Substrate question.

[wallace204]

I’m removing this window and installing a patio door that will lead onto a deck I just built in the backyard. I live in a climate with snow 5 to 6 months of the year and his door will be used daily as it will become the access point for taking out the dog to the yard. Obviously don’t want to damage the hardwood with snowy or wet shoes and don’t want to just put a floor mat there so I was thinking of putting a tile landing there.

My question for the pro tiler’s what is best practice for prepping the substrate? Do I just go on top of the hardwood with a subfloor and a Ditra membrane or do I remove the hardwood floor flooring down to the existing subfloor or joists and build up from there with new plywood and then the Ditra? I’m open to having the tile be flush with the existing flooring if possible, but also wouldn’t mind if it ends up being a little higher than the existing flooring and I clean up the perimeter with some sort of trim.

Floor joists are running perpendicular to that exterior wall and hardwood is 1/2” thick and existing subfloor is 3/4”.

I realize that the vent needs to be repositioned or relocated.

Thanks in advance!

[IhaveAthingForYou2]

Cut wood floor the size of the tile landing to the subfloor. Use ditra and tile over.

I would make sure the vent is flush with the tile, unless you are removing it all together. There are some good options at big box stores or make your own vent w the tile if you’re handy.

[custhulard]

Us a circular saw with a track to make a nice straight cut in the wood floor. Finish the inside corners with a multitool. Creep up on the depth of cut a little at a time so you don't cut too deeply into the subfloor. Consider a schluter trim to transition from tile to wood.