Hi All,
I am in the process of redoing the flooring in one of our bathrooms and putting down ceramic tile. the bathroom is about 80SF . The existing floor was carpet ( terrible idea whoever built the place ) except for the toilet area which was vinyl flooring. Once i started demoing the carpet i realized that the subfloor consisted of plywood (thickness unknown) and then particle board glued and nailed/screwed down ; about 5/8″ thick.
I know tiling over particle board is a horrible idea, but the bathroom area is tight and demoing out the particle board is something i would like to avoid.
I saw in other forums and asking some other ppl the best way to move forward without demoing out the particle board and came up with the following strategy.
Seal particle board with Regard > install 1/4″ cement board over sealed particle board ; screw down only> seal gaps and seams with silicon> tape and apply thin set over seams> apply redgard over seams and maybe screws?> then install tile over cement board ( 1/4″ thick tile)> grout> caulk perimeter with silicon .
please let me know if this will work? or if i need to change the strategy? or if this is over kill? or if I’m missing anything.
thanks!
Replies
I would skip the red guard and go for a waterproofing/isolation layer.
https://www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Membranes/Uncoupling-(DITRA)/Schluter%C2%AE-DITRA-&-DITRA-XL/p/DITRA
you can put the cement board if you need to increase stiffness.
Good idea to seal the edges as you suggest, with silicone, or a flexible polyurethane sealant.
Actually the RedGuard won't hurt as it will protect the particle board. But I agree with the Ditra. It's the best
The Red Guard would probably work, but I'd personally feel better demoing the particle board. Some days just suck is all...
Belts and suspenders my friend. Redguard over particle board, hardiboard, Schluter (better yet Schluter with heat cable)
Is luxury vinyl sheet flooring an option? It's waterproof, doesn't have as demanding a set of underlayment requirements, and doesn't feel cold on your feet. You could apply it to the particle board and keep the floor height about the same.
I have to apologize.
FH gave me a spam marking button, and I accidentally sent nomorecoffee to the spam bin. I sent them an e-mail, but until and unless this can be reversed, he will not be able to post in the forum.
I deeply regret this error on my part.
from the website (not promoting this stuff. just for reference)
https://www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Membranes/Uncoupling-(DITRA)/Schluter%C2%AE-DITRA-&-DITRA-XL/p/DITRA
Schluter®-DITRA and DITRA-XL are specifically designed for ceramic and stone tile installations. DITRA and DITRA-XL provide uncoupling to prevent cracked tile and grout. Made of polyethylene, DITRA and DITRA-XL serve as a waterproofing layer that protects moisture-sensitive substrates, such as plywood/OSB. Free-space on the underside of the matting provides a route for excess moisture and vapor to prevent damage to the tile layer above. DITRA and DITRA-XL perform all these functions while still providing adequate support/load distribution for the tile covering.