Tiling for existing chipboard floor ...

[popandu]

Hi all,

I found this forum yesterday and after some thorough reading was really impressed by the know-how. I wondered if I could get the pro's advice on an en-suite that needs tiling - sorry in advance for the length of the post - I hope it allows for a better understanding!

I have prep'd by removing toilet, taken-up old tiles laid direct onto chipboard, removed old tile adhesive (not sure what it was) with diamond disc and the result is pretty good. The sub-floor is 22mm chipboard (not sure what grade) in reasonably good condition laid on easijoists. On removal of old adhesive it has in parts removed a very fine layer top of the chipboard which I think had a green protective layer; the house and flooring is 13 years old. If you jump on it there is a little deflection but I wouldn't say much, although this is difficult to describe in a post. The area is 3.5 square metres. The shower and fitted furniture are staying and so too is the chipboard - I appreciate this is not the best. Re: the levels, the en-suite is the same as the chipboard in the bedroom - underlay and carpet will be going down there. The aim is not to have any step-up to the en-suite.

I haven't chosen the tiles as yet - I am based in Essex; is there anywhere anyone would recommend visiting in particular?

I've had a few quotes and they are all suggesting different solutions ...

The main question is what is the best solution here and why that would be used over another? What are the recommendations in terms of layers and particular products?

Eg: tiles/ tile adhesive/ thin ply, hardiebacker, ditra/ adhesive/ primer (if necessary?)

Thanks in advance for any assistance - it will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Time's Ran Out]

A few quotes for 3.5 sq mts of floor is excessive! You must have been impressed by 1 of the Tilers so what was his suggestion. The issue you have is the bounce in the chipboard and whether any of the original tiles were cracked fixed to this substrate.
Without seeing this floor it's not possible to provide a procedure for preparation especially as you seem to insist height is an issue.
I could suggest ditra to the chipboard and tile but only on a deflection free floor.

 

[Flintstone]

I would over board with hardie or no more ply and tile, as long as the floor is solid and not bouncing

 

[popandu]

TJ - there are 3 bathroom floors to do so on reflection I think it is reasonable to get a few quotes.

Each offered a different solution; 1 x 6mm ply, 1 x ditra, and 1 x backer board but said he had only used it once which doesn't give me any confidence at all.

guys, does do the chipboard floors need priming? and what adhesive would you recommend between the chipboard and either ditra or hardie? cheers.

 

[White Room]

Hardie for me all the time, use a single part flexible cement based adhesive.

 

[Rookery]

Hardie for me all the time, use a single part flexible cement based adhesive.

That's how I always do them too.

 

[Flintstone]

where are you, why not find a tiler on here who knows what they are doing

 

[Time's Ran Out]

TJ - there are 3 bathroom floors to do so on reflection I think it is reasonable to get a few quotes.

Tj replies:
Like lots of threads - the details get added in drifts and drabs! No mention in opening post about 3 floors so my reply was perfectly phrased.
Ditch the ply man, go with Hardi or
Ditra.

 

[kilty55]

hardie board for me on a small floor like that as long as it has no issues

 

[Time's Ran Out]

hardie board for me on a small floor like that as long as it has no issues

Merry Xmas .

 

[Dumbo]

Swerve the guy that said 6 mm ply even if he offers to do it one of the other ways as he obviously knows nothing

 

[popandu]

Thanks for the info guys; it looks like hardie is the way forward! merry christmas to you all.

Out of interest, for those that prep the floors - what is a pro's method of removing old tile adhesive from chipboard?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Elbow grease!

 

[kilty55]

Merry Xmas .

Happy new year john