I am tiling a pantry with 12 X 12 ceramic tiles. In one area (where a freezer will be rolled over the floor) there is an 1/8 inch variance from level over a 12 inch span. This occurs where two pieces of hardi backer meet. Will the mortar correct this or do I need to use a sub floor leveling compound? I want to prevent cracked tiles.
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Greetings RE,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
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You can tile right over that change of plane. Use mesh tape at the joint between the backer boards per the manufacturer's instructions. You would only use self-leveling compound if you were dealing with a large area and/or a significant out-of-level condition. For beginners it's too hard to get good results with SLC, and you are better off floating the thinset mortar a little bit to plane your tile. Don't build it up much more than 1/4", unless you buy one of the thinset-on-steroids products that allows for thicker buildup on floors.... ProLite is one.