I would like some advice on preparing a concrete base for setting floor tile. I am planning to install one-half inch thick terra cotta tile in the entry foyer of a 1920’s house and would like to install it on a concrete base. Given the existing floor height, the concrete can be a maximum of 1.5 inches thick. The subfloor is 3/4 inch plywood installed over microlams. Is 1.5 inches thick enough? Should I use any special type of concrete? What about reinforcement?
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Replies
1. staple down felt to subfloor
2. staple down woven mesh lathe
3. screw some 1.5" wood strips down approx. 2.5' to 3' apart in field and at edge of perimeter.
4. Mix motar with sharpe sand or buy premixed Mason mix, mix with water but keep it on dry side. Should be able to form a ball with it but when squezzed together no moisture is present(ie water not running out), ball should crumble.
5 pack dry mix into area and around boards use mag. float or wood float
6 take straight edge and pull across boards at perimeter and in field, pack and fill low areas, rescreed.
7 remove boards in field fill and pack void, float to match existing
8 walk away, remove perimeter next day
9 tile away