I have 13x13 ceramic tiles to install in my kitchen over plywood subfloor. What is the most appropriate way to install? I've been told to use various techniques: cement mortar, thinset adhesive, cement backer board, tiles can be laid right over vinyl flooring!! ), etc. We are very handy and did lay large marble floor tiles in a cement mortar base very successfully, but that was 20 years ago. I know products and techniques have changed over the years. My current project layout itself is not a complicated design. I am most concerned with getting the install done right. I don't have any questions on grout or grouting techniques. Thank you.

I've been wondering the same thing. Seems that plywood would flex when walked on and your thinset would crack. But cement board would raise the floor so much that when it met another room, it would tower over it.

I wouldn't recommend laying tile on less than 1.5 inches thick subfloor.

Normally for tile you will want ~1.5 inches of plywood and .25 inches of hardi-backer laid with some type of glue and fastener (screws recommended, have used liquid nails and roofing nails). I normally used 1 - 1 quart tube of liquid nails per 3x5 sheet of hardi-backer. They put the fastener pattern on the hardi-backer for you ;)

Once the subfloor is down, it is *recommended* that you get the fiberglass mesh tape and cover the visible cracks an fill them in with mortar, making sure that you don't leave excess mortar on top of the subfloor. You should get good coverage on the tape, but only use enough to bond it to the floor (it shouldn't take much, but do fill the cracks).

Once your subfloor is done you are ready to lay with a 1/4 x 1/4 trowel.

Btw when I say mortar, I mean thinset mortar.