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Thanks guys on your previous suggestions to help me figure out my subfloor work. I got the perimeter blocked and supported and laid down a layer of 3/4 today. I did some shimming etc.. to try to get it back to as level as possible, and even though its not “perfectly level” It’s a hell of a lot better. Now I still feel that I need to get the deck closer to “perfect level” before I install the 16″ tile. I’m making up 2″ to the toilet flange, I’m going to lay a layer of 1/2″ over the 3/4 that I put down today and then finish it with 1/2″ hardibacker. Now my question is, is there a good self leveler that I can put down over the plywood to try and get out any low spots I might have. Also should I apply it after the second layer(1/2″) or can I apply now (over the 3/4) and then lay the 1/2″ and 1/2″ hardi. I really want to get this as close to level as I can. Any info on “levelers” would be appreciated. Thanks. Rick |
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Rick, lay the 1st layer of ply, then use thin-set mortar to set the Hardi-board and final level the floor. Most cementitious backers recommend thinset to set them anyway, but my brain isn't quite sure if that's true for Hardi-board, but I don't think it will hurt to use it either way.You really only need to get rid of any severe dips, say anything 1/4" or less over a 78" level is O.K.
You'll be setting the tile using thin-set as well, so you can do "final " leveling as you set the tile, again use a long straight edge.
Geoff
Hey Geoff,
I plan on using thinset to set the hardi-backer, but what I was wondering was, at what point do I pour the self leveling compound? After the new deck (3/4") ? or after the underlayment (1/2") ? Does it matter? I know I can do a final leveling with the thinset after I lay the 1/2" Hardi over the previous two layers when I tile, but there are a couple of spots that I want to get a little more level. Also, can these self leveling compounds be poured right onto the plywood or am I going to need to install some type of membrane, and how long do they have to sit before I can resume working on the floor?. I've never used any before so any input would be appreciated. As always. thanks
Rick
Best place to get the full story of the exact product you'll be using.....is the tile store you will buy it from. Go to a real tile store.....and ask what they recommend for your situation....and how to apply it.
Just worked with some great stuff....don't remember the name....will get the same stuff again from my same tile store if needed.....but this was over concrete....so don't know if it would work for you or not.
Just ask local......they'll know. Jeff * Jeff J. Buck/ Buck Construction/ Pittsburgh, PA *
2nd Generation Buck Const, 3rd generation Craftsman
Hi Ricky and Geoff,
I have a similar situation where the floor is 3/4 inches out of level over 7 feet but I don't have the luxury of raising the floor 2 inches because of the stairwell. Right now I have 3/4 subfloor inset into the joist bays. I am thinking of putting either 1/2 inch plywood underlay then mesh and thinset then tiles (16inches), or trying to level the floor with 1/2 Hardi on the low side which I would use thinset to raise the lowest side another 1/4 and use 1/4 Hardi on the high side, again thinset to the 3/4 subfloor and raise the edge on the low side to match the 1/2 inch Hardi so the resulting floor would have a slope of 1/4 inch over 7 feet which should be acceptable. Any comments? Also in where I live, Toronto, Canada, it is standard practice to set tiles on 5/8 or 3/4 subfloor with just mesh and thinset on top as a substrate, I have never seen this method used in FHB or related publications. Does anybody have any experience with this method and long term results?