im going to tile the floor next weekend with 16x16 ceramic tile, and i could use some advice2 questions actually...1. when i lay my backerboard, and tape the staggered seams, do i keep that thinset over the tape very thin? im afraid of a hump in the floor when i go to lay tile.2. how much pressure do i apply when seting the tiles in the thinset? ive seen websites that show very little pressure..and some that show alot of pressure. does it need to float on the thinset or mash it down in the thinset. i just want this to turn out good...its my 1st time, and ive done alot of research, but the information varies from person to person. any added advice or tips on this project would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, you do need the tape, this like drywall will prevent you from seeing the cracks. When you put the thinset down, use between a 1/4 trowel and a 3/8 trowel. I would use the later with the size tile you are using. Also, when you put down the thinset, go over the seam with the trowel and this will fill in but not over fill the seam. When you lay the tile down, you will put it down and not only push down with a Little pressure, but you will also want to twist a little. to make sure your doing it right, take you first piece and pull it back up. You will want to have thinset on 90 to 100 percent of the back of the tile.
much like drywall the long edges of durarock are beveled.after applying the tape the thin set will fill the natural void bringing it to flush or level.as for the but edges I personally fill any voids if there are any.as to the pressure some installers use a rubber mallet and tap on 4 corners and center.hand pressure is acceptable.you want to set!!! the tile into the mud bed not merely lay it on top of your mortar.
The thinset is self leveling, so do not worry about the bump of the tape. The tiles need to be pressed down enough that the tile cement has a good coverage of the back of the tile. Try one, and see what coverage you get. Then do the same after wards. Sounds a bit difficult, but when you do it, then it will seem very straight forward. Good Luck
First, I don't know of anyone who tapes the seams of the backerboard on the floor. Tape is usually provided in drywall seams so that you don't get cracking. With tile backer, the thinset is going to get pressed down into those seams and tape should not be necessary. You can consult the manufacturer for specific information, but I doubt tape is required. Second, the pressure needed is only enough to push out the air pockets and to get a good connection between the thinset and the tile. Especially with the larger ones like you're using, you want a really even and secure bedding. Do make sure you're using the right size trowel so that the bedding thinset will give your large tiles the overall support they require. Otherwise, they might crack like a concrete slab on bad soil.
There is a really neat product called anti-fracture membrane available at most tile stores or in the tile section at home depot. The product is applied with a roller over your substrate whether concrete or backer board. A couple coats will prevent cracks from telegraphing up through your floor and prevent moisture from migrating up or down. Thinset is applied directly over the membrane. At work we trowell the thinset as flat as possible, no more than 1/2 thick and no more than 1/4 high. We also apply thinset to the back of the tile to insure a good bond. You shouldn't have to press the tile down very hard. Apply firm and even pressure to the tile pressing it down to your line. You can tap lightly on the tile to check for voids, you can hear if it is hollow. If you have to press really hard or if lots of thinset squeezes up between the tiles use less thinset. It can be frustrating at first but after a few tiles you should get the hang of it. A bucket of clean water and a sponge are helpful as even the best of us get a little thinset on the tile. good luck
