Hi Everyone,
I am posting my first message since I'm about to ceramic tile my kitchen. I have been reading various material and asking as many questions in regards to preparing the surface before tiling. Unfortunately there was so much info provide I'm completely confused. My house is approximately 14 years old. The floor is cover with linoleum (vinyl) with 1/4" poplar underlay over 5/8 osb. Joist are spaced at 16" centers and width between I-Beams in basement around 12 feet. The kichen is approximately 12x19. It appears I have one joist that is slightly higher then the rest that will have to be planed down. I have also read on your posts that after vinyl is removed glue can be cleaned up with water and fabric softner. Won't this swell the 1/4" underlay. If possible could someone explain the steps I must take to ensure a solid foundation. I was hoping to use what currently exists and possibly building up the floor (to minimum) with some type of tile board or other product. Thank you. James.

Hi James

I must say, I've never heard that fabric softener trick before....does it actually work? But, in this case you won't have to try it. The vinyl and underlay should be removed....you should go down to the original 5/8th subfloor.(I'm sure most of the other guys would agree) Is this an option for you?

Hi Brian,
I'm sure I read that thing about the fabric softener on this web site and I have no idea if it works. Anyway I'm sure I can remove the underlayment. I just hope its not glued.

Hi James .... Bri is right, the 1/4" underlayment adds nothing to the tile installation and in fact will most likely cause future problem, so is best removed. It's easiest to counter-sink the blade on your circular saw to cut into the thickness of the vinyl and underlayment so that you can easily cut 24" wide strips into the covering and peel it off the floor ... vinyl and underlayment together. A utility knife will usually work to cut around the counters.

Thanks Guys,
Now this is where I am not sure how to proceed. Do I build up the subfloor with plywood or can you use a self levelling compound then apply a tile board such as Hardiboard or Rhinoboard for example. Also does it matter if you use 1/4" or 1/2" with these type of products. Please recommend any other material if you think it would better for my situation. James.

Although cement boards will give tile an excellent surface to bond to ... it doesn't add strength to the floor, so it's important that your floor already be solid and non-flexible.
Either 1/4" or 1/2" is fine.
Self levelling compound is a good idea if you're trying to fill dips etc.

Hi Harry,
Does this mean I should strengthen the floor with plywood first? James.

Only if it needs it.

If in doubt, here's a system which I trust to beef up floors.
After removing top layers of underlayment and vinyl etc ... install 5/8" exterior grade plywood over existing subfloor and then install Ditra membrane over top the plywood, or you may use cement board. After that you're ready to tile.

An extra layer of plywood will remove the deflection (up/down movement) of the subfloor between the joists, and will help distribute the load over more joists but you may still need to add blocking between your joists depending on how bad your floor is.

Thanks again. This site has been extremely helpful. James.