what floor prep for tiles

pedro · Apr 25, 2007 5:18 pm

Hi, Can anyone help with advice? I need to do something with my kitchen floor. At the moment it has got sealed cork tiles on it. The floor beneath is wood. I want to lay ceramic tiles down. If i remove the cork tiles, what preperaton does the surface beneath need to have to accept ceramics? I dont suppose they can be laid onto the cork?

NeilD · Apr 25, 2007 6:28 pm

Rip all the cork tiles up first. Check the condition of the boards underneath and replace any that are water affected or damaged. If it was my kitchen I'd be applying A waterproof membrane, but most people would say that's overkill. Then it's just a case of nailing down cement sheet and laying the tiles.

royalblue · Apr 27, 2007 1:28 am

Hi Pedro,

I'm a little curious.....

Are the cork tiles in poor condition? Is there a particular reason for wanting to remove them? I ask because many people I've spoken with have been very happy with the 'friendly' characteristics that cork can offer (warmer, quieter, more forgiving if glass or plates are dropped, softer under foot etc).

Of course if the cork is in poor condition, something should be done. If the cork is still in good physical condition, what about refinishing and sealing it?

If you really want ceramic tiles, fine, but you should be aware of possible downsides....

Harder under foot so more fatigue if on feet for long time.
Things can break and/or tiles may chip if heavy sharp things are dropped.
Grout can readily soil and stain in kitchens.

Have you considered going back to the timber floor beneath and refinishing that? Are the floorboards firm and in good condition? If not, take measures to stop any floorboard movement before fitting floorcoverings on top.

Naturally, any flooring considerations depend on your overall decor, so the flooring in your kitchen should be in harmony with everything else. Good luck with it!

Ash.