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a concrete or wood-frame floor (Figure 167). If ceramic tile is to be placed over lumber subflooring or panel subflooring whose edges are not supported (blocked or tongue-and-groove), panel underlay is required. The edges of the subfloor joints must be offset. Bedding mortar may consist of 1 part Portland cement, 1⁄4 part lime and 3 to 5 parts coarse sand. A number of manufacturers have pre-packaged mortar mixes formulated for various subfloor conditions. The tiles are pressed into the fresh mortar. To ensure a good bond between the joint material and base, the joints between the tiles should be filled the same day the tile is installed.
Tile applied to a wood floor with an adhesive is particularly sensitive to deflection. The base must be smooth and free from surface irregularities. The adhesive is applied to both the tile and the base, and each tile is then pressed firmly in place. After the adhesive is well set, the joints between the tiles are filled with grout recommended by the tile manufacturer. Ceramic, porcelain, granite and marble tiles in shower bases should be laid on a proprietary or site-constructed, waterproof liner that is connected to the shower drain. This will prevent water damage to the ceiling below, should the tile and its cement base develop a crack.
167 Installation of ceramic tile floor ceramic tile mortar setting bed concrete topping sheathing paper ledger strips (cleats) subfloor floor joists
ceramic tile plywood underlay adhesive subfloor floor joists