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