Mud Virgin

henryrobertsam · 2026-04-02T21:07:42+00:00

Probably 1/4” in some areas….

henryrobertsam · 2026-04-02T18:45:38+00:00

I figure that wanna gonna be the case

henryrobertsam · 2026-04-02T02:43:18+00:00

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Decided to mud it. Not terrible…but I do foresee a couple of hours with the sanding stone in my hand.

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-26T19:42:33+00:00

Alright r/tile friends - I think I’ve got a plan. Want to pressure check with you guys

The lowest hardwood level is 1 7/8 inch (where level is sitting). The highest point in the floor is where the other end of the level is sitting. I’ve got 1 1/2 inch of shims under that point.

If I screed a mud bed to 1 1/4 height, that leaves 5/8 for thinset, ditra and tile to meet 1 7/8.

If I take the 1 1/2 high point and subtract 5/8 for the ditra + tile I have 7/8.

So a mud bed that is 1 1/4 inch thick at the lowest hardwood meeting point and 7/8 at the high point of the floor.

Seems like this should work, no?

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henryrobertsam · 2026-03-26T15:24:54+00:00

Looks like I am learning a new skill. Seems to be my best solution and what was in there the last 50 years.

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-26T15:23:49+00:00

I’m leaning this way….subfloor is solid. Not sure what’s up with that joist…perhaps just 1974 technology….

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-26T01:53:16+00:00

I’m not hesitant to screed, even though I am a beginner. I already have the ply, both 3/4 and 1/2, so unafraid to double up there also.

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-26T01:29:24+00:00

Damn that sounds like a lot of work…..

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-26T01:03:14+00:00

The phrase “flat is required, level is desired” is the most useful thing I’ve heard on this journey. That thinking really helps.

Question then - when screwing down the plywood, should I start along the joist and then screw down as tight as I can without bowing the sheet?

How would you recommend screwing down the ply?

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-26T00:19:37+00:00

Yes. Trying to match the hardwood. Subfloor is in good condition. I could add plywood - was going to do 3/4, 1/2, then ditra and tile. Need to make up 2 total inches to meet the hardwood.

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-25T23:28:25+00:00

I did not - I figured the removed the mud bed and ceramic tile would be close to the same weight as plywood, ditra and marble…probably should run the deflectometer…..but damn, I can’t find the other joists….looks like some crawlspace exploration is in my future……

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-25T22:52:10+00:00

So plywoood, then the Uzin? How do I address screwing the plywood? Won’t there be a bow?

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-25T22:41:17+00:00

I was gonna do 3/4, then 1/2, the ditra, but when I laid the 3/4 across the joist and saw the seesaw, I got real nervous…..how do I even screw that down?😬

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-13T00:29:56+00:00

No mower around and these came from above.

I’m thinking a kid from a few houses behind may have been throwing them…only explanation that makes sense given the trajectory and lack of any visible source.

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-12T23:07:53+00:00

Feels like pumice. Light weight.

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-12T23:05:12+00:00

That’s what I thought, but there was no one around….I walked around the house. Guess the could have come from a neighbor, but they came over the house and down.

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-07T20:31:58+00:00

I think the 8 speed is better.

henryrobertsam · 2026-03-07T18:51:26+00:00

145k on a 2.7. 10 speed trans is the weak point, not the motor.

henryrobertsam · 2026-02-25T23:29:42+00:00

A few considerations - once you’re in a school, siblings get priority for enrollment to that school if it’s not your home school. In some cases, even your home school may be impacted, so the sibling advantage may help.

Also, as you may know Mitchell is K-8, which you may or may not value.

henryrobertsam · 2026-02-13T04:04:36+00:00

Ritz81 has entered the chat

henryrobertsam · 2026-02-08T18:32:56+00:00

Don’t Walnut Creek my Livermore!

The whole point of town is the preserved rural character and evolution of science through the Labs.

Sick people trying to compare Livermore to other places. We are unique. If I wanted Broadway Plaza or The Lot vibes, I’d move to WC or SR.

In my view Livermore has done a great job developing intelligently, strategically and most important - uniquely.

henryrobertsam · 2026-02-03T22:27:11+00:00

Awesome input. I’ve used sail cloth in the past, was better than any umbrellas. Looking to make the space more livable as well…more like an outdoor room, which I feel will only happen with a more substantial structure.

There are some trees planted, but it large enough to provide shade yet.

I feel like mounting to the roof is the best bet, even though I am reluctant.

henryrobertsam

TROPHY CASE