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Bathroom Tiling Question

12 years ago

On the non-shower section of my bathroom floor, I currently have:

2 x 10 joists 16" on center

3/4" plywood

1/2" plywood

thinset

tile

The surface of the tile is level with the carpeting in the bedroom adjacent to the bathroom.

Prior to installing new tiles, I believe that everything up to and including the 1/2" plywood must be removed. If this is the case, then what should I install on top of the 3/4" plywood to maintain the correct level between the new tile and bedroom carpet? New tiles will be either stone or porcelain and probably 16x16 or 12x24.

I am open to using plywood, ditra, durock, or other recommended products. Also curious how close I have to be to the current height -- if I'm off by 1/8", will it matter?

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Comments (4)

bill_vincent
12 years ago
If it were me for my own home, I'd put back the plywood, waterproof it, and tile it. I would not, however, be adverse to using cement board, either 1/4 or 1/2", or even using 3/8 ply, and then Ditra over the top of it. You'll still come back to the same height.
jaidog
Original Author
12 years ago
Bill,

What product should I use to waterproof the plywood before tiling over it?
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Hey there, thanks for the feedback! Yes that was my concern, I didn’t want it to look busy with all of the tile work. I hear ya, but it’s also the guest bathroom (though guests have been few and far between the last 2 years!). But I’m of the mindset I want to make something as beautiful as possible, even for my little guy 😀. Right now the bathroom is straight out of the 80s. Lol. But thank you!
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I like the flooring on the right better. The one on the left that has a bit more going on feels kind of faux to me but not in a good way. I'd stick with 12x24. It just feels more contemporary than a square. I'd run the length of the tile with the length of the room. Enjoy the marble while it looks nice. I do hear it easily discolors with water stains.
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jaidog
Original Author
12 years ago
Bill,

May have answered my own question -- are you thinking Hydroban to waterproof the plywood? Also, when I removed tiles, I noticed a lot of thinset in uneven amount stuck to the 1/2" plywood. Is there a way to remove this thinset and salvage the 1/2" plywood so I can leave it down? Or, am I better off ripping it out and installing new 1/2" plywood?
____
bill_vincent
12 years ago
are you thinking Hydroban to waterproof the plywood?

yes.

Is there a way to remove this thinset and salvage the 1/2" plywood so I can leave it down?

The way I do it is to use a grinder with a vacuum shroud on it. But that's pretty expensive to buy, and very few rental places will have it (although you could ask). That would take it right down to clean plywood. In the absence of a shrouded grinder, I'd replace the plywood.

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