Tiling onto wood
Timber floors and ceramic tiles are not natural bedfellows – tiles are inherently rigid and brittle whereas timber floors are flexible. There are many types of wooden floors but in principle the challenges that they present to the tiler are all the result of this mismatch. There are a number of contributing sources of movement in timber floors which need to be considered when fixing ceramic tiles or natural stones.
Common issues and queries you can face
Deflection
General deflection due to the applied load
Bouncing as you walk across the floor
Localised movement
Localised movement at unsupported board joints
Creaking in certain places as you walk on the floor
Expansion and contraction
Temperature related expansion and contraction
Moisture or humidity
Moisture/humidity related expansion and contraction
