Types of Subfloors You Can Create Before Tile Installation

by Sarah B. Marketing Writer | Thinker | Environmentalist

Subflooring or substrate is one of the prerequisites of any tile project. No matter if you are considering a porcelain, stone, mosaic, or glass tile installation, you will need to prepare a substrate to begin with the installation.

Substrate is the surface that stays beneath the tile. While every tile material has its own strength and durability, substrate is what that provides tiles with the ability to withstand the wear, tear and everyday foot traffic.

You install tiles on the substrate. Technically, the substrate you are creating should be strong, level, and most important, the right type.

If it is not strong, it will not be able to grip the tile and bear the load of the tile. If it is not level, the tiles installed will be prone to damages and cracks, when walked on. And if it is not the right type, it will not support your application, and will not last to your expectation.

The types of Substrate for Tile Installation

Plywood –

The most popular one! You can use plywood for installing wood floors, and vinyl sheets and tiles. You can create ply board substrate for living room and bedroom flooring. The best part of this material is, you do not have to put efforts to create flat or even surface, it is already perfectly flat.

Concrete –

This is the second most substrate material. After plywood, it is the easiest too. You can create concrete subfloor in bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and basement. You can use it living and bed as well.

Concrete substrate is ideal for all types of stones and tiles. However, if you are considering wood flooring, concrete wouldn’t be a suitable choice for creating subflooring.

Plastic and Orient Strand Board (OSB) are also popular choices for creating subfloors and substrates. If you are looking for ease, you can go with OSB, and if you are looking for soundproofing, you can choose to install plastic subflooring.

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