Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Tiling with porcelain over 1/2" plywood 2nd story balcony
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Tiling with porcelain over 1/2" plywood 2nd story balcony
dbcyyc
05-21-05, 11:40 PM
I'm new to this forum and the whole notion of outdoor tiling.
I was visiting a Home Depot today and they recommended that I get some advice/details regarding tiling (porcelain) over a 1/2" plywood surface on a 2nd story balcony.
I was considering also putting a 1/4" Rhinoboard on top of the plywood, however I'm concerned about the total weight once I've tiled and cemented. The balcony is 20' X 9' and is supported by 2" X 6"s spaced 16" apart and attached to the house with deck hangers. The front part of the balcony joists rest on a fairly hefty cross-beam supported by 3 - 6" wooden posts.
I suspect that this is not enough joist power to support the weight of the plywood, rhinoboard, mortar and tiles plus the weight from people, furniture, snow, etc that will accumulate on the balcony over time. Without completing re-doing the joists with 2" X 8"s or 10"s, is it possible to add additional 2" X 6"s halfway between the existing ones or is it necessary to re-do the whole balcony with proper joists? I suspect the original builder of the balcony did not build to code and likely didnt get a permit and I also suspect that I may have to go back to the builder or the city and try to find out if a permit was ever obtained.
Any guidance or referral to another information source (deck engineering specs, etc) would be very helpful and much appreciated.
Thanks,
Ashley
(Calgary, Alberta Canada)
I was visiting a Home Depot today and they recommended that I get some advice/details regarding tiling (porcelain) over a 1/2" plywood surface on a 2nd story balcony.
I was considering also putting a 1/4" Rhinoboard on top of the plywood, however I'm concerned about the total weight once I've tiled and cemented. The balcony is 20' X 9' and is supported by 2" X 6"s spaced 16" apart and attached to the house with deck hangers. The front part of the balcony joists rest on a fairly hefty cross-beam supported by 3 - 6" wooden posts.
I suspect that this is not enough joist power to support the weight of the plywood, rhinoboard, mortar and tiles plus the weight from people, furniture, snow, etc that will accumulate on the balcony over time. Without completing re-doing the joists with 2" X 8"s or 10"s, is it possible to add additional 2" X 6"s halfway between the existing ones or is it necessary to re-do the whole balcony with proper joists? I suspect the original builder of the balcony did not build to code and likely didnt get a permit and I also suspect that I may have to go back to the builder or the city and try to find out if a permit was ever obtained.
Any guidance or referral to another information source (deck engineering specs, etc) would be very helpful and much appreciated.
Thanks,
Ashley
(Calgary, Alberta Canada)
lefty
05-22-05, 02:16 PM
Your existing structure won't support the weight of the tile, and everything needed for it. And you don't put tile over 1/2" plywood.
The 2X6 joists are fine for a wood deck. But you'll need larger joists (2X8 or larger) 16" O.C. for tile. How large is the beam? ("Fairly hefty" means nothing to me!!) And you'll probably need more than 3 posts to support it, depending on just how big it is.
Then 3/4" plywood, then 1/2 cement board.
Pull a permit for the work. You may have to go to larger framing due to snow load. And at the 2nd story, you'll have to have a code approved railing.
The 2X6 joists are fine for a wood deck. But you'll need larger joists (2X8 or larger) 16" O.C. for tile. How large is the beam? ("Fairly hefty" means nothing to me!!) And you'll probably need more than 3 posts to support it, depending on just how big it is.
Then 3/4" plywood, then 1/2 cement board.
Pull a permit for the work. You may have to go to larger framing due to snow load. And at the 2nd story, you'll have to have a code approved railing.
dbcyyc
05-23-05, 11:40 AM
Thanks Lefty,
Yes, I think that all sounds like the right thing to do, however would doubling up the 2x6 at 8" O.C. work as well? I wasnt going to tile right over the plywood, but rather put 1/2" rhinoboard over top of some thin set, screw that into the existing plywood and joists, then mortar and tile on top of the rhinoboard.
The beam is actually 2 - 2X8's (7-1/4") sitting over top of the three posts spanning 20 feet total. The joists are attached on single hangers nailed to a 2 X 8 stringer attached to the frame of the house and span about 9' to the double 2X8 beam (4X8).
The existing railing is pretty sturdy and would likely meet code, but I will check with the city and make sure.
Any other input on the above comments about structural integrity would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Ashley
Yes, I think that all sounds like the right thing to do, however would doubling up the 2x6 at 8" O.C. work as well? I wasnt going to tile right over the plywood, but rather put 1/2" rhinoboard over top of some thin set, screw that into the existing plywood and joists, then mortar and tile on top of the rhinoboard.
The beam is actually 2 - 2X8's (7-1/4") sitting over top of the three posts spanning 20 feet total. The joists are attached on single hangers nailed to a 2 X 8 stringer attached to the frame of the house and span about 9' to the double 2X8 beam (4X8).
The existing railing is pretty sturdy and would likely meet code, but I will check with the city and make sure.
Any other input on the above comments about structural integrity would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Ashley