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How thick is tile over concrete?

xxPaulCPxx | Posted in Construction Techniques on February 25, 2007 08:19am

I’m redoing my bathroom, but I won’t be getting to the tilre for a bit.  In the mean time, I’m roughing in my pocket doors.

Just wondering, with regular 12″ ceramic tile bedded in thinset on concrete, how much higher is it over the bare concrete surface normally?  I was thinking if the tile was 14″, then it would be 3/8″ total height with the thinset under it.

Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

Also a CRX fanatic!

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Replies

  1. User avater
    JeffBuck | Feb 25, 2007 08:21am | #1

    I'd guess 1/2" ... so your right there.

    3/8th ... same difference .... there's enough play up and down.

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

  2. User avater
    IMERC | Feb 25, 2007 08:23am | #2

    allow for 5/8"

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

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    1. User avater
      xxPaulCPxx | Feb 25, 2007 08:47am | #3

      Thanks guys!Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

      Also a CRX fanatic!

  3. kayaker | Feb 25, 2007 05:39pm | #4

    please put  ditra under it!!!!

  4. DanH | Feb 25, 2007 05:58pm | #5

    Yeah, at least 1/2". The larger tile tend to be a bit thicker, though, so you may see a hair more with 12" tile. Plus a crack-stopping membrane (Ditra) will add slightly to the thickness.

    Somewhat surprisingly, the additional thickness usually isn't a problem for folks walking into the room. People are conditioned to expect a half-inch or so variation in floor height when crossing a threshold. And if carpet is on the other side you'll end up nearly flush.

    Do note that some "adaptation" may be required for the toilet. In some cases it may be wise to have a plumber raise the flange in advance, but usually you can do OK with just an extra-thick wax ring if the flange is at a reasonable height to begin with.

    Work extra hard to keep the floor flat and level around the toilet, so the stool doesn't rock. NEVER, EVER just tile up to the toilet, vs removing it and tiling under it.

    So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
    1. User avater
      xxPaulCPxx | Feb 25, 2007 11:52pm | #7

      So why exactly would I need Ditra?  I could see its utility on a second floor, but not on a 1st floor bathroom over a well cured (1960) slab.  What am I missing?Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

      Also a CRX fanatic!

      1. Piffin | Feb 26, 2007 01:06am | #8

        I wonder about that too for over a slab 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      2. DanH | Feb 26, 2007 03:40am | #9

        How worthwhile it is depends on a number of factors. If you're doing small scale tile in a small space over older, uncracked concrete then it's probably unnecessary. The larger the area, the larger the tile, and the newer the concrete, the more worthwhile it is. And obviously if the concrete is visibly cracked (or reveals cracks when wet) then a crack membrane is needed (if not something more).
        So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

        1. sarison | Feb 26, 2007 04:46am | #10

          I have only used the schluter ditra over newer concrete, it works wonders over cracked and uncured (young) floors.  It's worth the $ to use it if the floor is even questionable.

        2. User avater
          xxPaulCPxx | Feb 26, 2007 10:19am | #11

          Tiny space (5x7.5), 47 y.o. concrete, no cracks existing in it.

          No ditra for me!Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

          Also a CRX fanatic!

          1. DanH | Feb 26, 2007 02:25pm | #12

            Just for grins, wet the crete and see what you see. Probably some hairline cracks, but they're not a problem if they've been there for decades.
            So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

  5. Piffin | Feb 25, 2007 06:35pm | #6

    That is kind of like asking "What size are the tires on my car?"

    I would allow 3/4" but at least 5/8". Tile like that that are nominally 3/8" can plane out to take up a good 7/16" and add 1/8" for the thinset. Then you could buy thicker tile and the floor might be needing some levelor....

     

     

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