*
Is it possible to install a ceramic tile bathroom floor using 1/4″ luan as underlayment? What about a kitchen or mudroom ceramic tile floor over 3/4″ T&G flakeboard? I am concerned that the luan will delaminate and that the flakeboard alone is not rigid enough handle a tile install. Although laying tile is not my specialty, I have always laid tile over hardibacker, cement board or a mud floor. Does anyone out there have knowledge regarding ceramic tile being installed on these other surfaces?
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Milwaukee 18v Cordless Reciprocating Saw (2720)
This is a great quick-cutting saw with a brushless motor, an LED light, and a handy folding rafter hook.
Fall Protection
With a 50-ft safety line and a hinged, reusable anchor, this complete safety harness kit allows you to easily protect yourself while working comfortably and efficiently.
Portable Wall Jack
Raise walls safely with the Guardian wall jack — we’ve personally seen small teams raise large walls with these devices, and they work great.
Wirefy Crimping Tool
This crimping tool from Wirefy is high-quality and reliable.
Roof Jacks
All-steel construction makes these roof brackets durable and long lasting, and their adjustability allows you to create a flat, safe standing surface on most any pitched roof.
Replies
*
I wouldn't use either. Neither are approved substrates for ceramic tile, and in a damp location you can bet your ass it will come back to haunt you.
"If you can't afford to do something correctly the first time, how can you afford to do it twice?"
Ooze
*Like Ooze said, don't do it. Water will soak through grout fairly easily, then soak into the wood below. The swelling of the wood will pop the tiles loose. It won't happen right away, which is perhaps why some people said they haven't had trouble, but over 10 years or so it will happen.
*Use 1/4" hardi backerboard or a concrete backerboard. I always glue and screw the hardi board down and i use thinset and galvanized screws for the concrete board. Dont forget to tape the seams as you go. You dont want any problems with a ceramic tile floor when your done, so do it right the first time!