Before you install a tile floor, you’ll need a sound, sturdy subfloor. Otherwise your carefully chosen tile is likely to flex and crack when it’s walked on.

Here’s how to prepare subflooring for successful tile installation in DHS.

What is a Subfloor?

A subfloor is the bottom layer of your floor, which has the important task of supportingyour tile. Commontypes are wood and concrete.

Make sure that your subfloor is in good shape, level, and smooth. It must be strong enough to hold the tile, which is one of the heaviest floor coverings.

Wood Subfloor

• Caulk all seams in your wooden subfloor. Treat the surface with latex primer/sealer. Apply a self-leveling underlayment if the subfloor is uneven.

• Next, attach a cementitious backerboard to the subflooring with thinset. Fasten it in place with backerboard screws and coat with a second layer of thinset.

Concrete Subfloor

• New concrete must be cured at least 3 months before you install tiles on top.

• Thoroughly clean your concrete subfloor and allow to dry.

• Make sure ithas a rough enough surface to bond with thin-set. If necessary, etch the concrete using chemicals.

• Patch any large cracks and if the concrete has several uneven areas, apply a self-leveling sealer.

• Prevent future cracking of the concrete from damaging your tile; apply a crack-prevention mat underlayment or a liquid latex membrane. Now you’ve done your prep work the right way. You are finally ready to have the tile installed!