Replacing Ceramic Tile – Stair Landing
RichBeckman
| Posted in General Discussion on
I am bidding a job to replace the existing ceramic tile on a stair landing which doubles as the front entry. 6’6″x4’6″. This is a condo that is maybe ten to fifteen years old (just guessing).
After I tear out the old tile, what am I going to run into?
My guess is that the existing tile is laid on plywood and that I will have to replace the plywood because I won’t be able to get the dried mortar off. Is that probably correct???? Or is it possible that the existing plywood can be scraped clean enough to just lay tile on it again?????
Since there are stairs involved, including a stair nosing that runs along the 6’6″ side of the field, I have to end up at the same height as the existing tile.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
Replies
Wassamater Rich, your Magic 8 ball isn't working? Mine says "all signs point to time and materials!" <G> EliphIno!
Edited 1/24/2003 5:59:42 PM ET by bucksnort billy
If it's a wood frame structure it's prob. plywood flrs. If it's highend condos then MAYBE it has wonderboard but I would bet against it.
Thinset breaks off of plywood pretty easily....well, not too hard. What kind of floor does it butt up against? That may be an indication of whether the plywood was built up (two layers), or maybe it's a mud installation.
Put in your proposal that these are issues that you are thinking about and the Client may develope a confidence in you. Plus, you are covering your butt while telling the Client that you don't pull sucker punches. If you can pull up the top layer of plywood(assumung there are two) replace it with a layer of cement board. Chances are the plywood is nailed down, but don't count on it. Have you done any other work in the bldg? That should be an indication of the Developer's mind set - cheap or quality.
check with a tool rental place , I just heard the other day about such a tool, resembles a floor buffer, with small tines in place of a buffing pad, made for scaping thinset off floor, although it sounds like it was made for concrete floors,instead of a small landing, there might be a small model. Also sounds like it will spray dust al over the place.