Solid wood is not an appropriate substrate for tile, no matter how well it’s screwed. It just moves too much with the seasons. Even basic plywood is “engineered” in the sense that the plies are oriented at right angles, creating stability.

Can you tile over plank subfloor?

Tiling over an old, solid wood subfloor is dicey, even with a layer of backer board. Avoid tile and grout cracks in the finished floor with proper preparation and lots and lots of screws.

Can I put ceramic tiles on a wooden floor?





You can tile over your wooden subfloors or old hardwood floor. However, it is important that you follow the same rules as you would for any other suitable installation. If your hardwood floor is level and in good condition, it is possible to install tiles over the surface.

How do you tile over wood floor?

The best approach would be to remove the wood flooring and screw down a layer of 5/8” or thicker plywood followed by a layer of 1/2″ cement backer board before laying the tile.

Should I remove plank subfloor?

If the planks are in good condition there’s no need to replace them. If you’re laying tile in any of the rooms then planks will need reinforced with 15/32″ ply laid over the planks however. I would definitely NOT replace the entire subfloor.

How do you tile over plywood subfloor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Should be nailed or screwed every eight inches in the field. And every six inches around the perimeter. The nails themselves should be long enough to pass through both layers of underlayment.

What do you put on plywood before tiling?





On a plywood subfloor, you need either a layer of cement backer board or an underlayment membrane, like Custom Building Products’ Wonderboard and RedGard, between the subfloor and tile for the thin-set adhesive to achieve a good bond.

Can you use plank subfloor as floor?

Yes, you can use pine subfloors as primary flooring. In many older houses, the pine subfloor was the only floor and it held up well. Uncovered pine subflooring appeals to recycling enthusiasts as well as fans of distressed wood.

How do you prepare a tile subfloor for planking?

Prepare a Wood Subfloor for Tile

  1. Check for dips in the floor by sliding a 4-foot to 6-foot straight edge in different directions all around the room. …
  2. Fill seams in the subfloor with caulk. …
  3. Sand down any uneven or high spots. …
  4. Pour the liquid underlayment into any dips in the floor.


How many screws do you need for a subfloor sheet?



When securing OSB or plywood subflooring, you should use a screw every 8 inches along the floor joist or truss. So, you’ll need 12 screws down the 8-foot length of OSB or plywood. If your floor joists or trusses are 16 inches on center, you’ll need 48 screws per 4×8 sheet.

Is it OK to screw down subfloor?

Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. Screws are a great alternative that you can easily remove, but they are not as sturdy. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower.

How long should subfloor screws be?

You’ll want the screw to go about an inch past the plywood into the joist or underlying layer beneath it. So if your subfloor is 3/4 of an inch thick, any screw about 1 3/4 inches long will do the trick. If the plywood subfloor you’re placing is 5/8 of an inch thick, you need a screw about 1 5/8 inches long.

What size screws 3/4 plywood subfloor?



The proper steel screw sizes for securing 3/4-inch plywood to the floor joists are #8, #10 and #12 screws. The number refers to the thickness of the screw. Each is available in lengths from 1 1/4 to 3 inches. Typically, the 3-inch variety is used to secure plywood subfloors.

Why do builders use nails instead of screws?

Nails are the fastener of choice when laying down hardwood floorboards because they’re not as likely to split the wood as screws and don’t mar the surface with screw heads. Nails also flex a bit more, to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the wood, without loosening their grip.

What is the best screws for subfloor?

Steel and galvanized screws are specifically made with subflooring in mind which is why they are the best types of screws to use. You want to be sure to use screws that are strong enough to keep the wood from moving, and long enough to keep everything secured for a long time.

Does subfloor need to be tongue and groove?

For subflooring, you use tongue and groove plywood. The tongue and groove are only along the 8 foot edges. On the four foot edges, your seams will fall on joist tops, so no need for tongue and groove. But to start off, we will need to remove the tongue so the plywood is tight with the exterior ICF walls.

Should a subfloor be nailed or screwed?



Screws, if driven properly, prevent creaking floors. A screw firmly holds the subfloor in place, which ensures a squeak-less floor for years to come.

Is it better to use OSB or plywood for subfloor?

OSB has a lower resale value than plywood due to its lower strength. For this reason, few homeowners prefer OSB in their homes. Apart from costs, plywood is superior in all the other areas, such as the strength of the structure. For this reason, it’s a superior material for use on the subfloor.