installing tile over Advantech subfloor

[flyguy]

Does anyone know what kind of adhesive I need to use to install 12" tiles over Home Depot's Advantech subfloor? The manufacturer, Huber Engineered Woods, punts the question on their web site saying: "Refer to The Tile Council of America Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation for specific tile installation information."

Does there need to be something between the two materials (like concrete backer board, etc)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

~ Mitch

[pushkins]

Do not ever install tile directly to advantech or any other sub floor. You will need to either install backer board or a membrane like Schluter etc...
If you install to a wood sub floor your tiles will crack and come loose, not a matter of if but when !!
The backer board needs a layer of mortar under it and screwed down, then install your tiles.
The Schluter needs the same mortar under it but you can install the tiles immediately.
I personally like the membranes like Schluter mainly because they are quick to install. However they will cost you more than backer board.

[Kman]

Schluter Ditra is also advantageous because it requires less tools. Basically, a utility knife and trowel, and the basic tools to mix up thinset. In your case, it requires modified thinset to adhere the Ditra to the subfloor, and unmodified to install the tile to the Ditra. Cement board is more difficult to cut, and requires more specific tools to cut corners and cut-outs.

Unlike cement board, Ditra requires no screws/nails, and the seams are simply butted together. Cement board requires the seams to be covered with alkali-resistant mesh tape and thinset. Sometimes this can cause slight humps, requiring a bit more work to tile over.

Ditra has less waste, since very small sections (as small as 2" square) can be pieced in. Small pieces of cement board can be difficult to screw/nail down, as they can break and crumble easily.

The real savings with Ditra is with the labor involved.

Downside to Ditra: It's more expensive than cement board, and sometimes it's more difficult to find a supplier. It does use a bit more thinset, but unmodified thinset is typically cheaper than modified.