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DIY Slate tile entrance way questions....?

16 years ago

Hello,

I would like to install 12x12 slate tiles in my entrance way (approx 20sqft) and I have a couple of questions.

I've been doing some reading and I'm quite confused about subfloor requirements.

I have a 3/4" plywood subfloor which I have laid 1/2" laminate on top of EXCEPT for the entrance way.

1. I've read that I need at least 1 and 1/8" of subfloor to lay tile? Would adding another layer of 1/2" plywood suffice? No idea about joist spacing.

2. Do I need 1/2" cement backerboard on top of this subfloor?

3. If I add another inch to the existing subfloor (plywood + backerboard) and then add 1/2" thick slate I will be a full inch (or more) above my new laminate. Is this an acceptable transition?

I hope that makes sense.

Any help greatly appreciated.

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Comments (5)

ceramictec
16 years ago
If you can find out your joist spacing and see if your floor passes the deflection,
http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/deflecto.pl

you should be able to put another 3/4' plywood down ( 1-1/4')and use Schluter - Ditra to save on height.

http://www.schluter.com/6_1_ditra.aspx

Here is a link that might be useful: Ceramictec
green-zeus
16 years ago
I doubt you can handle that much height. You don't want the height to interfere with the door. The floor should stay below the threshhold.

The instructions I've read on backerboard say the subfloor should be 3/4". I've done a lot of tile work on floors and never had a problem with 3/4" subfloor and 1/4" cememnt board. You would lay 1/2" cement board so it is level with the other areas you've already done. Be careful of the slate thickness so you don't have height issues. Use a schluter edge where the tile comes up to carpet.

An inch above other flooring will pose a problem--you'd have to have a granite shop make you a special threshold to handle that transition.
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User
16 years ago
A quick, DIY rough test to see if your floor is stong enough - have someone jump on it while you hold your hands on the floor. Does it move? Not strong enough - add more plywood. If you are concerned about height, I would go ahead and add 1/2" plywood, then use Schluter Kerdi (available at home depot or tile shops) rather than cement backerboard. The Kerdi only adds 1/8" but will perform the same function as the backerboard. When in doubt, ask your questions on the John Bridge Forum. There are lots of pros there that volunteer their time to answer questions.
ceramictec
16 years ago
aliceinwonderland_ your actually talking about DITRA...not Kerdi. :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Ceramictec
User
16 years ago
Oh, goodness. Sorry about that - sometimes I think one thing and say (type) another. Funny part is, I've used Ditra, and never used Kerdi. Thanks for catching my error.

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