How to Fix Concrete Before Tiling
In order to provide tiling with the right mortar adhesion and support for tiling, there must be a flat, firm surface underneath. For this reason, concrete is usually a good base since it won’t move or soften, even if it gets wet. However, if the concrete is damaged it must be fixed before it can be tiled.
Things You'll Need
- A vacuum
- Some heavy-duty floor cleanser
- A scrub brush
- A mop
- Floor leveler mix
- A bucket
- A drill with mixing attachment
- Vacuum the concrete. Make sure to get all of the debris out of any of the cracks or gaps.
- Use a heavy-duty floor cleanser to thoroughly clean any grease or grime off of the floor.
- Mop up the cleanser and allow the floor to dry for at least 2 days.
- Fill your bucket 1 to 2 inches full of water. Put enough floor leveler mix into your bucket in order to cover the water. Use a drill and mixing attachment to mix the contents together well. Add more as needed, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions so that you can fill all of the cracks, gaps and holes on your floor. This should be a thin mixture with almost the same consistency as water.
- Start at one edge of the floor and slowly pour the liquid leveler over each crack, hole and low spot as you work your way across to the other side. Make sure to only pour the leveler where it is needed and pour just enough to fill the contours.
- Allow the floor to set for a day.
- Thoroughly vacuum the floor.
- Tile directly over the concrete surface that you just repaired.