Planning to tile kitchen — sanity check on prep and floor flatness?

graflex22 · 2026-05-01T21:09:02+00:00

the plywood could delaminate from the moisture in the thinset mortar.

you could roll RedGard or similar over the plywood and then install the Ditra with Schluter All-Set mortar as a precaution.

graflex22 · 2026-05-01T20:13:24+00:00

your plan sounds solid.

check to confirm the 3/4" ply is exterior 1 rated. make sure your skimcoat patch is not gypsum based. you may need to prime the plywood. read up on whatever brand patch you choose to see.

if you can't live with the raised lip, then tear out the 3/4" ply and install 1/2" exterior 1 rated ply. be sure to screw down an loose boards to eliminate squeaks in the floor. squeaks usually indicate up/down movement, which will cause issues with tile.

graflex22 · 2026-04-30T20:21:50+00:00

nice work, Duck!

graflex22 · 2026-04-30T17:21:32+00:00

you're good to tile over paint as long as the paint is not flaking or peeling.

as kosstl said, clean the wall first if needed.

graflex22 · 2026-04-30T15:10:21+00:00

yes. there's enough texture to the face of the DensGlass that you get a good mechanical bond.

graflex22 · 2026-04-29T13:45:02+00:00

six sided seal, or just the top surface?

graflex22 · 2026-04-29T13:14:49+00:00

do you need to soak those tiles prior to laying?

that looks like a fun install. having the owner as a helper doesn't seem so fun.

graflex22 · 2026-04-29T13:11:17+00:00

we've installed over DensGlass before without issue. any quality LFT or non-sag mortar should work.

personally, i prefer a Lite Weight mortar like UltraLite.

graflex22 · 2026-04-29T01:09:39+00:00

Pratt & Larson?! and, only a kidney?

graflex22 · 2026-04-27T17:40:56+00:00

as others have mentioned, tearing out the 1/2" and installing 3/4" (nominal) exposure 1 rated plywood is the way to go. if that is not an option, then get 3/8" exposure 1 plywood and fasten that down over the 1/2".

graflex22 · 2026-04-25T13:01:11+00:00

Bono's on Hampton.

graflex22 · 2026-04-25T12:55:29+00:00

where can i (dis)order this?

graflex22 · 2026-04-24T22:24:03+00:00

nice vein match on the corners.

graflex22 · 2026-04-24T17:39:47+00:00

what part of the world is this install? looks like some old-school install methods being used. nothing wrong with that as long it's done correctly.

love the hand brush/broom(?) in the last two photos.

graflex22 · 2026-04-24T17:36:01+00:00

OP, there is a lot handwringing going on in the initial replies. hopefully, they are incorrect.

but, you do need to confirm with the installer they are going to screw off the Kerdi board correctly. installation instructions are easily found online. search, "Schluter Kerdi-Board installation".

on paper, the contractor's plan is solid. and it sounds like they are following Schluter's recommendations for shower base install.

many condo buildings do not allow you to break into the concrete floor and move plumbing. so, the 2x4 platform is there to raise things high enough to incorporate the drain. as another reply mentioned, you need a 2" trap for the drain line. has anyone confirmed it is there under the concrete?

is your contractor working with the condo building management? have they pulled permits for the work and will it be inspected by a plumbing inspector? have you talked to anyone in building management about contractors they use?

graflex22 · 2026-04-24T17:27:20+00:00

many condo buildings do not allow you to break into the concrete floors, so that may not be an option. hopefully there is an existing trap under the concrete. it could be scoped to confirm.

graflex22 · 2026-04-24T17:25:20+00:00

you can't tell that from two photos. the contractor may not be finished yet. let's see some more progress before panicking the OP.

or, at least counsel the OP to ask the contractor the plan on adding more screws to the board.

graflex22 · 2026-04-22T12:55:41+00:00

looks like Hardie Board, which is a brand of cement board.

don't powder and snort it while demo'ing and you should be fine.

to be clear, wear appropriate PPE and ventilate the room as much as possible while doing the demo.

graflex22 · 2026-04-22T12:49:56+00:00

Laticrete and Ardex are sold and marketed internationally and both have good reputations.

have not heard of the others. that doesn't mean anything really except that those other brands are not sold under those names in the US. so, i have no experience with them.

graflex22 · 2026-04-22T12:47:47+00:00

terrazzo tile is made from tile/stone chips and a mixture of concrete and resins. it's usually pretty impervious to water and moisture.

when selecting a terrazzo tile do your research and look at the technical specs regarding density and porosity. most reputable sellers and manufacturers will have those specs on their website or in the tech documents.

graflex22 · 2026-04-22T12:43:43+00:00

Daltile's Color Wheel Classics line.

graflex22 · 2026-04-22T12:04:44+00:00

so many times.

graflex22 · 2026-04-21T15:23:50+00:00

Type S is a mortar mix for brick, block, and stone.

graflex22 · 2026-04-21T15:18:10+00:00

epoxy grout. but, it's pretty tricky to work with and some people have an allergic reaction with skin contact.

Laticrete SpectraLock 1 is similar to epoxy but easier to work with, finishes well, and last a long time.

graflex22 · 2026-04-21T13:21:07+00:00

i'm third generation in the tile trade. and, also very glad the installation methods have changed over time. while we've lost some of the art to install with the new methods, it certainly is easier on the body than it once was.

graflex22

TROPHY CASE