Hi, We just had our entire foyer, kitchen and dining room tiled with porcelain tile over durock. I am concerned about the strength of the floor, I drive a very heavy power wheelchair (about200 lbs plus I am about 180) does anyone know how much weight can be placed on such a floor on a daily basis of driving a heavy wheelchair such as what I use? The installer has tried to re-asure me that there should not be any problems but I am still wondering how much weight this type of floor can take. My concern is will the tiles be rocked loose from me driving on them on a daily basis. Any info from any experts out there would really put my worrying mind at ease! Thankyou in advance!
Peg

Hi Peg
As long as the ceramic tile contractor has determined that your existing subfloor over joists is able to withstand regular residential traffic then you shouldn't have any problem.
Porcelain is a very strong tile and as long as there is no bounce in your floor, the Durock will act as an excellent base for your tile.

One of the things we try to encourage everyone to do before having ceramic tile installed, is to examine their floor and be certain of its ability to support the installation. Sometimes it takes very little effort on the contractor's part and a few extra dollars from the consumer to add structural strength to a floor. This will determine a successful installation much more than the quality of tile or other bonding products.

Thankyou Harry for your response.I dont know how strong our joists are though(we live in a 1 floor rancher with a basement) our house is a prefabricated home 21 years old,my husband seems to think that the joists are strong enough (the basement is unfinished so he can see the joists) I had my daughter jump up and down on the floor and it didnt seem to have any give to the floor so I hope I am worrying for nothing but am still concerned about rocking the tiles loose as I drive back and forth over the same tiles on a daily basis. The installer said you could basically drive a truck on the floor but I am doubtful of that (think he was just trying to re-assure me!)
Peg