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I am getting ready to set 600 sq ft. of 12 x 12 slate tile in a log home. I already have one layer of 3/4″ T&G plywood as underlayment but due to a variety of factors ( in floor radient heat, excessive pressure from log supports etc)their has been some warping. I’m prepare to put a second layer of 3/4″ T&G down, but was wondering if I would be better off using a cement board or a combination of the two. Anyone have any ideas.
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Replies
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Two words for yeah, wet bed. If you know someone who lays tile they'll tell you that that is the best way to cover an uneven floor before install. Good luck.
*Also called a deck mud job. Fairly easy, and should only run about $5 a foot. Self leveling compound is fairly user friendly too.
*Another method to consider is to spread thinset with a 1"x1" notched trowel, lay down 1/2" wonderboard. Carefull how and when you screw it down. Depends on how warped your subfloor is. Luck
*My first thought is, how do you know the warping is "finished"? I would not recommend another layer of ply as it will form to shape with further warping. First things first, take care of the warping to be sure it is under control, then go with the Durock cement board underlayment. Floor leveling compound is good, but it won't prevent further warping. So if the movement is under control, you might also level it with plywood strips and then lay your durock as that would be much less weight than leveling compound.Also I'm assuming this is a wet area such as a bathroom. If not, the hardibacker is much easier to work with.Jon
*As Job Byrd mentions, make sure the subfloor is finished moving. Unless you don't mind a floor with a hump in the middle I suggest you do what Scooter recommends. Self-leveling will do it's job and with minimum thickness. Just be sure the fall of the floor doesn't exceed that allowable at thresholds.Backerboard will do nothing but mirror the deflection of the subfloor. It won't resist the stress in the wood, ie, strengthen the floor.
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I am getting ready to set 600 sq ft. of 12 x 12 slate tile in a log home. I already have one layer of 3/4" T&G plywood as underlayment but due to a variety of factors ( in floor radient heat, excessive pressure from log supports etc)their has been some warping. I'm prepare to put a second layer of 3/4" T&G down, but was wondering if I would be better off using a cement board or a combination of the two. Anyone have any ideas.