Prepare a Wooden Floor for Tiling. Step by Step

Step 1. Remove the Old Sub floor

Embark on an exhilarating journey of transformation as you carefully unveil the hidden beauty beneath your existing floor, revealing the original wooden subfloor in all its glory. This adventure is not just about saying goodbye to the old; it’s a thrilling exploration into the heart of your home’s foundation.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves not only the removal of the worn-out floor coverings but also bidding farewell to any adhesives, nails, or lingering vestiges that might mar the subfloor’s true splendour. As you dedicate yourself to this task, you’re not merely clearing away the old; you’re revealing the essence of your space.

Picture it: you’re peeling back the layers, like an archaeologist uncovering ancient treasures, to expose the pristine wooden subfloor, a solid foundation upon which your upcoming tiling masterpiece will find its anchor. This meticulous effort isn’t just a chore; it’s the exhilarating prologue to a flooring project that promises to withstand the test of time and leave your space transformed, ready for whatever adventures come next.

Step 2: Ply and Matting

For Wooden Floorboards:

1. If your space has traditional wooden floorboards, your first task is to lay an 18mm plywood layer. This layer will provide a sturdy foundation for your tiling project.
2. Carefully cut the plywood to match the room’s dimensions precisely, ensuring a snug fit.
3. Secure the plywood by driving screws into the subfloor at regular 150mm intervals. For added precision, consider drawing a grid of lines on the plywood, spaced 150mm apart.
4. These grid lines should cover the entire room, both lengthwise and width wise, providing a clear guide.
5. Affix the plywood securely at each intersection point of the grid lines, ensuring your subfloor is robust and ready for tiling.

For Modern Tongue and Groove Chipboard

1. If your wooden floor is the modern tongue and groove chipboard type, apply ditra matting or an equivalent product.
2. Using a stanley knife, cut the ditra matting to match the shape of the room.
3. Take the matting out of the room, remembering the location of each piece you’ve cut. It’s helpful to number each piece for reference.
4. Apply a PVA primer to the wood using a sponge or roller, and allow it to dry.
5. Prepare flexible tile adhesive.
6. Using a 5mm notched trowel, apply adhesive to the floor, holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle. Only cover the area where the first piece of pre-cut matting will be placed with the tile adhesive.
7. Lay the matting in the adhesive, pressing out any air bubbles as you proceed. Ensure it sticks firmly by going over the matting and pushing it down.
8. Some matting may tend to curl up in the corners because it’s delivered on a roll. To address this, place some weight on the edges to hold it down while being cautious to push out any trapped air bubbles.
9. Repeat this process until all your pre-cut pieces of matting are adhered, and the entire area you intend to tile is covered with matting.

Completion

Now, your subfloor is well-prepared, and you’re ready to commence your tiling project.

There you have it! You’re now equipped with the knowledge to prepare your floor for tiling. For further guidance on achieving a professional finish with your tiling project, refer to our comprehensive floor tiling guide.