The Important Prep Work HGTV's Mike Holmes Jr. Wouldn't Skip Before Laying Tile

Even if you splurge on the most beautiful tile for your renovation, if you skip the crucial prep work, your flawless design might crumble before your eyes. That's why it's important to approach the tile-laying process with care and keep expert advice from professionals in mind. Luckily, some HGTV stars have shared their insights on the process, including Mike Holmes Jr., a licensed contractor and woodworker who you might remember from "Holmes Family Rescue." As the son of renowned contractor Mike Holmes, he's bound to have gained plenty of valuable experience and insight over the years. 

Recently, Holmes Jr. took to social media to highlight the critical prep work he never skips before laying tile — properly cleaning the floors, installing an uncoupling membrane, and applying thinset mortar correctly. Sharing plenty of must-know tips for a perfect tile floor installation that DIY enthusiasts can benefit from on their own projects, his approach shows how attention to detail in the prep stage is key to achieving a high-quality finish.

When laying tile, it's not just about choosing the right design—proper preparation is what ensures your floors will last. That's why Mike Holmes Jr. recommends using an uncoupling membrane, like Schluter-DITRA, designed to protect tiles and grout from cracking over time. Uncoupling membranes create a buffer between the tile and the subfloor, allowing for slight movement without causing damage. Many, including DITRA and its alternatives, also offer waterproofing benefits. This added layer of moisture protection helps prevent damage and mold growth in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas exposed to water. While Mike Holmes Jr. uses Schluter-DITRA, there are plenty of other great alternatives — like Ardex UI 740 Flexbone Underlayment Membrane or Custom RedGuard Uncoupling Mat.

Holmes Jr. took to Instagram to share why he thinks this step is so essential. He highlighted its unmatched waterproofing and uncoupling properties, noting, via Instagram, how this "allows the subfloor and tile floor to expand and contract at different rates, preventing cracking of grout and tile." There are many things you'll need to know before buying flooring underlayment, but this expert advice from Mike Holmes Jr. emphasizes that whether you choose DITRA or an alternative like Flexbone, using an uncoupling membrane is a smart way to make sure your tile floor looks great for years to come.

In order to make sure your installation holds up over time, it's crucial to know how to properly prepare your subfloor for laying tile. In Mike Holmes Jr.'s Instagram post, he recommends making sure the subfloor is clean by wiping it with a wet sponge, which he says helps to "clean debris and add moisture to the subfloor, so the thinset doesn't dry out." Before applying the thinset mortar, he expresses that you should dry-fit the uncoupling membrane by cutting it to size and notching out any sections where plumbing or vents are in the way — this helps ensure a smoother application.

For the thinset mortar, Holmes Jr. says it's key to follow the manufacturer's mixing instructions carefully to be sure you get the right consistency. And, for application, he stresses the importance of using the correct trowel size. This will help you get even coverage, which secures the tiles to prevent any lifting pieces or uneven surfaces. The way Mike Holmes Jr. pays attention to these details in the prep work shows the benefits of taking your time to get every step just right — so you can get a professional finish that avoids costly issues down the line.