Hi, any help here would be appreciated...
we've bought 450 x 450 travertine tiles to tile an entrance hall of just over 3 sq m. the floor is currently normal (MDF?) floorboards (house is 9 years old). i'm aware that the tiles need sealing both before and after grouting and that white grout is the stuff to use.
my questions are:

• how many coats of sealant do we need to apply?
• do we need to lay ply? and what thickness? and do we fix through floorboards to joists, or is fixing to boards sufficient?
• what's the best adhesive, grout and sealant to use?
• where best to buy from? tilegiant & topps locally, but do these places rip you off?!
• we will be having inset coir matting, edged with oak, by the front door. Are there any additions precautions we need to take in this area?

thanks in advance for any advice

Hi laurieleigh (Cider with Rosie?) I doubt very much your floor is mdf, that's mainly for panelling etc. It's probably chipboard, which is not suitable to tile onto. You'll need to overlay with 6mm hardieacker 250. Tile Giant are a sponsor of this forum and wouldn't rip you off, in fact, mention the guys from tilers forums sent you and you may get some discount

Hi..

It could be a floating floor..?

Please check to see if the boards are nailed or screwed down..Any fixings..?

hi

I'm with Dave, it may be a floating floor. If so, you may be able to overboard with "No more ply" as it's only 3 sqm.

BTW Hi & welcome.

What sort of Travertine is it? I don't think white gout would be too good, especially on a floor. I'd look for a closer match.

i kind of knew the floorboards weren't MDF, but didn't quite know what they were!

the travertine is 'classic tuscany' (if that means anything) - one of Costco's current offers. it's kind of a beigey colour, with varying colours of filled voids, some of which are white (lighter than the stone), and some are darker.

the floorboards aren't attached to the joists, they are just floating
where would i find 'no more ply'?

Originally Posted by laurieleigh

where would i find 'no more ply'?

Local Plumbers merchants is where i get mine.

Originally Posted by laurieleigh

the floorboards aren't attached to the joists, they are just floating
where would i find 'no more ply'?

A tile shop ? Hardibacker is another make but i wouldnt be happy laying on a floating floor myself. It may be ok being so small though.