Hot to lay down tile island in basement
1/26/2017 at 2:10:28 PM
Good day,
With all the floor changing in my basement I want to create an island along the wall and put some tiles, so that area can be use for my aquarium. So the aquarium wait would be apx 700kg with water. Tiles would lay on concrete floor.
1. Is there any specific advice on how to pick a tile/mortar that can hold so much weight ?
2. Is that better to use silicon to feel gaps between tiles instead of the grout ? Water might drop from time to time to that area.
Thank you
1/26/2017 at 3:09:51 PM
Hello,
As for mortar, you should be fine to use your standard mortar however make sure you spread it evenly and their are no air bubbles beneath the tiles to ensure the tile will not crack.
For the tile, it will be best to get a higher quality tile, if the budget allows you could look at a durable granite or marble tile.
I do not suggest silicone for your grout lines, simply use a regular modified grout and once the grout is applied and cured, use a sealant to seal your grout and tiles from any discolouration that could occur over time.
If you have additional questions let me know.
1/26/2017 at 4:00:05 PM
If the tiles are installed properly (meaning no air pockets) you should be able to use any tiles you'd like. Just use grout and a sealer. Do not use silicon.
1/26/2017 at 4:14:55 PM
I kinda need permanent 100% solution. if I have flooding or anything I wont be able to move my tank to fix vinyl tiles or remove water if any into them. I think regular tiles gives me 100% guarantee on that.
1/26/2017 at 4:15:52 PM
With tiles on concrete you are able to go ahead without concern.
So long as you use a non modified thin set mortar.
As an additional consideration you might want to add a Schluter product such as ditra which is an undercoupling membrane and is both waterproof as well as provides some structural protection against movement or Kerdi which is simply waterproof.
Use a sanded grout.
Timmerwerk Contracting.
1/27/2017 at 9:06:47 AM
Hey Dima,
Considering the floor is concrete, there should be no issue laying the tile down as if there was no fish tank. You can seal the grout to prevent it from staining with the water being dropped in the area.
Thanks and have a great day.
1/31/2017 at 9:53:31 AM
Hi,
I have built a few tank stands covered in tile and stone the safe way to do it is to have a steel frame built strong enough to support the weight safely, then sheet over with plywood, then and stone or tile look can be done to finish.
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