how long do you wait after laying 12 x 12 tile before you can you walk on it?

What type of tile? Type of adhesive used?

Need more info.

Chuck

12 to 24 hours with 24 hours being the best amount of time.

pattyg2

I agree with u if installing ceramic tile.

For carpet tile, which is usually dry laid no tme limit.

For vinyl tile depending on adhesive one hour

Chuck

Most thinset states on the bag.. 24 hrs

Ok so what tile is this guy laying??

12 X 12 ceramic tile using regular thinset mortar I picked up at HD. I'm laying it over "hardeeback"(?? )

It is 12 X 12 ceramic tile and I'm laying it on hardeeback(? ) cement board. I've got just regular thinset mortar.

It is 12 X 12 ceramic tile and I'm laying it on hardeeback(? ) cement board. I've got just regular thinset mortar.

OK, OK, we got it!

You can get on the tile the next morning to grout. Basically 14-16 hours is a reasonable time to wait unless the room is cold or the installer is a big person. Once grouted you can do the final cleanup the next day and open the area for light traffic. Seal the grout after 2-3 days.

Just for clarification for those lurking, you should have;

Checked the subfloor and joists system for suitability to receive ceramic tiles. Spread thin set on the ply and installed your Hardie backer using roofing nails or proper screws, then tape and thin set all seams. Finally install the tiles using a modified thin set mortar that comes in a bag and you mixed with water.

Jaz

Sorry for the triple answer... I was having trouble getting it to post...
My subfloor and joists are OK I believe. Subfloor looks to be 2 layers of 1/2 inch or so of plywood (total just over an inch) from what I can see through the old plumbing holes and joists are 2x8 spaced about 16 inches apart. Is it important to put thinset between the subfloor and the backerboard? That is the only missing part. We've already put the hardie backer down... we did use the recommended screws...

I was just kidding about your triple post.

Setting ALL backers into fresh thin set mortar is imperative. If you don't, you're likely to develop hairline cracks within a short time. You may not see these at first. You'll have obvious cracks in 5 years or so max.

Jaz

So... I should take the backer board up and put the thinset under it... man... that stuff was hard to get screwed down... I don't think he will take it up... since he already put it down...