What is the correct bathroom subfloor?

[dazzystar]

Hi All,

I'm looking to remove our small bathroom tiled floor as there's been a leak from the shower above the bath but also as I plan on putting new tiles, new bath, sink and vanity unit. Currently, under the tiles are floorboards apart from under the actual bath itself which is marine ply. The bathroom has seen no work done on it for over 30 years so my question is do I simply put new tiles directly on top of the floorboards or should I remove them boards and put marine ply or something else down instead?

We plan on selling the house within the next 9 - 12 months so don't want to start spending a lot unless 100% necessary.

Cheers
Daz

 

[denso13]

Put down Hardibacker board on top of the existing floorboards as a good base for the tiles.

 

[dazzystar]

Thanks. Do the floorboards all need to be level and secured to the joists first and can you tile straight on top of the hardibacker board or does it need a coating of something. I'm looking for the easiest solution but one that's correct.

Also, if it's installed on top of the floorboards doesn't that effect the overall height of the floor meaning pipework or doors may need to be altered or is it thin enough as to not to worry?

 

[denso13]

Don't have to be absolutely flat, if they are too uneven the backer board should be put down with adhesive then screwed. No need to prime the board.

 

[dazzystar]

So I have to use tile adhesive to stick down the backer boards and then screw them down?

 

[denso13]

Not if the floor is quite level. Only of there would be gaps below the backer board.

 

[dazzystar]

Ah...ok. So if it's quite flat then just screwed down. If not then adhesive where it dips right? Do the edges of the board need to be taped or am I going too far?

 

[denso13]

Ah...ok. So if it's quite flat then just screwed down. If not then adhesive where it dips right?

Correct.

Do the edges of the board need to be taped or am I going too far?

No, not in this instance.

 

[dazzystar]

Thanks very much!