Prepare the subfloor so it is completely clean, dry, flat, and structurally sound before you ever set a single tile.

Start by removing old flooring, adhesive residue, and construction debris, then dry the area with fans and a moisture meter so you can confirm the subfloor moisture content is appropriate for tile installation. Inspect the joists and subfloor for movement by walking over the floor while a partner watches for visible deflection; any bounce indicates the need for sistering or adding blocking between joists to stiffen the structure. Measure flatness with a straightedge at ten foot intervals and mark any high or low spots; sand or plane high areas, and fill low areas with a cementitious floor patch that is rated for tile use, following the manufacturer cure time. If the subfloor is plywood thinner than five eighths of an inch over joists spaced more than sixteen inches on center you should install an additional layer of exterior grade plywood or choose a bonded cement backer board system to reach the required stiffness and thickness. Where moisture is a concern such as over a slab or in a bathroom with poor ventilation install an appropriate vapor barrier or waterproof membrane on the slab, and choose an uncoupling membrane or cement backer board with a waterproof membrane on top to protect the tile assembly. Fasten cement board with the correct screws at the specified spacing, tape and thinset the joints with alkali resistant mesh tape, and use a latex or polymer modified thinset mortar rated for your tile type to bond the tile to the prepared surface.

Common mistakes include relying on the existing floor without testing for moisture which leads to adhesive failure and tile pop outs; prevent this by using a moisture meter and applying a vapor control membrane when readings are elevated. Skipping structural stiffening or using undersized plywood creates deflection and causes tile or grout to crack; fix this by adding a second layer of plywood or installing reinforcement between joists before installing tile. Using the wrong underlayment or installing cement backer board improperly results in delamination or movement; follow the manufacturer instructions for fastener type, spacing, joint treatment, and use a bonded waterproofing membrane when the installation requires it.

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