Preparation for Tile on Concrete Basement floor

[fish]

hi all,

i am beginning work on tiling a basement floor, in an area of about 6' by 6'. the area is a bathroom, the drains are not cut out yet so i am waiting for the plumber to finish that up then i can start the tile. the plumber is due to show up in the next couple of weeks.

here is my question. i have read several online sources, and they warn against installing tile in several conditions, 1. moist basements, 2. over concrete slabs with cracks, and 3. without proper preparation. I dont have a moist basement in this area, or at all, and there are no cracks at all in the floor in this area to worry about. The house was built in about 1990, so all concrete has finally settled i beleive. So to summarize, I am mainly concerned with correct preparation to maximize adhesion. The concrete surface is not shiny, although it is somewhat smooth.

What is the best way to prepare this area for tile? If I sand, or use muratic acid, or grind off the top surface of the concrete, could i then use regular tile mortar for securing the tiles to the floor?

Thanks, Fish

[dadiOH]

You shouldn't need any preparation unless the concrete is dirty or - especially - oily.

-- dadiOH ____________________________

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[fish]

[DanG]

It sounds like a perfect situation for a thinset install. If there is concern about cracks, Google for Ditra isolation sheet.

If the plumber is providing a floor drain, make sure he knows the approximate height of tile and both of you predetermine the amount of slope to drain, if any. If it is your first ceramic tile experience avoid the slope to drain.

(top posted for your convenience) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Keep the whole world singing . . . . DanG (remove the sevens) [e-mail]

[fish]

Thanks. There may be no drain since the bathroom is right next to the sump pump area. Do you recommend a drain in this bathroom?

Fish