Suitable
Substrates:
- Concrete or
masonry
- Drywall (dry areas
only)
- Plaster
- Cement backer
boards
- Plywood (dry areas
only)
- Ceramic
tile
|
Unsuitable
Substrates
These products must be
removed:
- Panelling
- Wallpaper
- Masonite
|

|