Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/16/2009

Question
Advantech I have not heard of...I'll look into it online.
I am researching what app to use for a tile install over a t&g covered exterior floor.  I read one of your q&a forums that stated; using a wire mesh in the format would keep your upper layers of material from shrinking and expanding with a wooden surface.  My question is, where in that would mesh belong?  I intend to use hardyback or wonderboard ontop of the t&g slats(the slats which run atop of cantilevered joist which create the front porch). Any

Answer
Hi Rory, a cement board underlayment is probably your best bet for this application.  Hardi makes a tile underlayment sheet for this purpose. If you are going to completely cover the porch with a layer of real cement 2" thick then you would use a mesh to bond this layer to the wood but it will add quite a bit of weight to the project.  Your best bet is cement underlayment board found at most home improvement stores or tile outlets.  I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com