How do I Lay Pavers Over a Wood Floor?
- 1). Install backer board over the top of your wooden floor. The backer board will help protect the wood from rotting due to caustic chemicals found in the thinset mortar used to attach the pavers to the floor. Place the backer board running across the floor joists. Attach the board using screws every 6 inches. Seal the backer board with silicone caulk to prevent moisture from reaching the wood beneath.
- 2). Place layout lines onto the backer board by measuring to the center of each wall and snapping a chalk line across to opposite walls. Your layout lines create a large cross on the floor. You'll begin placing your pavers from the center of the floor where the lines intersect.
- 3). Apply waterproof thinset mortar in the center of the floor using a 3/8-inch notched trowel. Spread an area no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet. Press the pavers into the thinset mortar following the layout lines. Use joint spacers between the joints to evenly space the pavers.
- 4). Let the finished pavers to set for 24 hours. Fill the joints with grout. Using a grout float, sweep grout into the joints of the pavers. Wipe the pavers clean using a damp sponge. Keep extra grout wiped off of the pavers as you sweep grout into the joints.
- 5). Allow the grout to set for 24 hours and clean the pavers with a scrub brush and soapy water. Allowing the pavers to dry after cleaning will help expose spots that remain soiled by the dried grout. Apply grout sealer onto the grout joints to prevent water from infiltrating the joints and as a secondary means of protecting the wood floor beneath.