Leveling Tile Floor Before Tiling

Preparation for installing floor tile depends on the type of subfloor in the room you are tiling.

Leveling tile floor before tiling.

How to level a concrete floor before tiling. A subfloor is the bottom most structural level of your floor. Brand x pictures brand x pictures getty images when the old floor material is a still strong ceramic tile surface though you can place the new covering over the tiles as long as you create a smooth surface beforehand. Tiles are relatively durable floor coverings that can last for years when laid on a perfectly flat substrate.

It must however be flat. For more information download our pdf about types of subfloors. How to level a floor before installing vinyl floor tiles. Cover tile floors with floor leveling compound to create a hard level surface before placing a new floor covering.

A properly prepared floor does not have to be level. Vinyl floor tiles are more affordable versions of ceramic tile providing the same look and aesthetic without the actual price tag. Floor leveling compound can be used to smooth the floor s surface and prep it for covering. If a tile floor is laid on a subfloor.

Self leveling underlayment products can be used on concrete floors wood subfloors that are uneven but still in decent shape and even over ceramic tile floors eliminating the task of tearing. Tile leveling systems can help keep your tiles level aligned properly spaced and held in place while the tile mortar cures. Before we get started with the floor leveling there are a few tools you will see that i use in this step. Concrete expands and contracts and that type of movement can also crack the tiles and the grout.

Ceramic floor tile must be laid on a level surface or the tiles will crack. Before installing tile on your floor you must make sure your floor is properly prepared. It supports your decorative floor finish whether it s carpet hardwood vinyl laminate or tile. When installing a ceramic tile floor on a concrete subfloor you don t have to worry about flexing as long as the concrete slab is at least 1 1 8 inch thick which most slabs are.

However you re not out of the woods. Before you mix up any compound always use the tools to see how deep the low spots are or how high the humps are. Use this home depot guide how to install a tile floor for more information. The only time the levelness is that a word must be taken into consideration is when drainage is an issue such as on a porch.