For many years it has been considered that such floors cannot be tiled.  However, The Tile Association have produced a technical document explaining that the majority of timber floors can be tiled and outlining the products and methods to use.  In addition many adhesive manufacturers produce specific groups of products for this particular application.

In general the floor needs to be stable with normal humidity levels and needs to be physically capable of bearing the extra weight.  The floor is then overlaid with a proprietary intermediate substrate to separate the tiles from the floor, eliminating cracking and crazing caused by movement and differential rates of expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.   Specific types of product used for the overlay are relevant to different situations and are outlined in depth in the publication.

The overlay is then followed by the application of a sealant where necessary and adhesives and grout that is designed to be suitable for this purpose.

A beautiful tiled bathroom floor adds value to a home, not only is it hygienic and far easier to care for than other products, but will last a lifetime.  Your nearest TTA tile supplier or fixer will be able to advise on specific projects. The Tile Association want everyone from merchants, retailers, fitters and installers to house builders, property developers, interior designers and architects to be aware that the answer to the question “Can a suspended wooden floor be tiled?” is almost always “Yes”.

To purchase the publication “Tiling to Timber Sheets and Board, Timber Substrates and Alternative Products” or to find more information on tiling, a range of tiling ideas, or to contact a fixer or distributor call us on 0208 663 0946, visit the TTA website at www.tiles.org.uk or scan the QR Code with your smartphone.

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