Porcelain Tile In Kitchen

JD5210 · Aug 22, 2013

I am looking to put down porcelain tile in my kitchen which is 16X24, the house was built in 1996. The joists are No.2 southern pine 2X10 on 16 in centers. One section the joists are 8 foot long and the other section the joists are 16 foot long. Should I be concerned about the deflection of the 16 foot joists?

On the underlayment, I am looking at 1/4 inch wonderboard or 1/2 wonderboard or should I be looking at Ditra?

Would appreciate any help/suggestions anyone has and share anything else you feel I should know about putting down porcelain tile.

Hope this is correct forum to put this under.

Thanks in advance for the help!

dmccarty · Aug 22, 2013

What does the tile make say? They should have instructions on how to install the tile which should mention the underlayment requirements as well as deflection.

Later,
Dan

Ridgewalker · Aug 22, 2013

For what it's worth we looked at tile and ended up going with a product called Alterna Luxury vinyl. Most visitors think its ceramic.
It's much cheaper, easier to install and you don't have to worry about weight. Luxury Vinyl Flooring | Vinyl Plank Flooring from Armstrong

V1Rotate · Aug 22, 2013

I just did a new kitchen floor with porcelain tile. I've got 2 layers of 3/8 plywood then I put down 1/4 inch Hardiboard.(cement board) under the tiles. The floor is as solid as a rock.

dragoneggs · Aug 22, 2013

I assume you have 3/4 or at least 5/8in plywood that you will lay the wonderboard on? Is there a way to put a center support beam under your 16ft span?

Tomtint · Aug 22, 2013

I believe that if you glue and ring nail your under layment ( every 5-5" ) and use a 3/8 trowel for the cement. You will be good to go.

JD5210 · Aug 23, 2013

Thanks for the responses. My flooring is T&G 3/4 plywood. Doing more research since my post, I would use 1/2 wonderboard.

I do not plan on putting up additional support under the 16X16, hence my reason for the post to see if others feel I am or am not asking trouble.

Thanks again for the help.

ustmd · Aug 23, 2013

Not a profession builder, engineer or tile installer...I would be a little concerned because those 16ft joists are right at the edge of what the span tables say is acceptable for # 2 2 x 10 SYP.

Maximum Span Calculator for Joists & Rafters

dragoneggs · Aug 23, 2013

JD5210 said:
Thanks for the responses. My flooring is T&G 3/4 plywood. Doing more research since my post, I would use 1/2 wonderboard.

I do not plan on putting up additional support under the 16X16, hence my reason for the post to see if others feel I am or am not asking trouble.

Thanks again for the help.

With the 3/4 T&G and 1/2 wonderboard I think you will be okay. I have 16" ceramic tile on a 14' span in my dining/kitchen area and zero cracks in grout or tile in five years but I haven't been jumping on it either.
Secure well the wonderboard. Do you have any squeaks on the floor now? If so I would fix those. That would concern me.