While the need to seal plywood subfloors seems obvious, there are other critical requirements to consider before laying tiles<\/a> on the top layer floor. Let’s explore the correct process you will need to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All wooden subfloors<\/a> need a protective sealant to make them waterproof to protect the wood from rotting and moisture damage<\/strong>. If this isn’t done, the tiles above the subfloor may crack<\/a>, creating an ideal situation for mold buildups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before tiling, I would never advise anyone to omit the step of sealing the plywood subfloor. The preferred sealing method to protect subfloor plywood sheets is to apply at least two layers of sealant. Let’s look at how to do this in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After building the subfloor to the required standard, the only remaining step required before tiling is adequately sealing the subfloor surface<\/a> and applying silicone sealant to the subfloor perimeter<\/strong>. I have listed the easy-to-follow steps below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, the tiling subfloor is protected adequately – apart from at the edges. That’s where silicone comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These two key stages (sealing then applying silicone) has a number of benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plywood is just wood and needs a suitable sealant for long-term protection against various forms of decay<\/a> that would subsequently affect the top layer tile floor<\/strong>. The benefits of sealing plywood subfloors are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Primer is the first coat of special paint applied to create a good bond with the plywood surface before subsequent paint layers<\/strong>. In addition, a sealant is a thin liquid layer used to seal the wood surface and prevent any form of moisture penetration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, you don’t have to use a primer on plywood subfloors before tiling, but you can<\/strong>. Although it is not the standard, you can prime and paint a plywood subfloor to get waterproof protection. I suggest opting for a sealant, but watch this video<\/a> if you decide to go the primer route:<\/p>\n\n\n\nIs It Necessary To Seal A Plywood Subfloor Before Tiling?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Various](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Various-construction-work-being-done-in-a-room-with-plywood-floors-1024x680.jpg\")
How To Seal A Plywood Subfloor Step By Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sealing The Subfloor Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Floor](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Floor-leveling-works-lay-plywood-on-the-floor-boards-1024x682.jpg\")
\n
Sealing The Subfloor Perimeter With Silicone<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/A-silicone-sealant-gun-1024x682.jpg\")
\n
The Benefits Of Sealing Any Subfloor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Should I Prime Or Seal Plywood Subfloors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n