Tiles are usually very choosy regarding the materials they can adhere to. Even though experts have devised ways to make tiles adhere to almost any surface, ensuring that the substrate material is structurally stable is vital.
Today, we are going to focus on tiling over MDF. We will answer whether tiles can adhere to MDF and, if not, what measures can you take.
What is MDF?
Let’s start by defining MDF. Known in full as Medium Density Fiberboard, this is the main rival of plywood. It is developed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals, which are then put in a defibrillator to create well-shaped wood fibers. These residuals are combined with a resin binder or wax.
MDF is mainly used for internal applications due to its low moisture resistance. Besides that, it has got a wide array of uses. It can be used in making cabinets, flooring, and many other projects. It has an impressive finish that makes it ideal for decorative projects.
Out of the many great features of the MDF board, we will look into one that affects the project you may be trying to accomplish: the board’s low moisture resistance.
If you plan to tile over MDF, you must understand that this board can’t resist moisture. Any exposure to moisture will lead to swelling.
If the area you want to tile over MDF is around the kitchen or bathroom, the tiles won’t last very long, and neither will the MDF.
Is MDF a Great Surface to Tile Onto?
MDF is the worst surface to tile onto, especially if it’s located in an area that is prone to moisture. If you must tile over MDF, we would advise that you overboard it with a HardieBacker or a cement board of your choice.
Alternatively, you can waterproof it to ensure that nothing gets past the tiles into the MDF.
Failure to do any of the above, the MDF will start to swell within a few months. And that would result in the tiles falling apart. You will have wasted your precious time and resources.
Many people have had terrible experiences with tiling onto MDF directly. Therefore, you should avoid repeating the same mistake.
MDF may look good and have a wide range of uses. However, being used as a tiling surface is where MDF draws the line.
If you were planning to tile over the MDF board, don’t worry because there are several methods and alternatives you can explore.
For instance, we have mentioned waterproofing the MDF or overboard it with a cement board. These two options will guarantee the longevity of the tile installation project.
What If I Use a Wall Tile Adhesive?
From the above. MDF isn’t a suitable surface for you to tile over. Even if you get the tiles to stick, they will come off when the MDF swells because of moisture.
However, as a savvy construction enthusiast, you may consider using a wall tile adhesive. After all, don’t these adhesives have the strength to bond permanently to tiles?
When you use wall tile adhesive over MDF, one thing will happen. The tiles will start coming off an hour after installation.
Why? The moisture in the adhesives will have been sucked by the MDF, leaving only the powdery stuff behind. Even though wall tile adhesive may seem like a quick and easy solution, it’s not the best.
MDF absorbent properties make it unsuitable for you to use adhesive to hold the tiles in place. You also need to be wary of adhesives that claim to be suitable for flexible materials. These can also disappoint you when installing tiles over the MDF board.
Should I Replace MDF Board with HardieBacker?
If you had installed the MDF for decorative purposes, understandably, the thought of removing and replacing it with a cement board may not sit right with you.
However, you need to think of this project from a professional point of view. When you tile over MDF, the latter will no longer be visible, nor will it serve any purpose. Therefore, is there a reason for it to be there in the first place? Probably not!
Instead of having a substrate that won’t adhere to tiles or one that will lead to future issues. It’s way better to replace the MDF board with a HardieBacker.
That will ensure the tiles have a suitable substrate to adhere to and will last very long. Most of the shortcuts your friends recommend won’t be effective and will waste a lot of your money and time.
What If I Seal the MDF Board?
When tiling over an MDF board, the biggest worry is the MDF getting wet. When that happens, it starts to delaminate and swell, pushing the tiles out of position.
If MDF were to remain moisture-free, you wouldn’t have any problems. However, the problem is that in most cases, tiles are usually installed in wet areas. Examples include the bathroom and the kitchen.
In such areas, if you are going to tile over MDF, we advise you to seal it first. There are plenty of sealers in the market.
Ensure you find a quality one that will keep moisture away from the MDF board. If you can keep the MDF moisture-free, your tile installation project should last longer.
Can I Cover Ply Over MDF?
A thin layer of plywood is another suitable method of tiling over MDF. The plywood acts as a barrier between the MDF and the tiles.
You can cover ply over MDF and tile over it. You will, however, need a strong adhesive to ensure the tiles stick. The ply must also be primed on the back and edges to ensure the structure is sturdy.
If you can seal the MDF beneath, that would be great. It will ensure maximum protection against moisture which may wreak havoc.
Is Aquapanel Great for Covering MDF for Tiling Projects?
If you have exhausted all options and haven’t found an ideal tiling method over MDF, we would like to introduce you to Aquapanel. For those of you who have never used this product before.
It’s a board that can be screwed directly into MDF. Aquapanel is made of fiberglass and cement. It protects the MDF from getting wet and is an excellent substrate for tiles. It’s also effortless to work with since it cuts pretty easily.
Source for an Aquapanel board at a store near you. Screw it on the MDF. You will have to ensure that there are no openings leading directly to the MDF. These can act as entry points for moisture.
Once you have covered everything up, you can tile over the Aquapanel, and the project should last long. Compared to tiling directly over MDF, this is a much better method with guaranteed results.
Can I Tile Over MDF Board Damaged by Moisture?
As a homeowner practicing DIY construction projects, you need not be too hard on yourself. If by accident, you exposed the MDF to moisture or water and now it’s swollen, this needs to be a learning experience.
The reason why you have to perform thorough research if you are uncertain about something is to prevent such scenarios.
If an MDF board has been damaged by moisture, it can’t be used as a tiling substrate. The board will keep on delaminating, and the project will be a complete mess if you lay tiles over them.
MDF is known to swell twice the original size when it is exposed to moisture. Imagine what would happen if there were tiles on top of the MDF as it expands.
The MDF board will need to go if you find yourself in such a scenario. This can be a lose-win situation because you can take this opportunity to replace the MDF with a HardieBacker or cement board of your choice.
With such a substrate, tiling would be much easier and more effective.
Should I Tile Over MDF Even If There is no Exposure to Moisture?
When tiling an area that doesn’t experience any moisture, you may think it’s safe to layer the tiles over the MDF board. Even if there is no moisture, there is no need to risk tiles directly over the MDF board.
We would advise you to follow the instructions we have laid out for you above. You can ply over the MDF or, even better, switch to a HardieBacker. This will guarantee the tiles stick firmly to the MDF.
The other thing that you must remember is that even in areas that don’t experience moisture, there are incidences when they may get wet.
There are things called unforeseen circumstances. You may not expect your home to flood anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean it will never happen.
Wouldn’t you want your tile projects to survive such incidents? If you do, kindly use the recommended method of installing tiles over MDF.