Tiling a butcher's block

[samwich]

Hi there
Wondered if you could help. I know that wood is a nightmare and wondered if tiling directly onto a butcher's block using a good primer, flexi adhesive and admix/flexi grout is sufficient or whether another substrate - plywood?/roof felt/metal lath? has to be put ontop of the wood to tile onto?
Thanks very much for your help.

 

[Rich]

Hi, tiling directly on to wood is problematic because it swells and contracts with the slightest moisture or change in humidity. Have a read through the link below for a little bit more info, it is about wooden floors but the principle is the same.

[h=3]Plywood floors...[/h]

Is this a bench? How big is the area? Would it be possible to fix a cement board over the top before tiling? This would give a really good surface to tile onto.

 

[Ian]

Cement board was my first thought, but I wasn't sure if they were suitable for food preparation areas, turns out they are! Here's a link HardieBacker 250 Cement Board | James Hardie United Kingdom

 

[Rich]

Do you know what tiles you are thinking about using? I would also recommend an epoxy grout.

 

[DHTiling]

What are you intending to use the tiled block for..?

 

[peteablard]

As Dave says, what are you going to use it for? I have visions of a meat cleaver hitting it quite hard in which case tiling it wouldn't be the best idea!

 

[kilty55]

is it a used butchers block? or brand new

if its a used one you may have to self level it 1st to get rid of the dip in the middle:smilewinkgrin:

 

[Peter]

Am I right in thinking that the tiled surface will blunt knives?