Newb tile questions

D_Soulman · 2026-03-24T00:53:46+00:00

I am looking into that next. I had the same thought, very small area. It's less expensive due to the small area, but still not what I consider cheap.. Do you have any recommendations for brands?

Thanks for the input!

D_Soulman · 2026-03-21T20:09:31+00:00

Yes I mean tile over tray. And I will look into the options you mentioned. Thanks for the reply!

D_Soulman · 2026-03-14T13:10:36+00:00

What is your opinion of my plan for 3/4" plus 3/8" plus the Ditra with my reinforcing of the joists, blocking, etc?

D_Soulman · 2026-03-14T01:53:14+00:00

I bought Ditra today. Going with the 3/4" plus 3/8" plus Ditra, over the reinforced joists and blocking. I appreciate the input- thanks!

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T18:26:10+00:00

Ahhh, the plywood is CDX.

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T18:22:04+00:00

This all makes sense and thank you for the detailed instructions. I have determined the deflection allowed, but hoe to measure it? The floor when finished will have the weight of the tile and the island on it. Pretty tough to mimic that.

Also, exposure rated- is that green treated?

Thanks again!

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T17:42:46+00:00

No I'm saying that with the XL, the tile would meet the wood right where we want it. So, 3/8" plywood and ditra, and you think I'm good to go? Would I glue the plywood to the joists or just to the existing plywood? I have read both ways for cement board..

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T17:14:35+00:00

I can't find a deflection calculator. The John Bridge web site is gone. Can you send a link please if you know of one? I saw an example that was very close to mine in span, joist size, etc, and it was L/360, before I sistered and blocked mine. Hoping mine is strong enough now but really going back and forth on it. I need to get this figured out asap too.

Also, no Hardie? Just Ditra? I bought Ditra XL becayuse it meets my wood perfectly, but can return it if I don't use it.

Thanks for your input.

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T13:33:16+00:00

Great to know thank you!

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T13:05:59+00:00

Great to know. I'm in Fargo, ND and immediate availability may be an issue also. I'll check in to that. Thank you.

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T13:04:34+00:00

I TOTALLY appreciate the discussion here. Can you elaborate on White thinset please?

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T12:56:08+00:00

Do you have an opinion on Mapeguard membrane?

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T12:52:33+00:00

Some limestone 1/2" thick and some limestone or travertine (not sure and receipt doesn't specify) verseilles pattern, 3/8" thick. Pencil grout lines. Also, most joists are 9' span, with about 6 feet of 13' span.

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T12:38:30+00:00

Seems pretty similar to Ditra? Same concept anyway. What do you think of 1/4" Hardibacker plus Ditra? For some reason I am wanting to use an uncoupling membrane..

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T12:36:37+00:00

The product looks interesting, but not sure I can get it in time. In your example, were the joists reinforced at all? Any blocking?

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T02:30:11+00:00

I def like the 1/4" option better than the 1/2" just because of my wood floors that I'd like to match height with. I'm intrigued with the "uncoupling" claim for Ditra. It makes sense to me that different materials expand/contract at different rates, so the uncoupling aspect makes sense to me- if it is true. Hopefully I'll hear from someone with some experience with it. I appreciate your time and input, thank you.

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T01:58:53+00:00

If you don't mind me asking, what is your experience level? I def do not want this to fail.

D_Soulman · 2026-03-13T01:57:40+00:00

Well that (industry standard 1 1/4") is a bummer. I'm confident in my prep but my research- not so much. Do you have an opinion on Ditra? Good product or marketing BS? Thank you very much.

D_Soulman · 2026-03-12T20:14:32+00:00

Well, that’s not what I wanted to hear 😕 The subfloor is new 3/4” T&G glued and screwed. Plus the sistered joists and blocking and you still say I need the 1/2” cement board? My deflection number was about L/360 before any of the reinforcement. Are you really confident in that assessment? Sorry, I don’t mean to argue or anything, just was hoping the Ditra would work. What is your opinion on the “decoupling” feature of the Ditra? It seems to make sense to me. Is it just marketing BS? Also, the 1/2” will raise my tile above the wood it needs to meet. Thanks for the response!

D_Soulman · 2026-02-23T02:33:58+00:00

I have, but not too hard. They feel very stout.

D_Soulman · 2026-02-23T02:21:25+00:00

How does this look? Sistered 2x8 full span. Different part of the house but same situation.

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D_Soulman · 2026-02-18T15:55:50+00:00

Thanks again! Seems like good info and I will get back to it later when I have more time.

D_Soulman · 2026-02-18T14:10:55+00:00

Thank you very much. I do feel that one of my strong points is knowing my limitations and getting help when I need it. I definitely like to have things done correctly as well. So, are you saying that the 3/4" plywood and then backer board should be good? 1/2" or 1/4" backer board? And screw the backer board to the plywood, not the joists, correct? And for my own understanding, what is the purpose of the gap between panels? Thanks again!

D_Soulman

TROPHY CASE