kitchen floor

[fastcam]

After completing a week long course im going to tile my kitchen floor before i attempt any paying customers.I have t&g floorboards,what thickness of ply do i have to put down first?9mm? or can i use ultimate flex straight onto floorboards?

[davy_G]

In theory you can tile straight onto the floorboards but I'd use 12 mm exterior grade ply screwed downat 200mm centres. Screws no more than the thickness of the ply and the T & G.
The ply will do two things, help the rigidity of the floor ie take out most of the movement or springyness and help the flatness and thus the ease of leaving a nice finish with no lipping. Movement equals thouble!
Still use a good flexi addy & grout.

[fastcam]

Thanks for the quick reply mate.I will go with your advice

[GazTech]

You will need 2 part flexible adhesive if onto 12mm ply.....Gaz

[faithhealer]

Gaz, I have only ever used 'one part' flexi, can you explain what is the advantage of two part flexi, Thanks

[GazTech]

Two part is rubber crumb powder, and liquid polymer mix. You dont mix with water, this is the most flexi adhesive you can use. It makes it suitable for direct fixing onto timber floors in smaller areas...hence no need for plywood.....Gaz

[faithhealer]

Cheers Gaz

[GazTech]

Originally Posted by faithhealer

Cheers Gaz

You must also use a liquid polymer to enhance your grout, grout with flexi built in isn't always good enough.....Gaz

[fastcam]

Now im confused gaz.Do you recommend laying ply first before tiling the floor or just direct fix onto the t&g floorboards with 2 part flexible adhesive ?

[GazTech]

Originally Posted by fastcam

Now im confused gaz.Do you recommend laying ply first before tiling the floor or just direct fix onto the t&g floorboards with 2 part flexible adhesive ?

Direct with 2 part if your floor boards are sound enough, obviously any creaking or loose boards need to be secured and any rotten ones replaced. If the floor has lots of movement then overboard to strenghten it with 6mm ply or 6mm backerboard then use 2 part....Gaz



BAL Fastflex Powder & Liquid
A two part, rapid-setting, sulphate-resistant, water-resistant and frost-resistant floor tile adhesive and isolating, anti-fracture underlay, suitable for use in interior and exterior locations. Suitable for fixing ceramic floor and porcelain tiles and mosaics (including fully vitrified), dark natural stone and slate. Suitable for use on tile backer boards, glazed tiles, concrete bases, cement:sand screeds, tongue & groove floorboarding, plywood overlay, floating plywood/chipboard floors, ceramic/quarry tile/terrazzo/hard natural stone bases, vinyl tiles/sheet, mastic asphalt, steel, glass reinforced polyester (GRP), steel and galvanised steel. Conforms to BS EN 12004, Type

BAL Wide Joint Grout A water-resistant, frost-resistant cement-based powder grout designed for grouting ceramic floor tiles, mosaics, quarries etc. Also suitable for use on walls. Not recommended for soft glazed wall tiles, or tiles with metal decor or lustre. Suitable for use in interior and exterior locations in both wet and dry conditions. Suitable for swimming pools. Conforms to BS EN 13888, Type C, Class G1.

NOTE: The physical properties of BAL WIDE JOINT GROUT can be enhanced by the addition of BAL ADMIX GT1. The polymer admixture imparts flexibility, increases adhesion and reduces the water permeability thus widening the application possibilities of the grout, with a classification of BS EN 13888, Type C, Class G2.
BAL Admix GT1

[fastcam]

cheers gaz,my floorboards are in good nick,but i think i will overboard with 6mm ply and go wth your recommendation with the 2 part flexible adhesive.
thanks

[GazTech]

Good man, post some before and after pictures if you can, the products I showed you of ours carry 10 yr garuantee.....Gaz