Make sure that there are no gaps behind the tile.
How to put tile on plywood wall.
The preferred method for tile installations is to use a sheet of underlayment.
Remove the tile and prepare the wall according to the corresponding instructions above or tile over the existing tile.
The safest most prudent course is to install tile on top of a cement backerboard such as durock wonderboard or hardiebacker.
For the best results when tiling onto plywood floors follow these instructions.
Backerboard does not shrink or expand when it comes into contact with water mortar and grout both contain water.
Plywood substrate alternatives.
Clean and heavily score area to where tiles are to be fixed it sounds like the adhesive does not have a rough surface in which to secure itself to.
Wall preparation keep the installation surface clean and dry.
Then put tile spacers on the corners of the tile and put another tile directly up against those spacers.
Next mix your grout and spread it into the gaps between the tiles using.
If existing tiles are beyond repair remove the tile and install a piece of wallboard in its place.
To be sure maybe drill up to 6 evenly spread out holes in the plywood at least 4mm deep or straight through in the areas to be tiled so the adhesive sinks into the holes and hardens hence creating a stronger fix.
When you get to a cabinet or the wall make a cut.
Repair any loose or cracked tiles.
Be sure to put spacers between each tile as you go.
To do so make sure all of the tiles are intact and secure.
Use long sweeping motions to apply mortar to the wall and start placing your tiles in the marked locations.
Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor.
This will leave an expansion gap between the tiles and the wall that will allow the floor to expand without causing cracks.
Place the two tiles upright against the wall.
Under british standards bs 5385 part 1 plywood has now been excluded as a suitable substrate material for the direct fixing of wall tiles therefore when tiling on to walls a tile backer board is required however tiling onto plywood floors is still acceptable under british standards.
Wash the wall with tsp tri.
Then press 1 of the tiles into the adhesive firmly.
Do not install glass tile over particleboard chipboard masonite press wood plywood or asbestos surfaces.
Step 6 cutting tiles.
Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage.
It will also account for the space needed for the grout line.
Put tile spacers around the second tile and continue in this manner.
Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water.
Measure where to cut a tile by placing the tile to be cut directly on top of the next full tile near the wall.
If possible you should always use concrete board underlayments rather than plywood.