I have a 1/2" plywood subfloor in the bathroom, sits over the joists. Is this thick enough for tile floor?

Question

I have a 1/2" plywood subfloor in the bathroom, sits over the joists. Is this thick enough for tile floor?

Answer 1

Definitely not is should be at least 3/4" or even more we use 21mm normally (7/8  '')  and then add a tile and slate underlay

Answer 2

...the 1/2 in is a "good" base but there is another piece of sub-flooring that you need to install... I forget what the name of it is but it's a "rock" like flooring sheet that gives the floor (sub floor) the stability to make the tile a "good" install...  sorry, like I said... it's a"rock" like sub-flooring ...I'm sure "someone" will have the name of it...

Answer 3

yes and no .... yes it great to hold tiles. but wont prevent them from them from cracking .....

  install 1/2  cement  board over the top of them

  and s***w them   dont nail them

  coat around $9  at lowes. come in   3ft x 5ft  sheets

Answer 4

you should have 3/4 " unless your floor joists are on 12" centers

Answer 5

Bigg Dogg is right you need to have a minimum 1" for tiles or you have top muich play in the floor and the tiles will just crack over time get the dura rock sheets they are designed for tiles and this will give you the strength you need and a good base for mounting the tiles.  I would also recommend a sanded grout depending on the tiles.

Answer 6

The name is dura-rock, you can get it at home depot or lowes.

Answer 7

3/4 would have been better but 1/2 should be good

Answer 8

Yes.

Answer 9

kenbgray is correct about dura rock as one of the top products, there is also another cement board that is a lot easier to work with with the same results and both sold at Home Depot.

Answer 10

1/2" plywood isn't very thick and not up to building codes unless there is some sort of other flooring under your plywood. Building codes calls for at least 3/4" flooring but since you are where you are, I would suggest buying some 2X6 lumber and cut them to go between the floor joists butted up tightly to the underside of the plywood. Put your braces 24" apart and you should be good to go. It's going to be a pain but it's got to be done or you'll have a mess a month or two later.

If you don't brace up the plywood, your tile is going to break loose because of the floor flexing, that's why you need to get it braced up or replace with 3/4".

Answer 11

3/4" Plywood is minimum and as stated by the other answerer 1" is recomended. . . though this is a warranty statement.  With Tile over any wood subfloor you'l need to use Flex-Bond as your thinset.  This adhesive is made for tiling over wood and available at Home Depot Stores.  Lowe's also offers a same/similar product.

Mike Lonergan

TradesProfessional, Inc.

Answer 12

No, it will flex too much.

Answer 13

every tile manufacture states on the box.." a min of 1 inch sub  floor must be installed under tile"  u need to add 1/2" duro-rock......glue and s***w it down...dont break it on the same joints as the plywood.....

lic. gen. contractor