This is my first of 4 tiling projects (all floors and all going over vinyl flooring). I started with kids bath (not even 5'x6'). I removed all molding and thought I'd tear up some vinyl. Discovered that its very thin and can come up pretty easiy, but would prefer to avoid the work.

Thinking about screwing through vinyl to further secure subfloor, then install 1/4" hardi backer board down and then 3/8" tile.

Questions are 1) how to I transition to carpet (1/4+3/8=5/8 height) which comes all the way to the edge of the jamb on inside of bath. Do I buy a marble threshold and cut it in between the jambs? (I dont want to cut the jambs, don't have the tools. 2) How do I handle the toilet flange? Are there "extenders" that will install over the current flange and rise the bolt locations? Will one of those super thick wax rings work?

please help I want to do this next weekend. thanks in advance.

 

Why are you tiling over vinyl? Thinset (for the hardibacker)will not bond properly to vinyl, it needs to come up.

You need to pull the vinyl up and check the condition of the subfloor. Tile needs a MINIMUM of 5/8" exterior grade plywood. (this is not even taking into account your joists sizes and span)

If the subfloor is sufficient, you need to thinset the hardibacker board AND screw it down to the subfloor, or use a Schluter Ditra underlayment.

If you do not do any of this, you are possibly at a high risk of tile failure.

 

I thought screwing the backer board over the vinyl flooring would be sufficient. The floor is in good shape adn actually very thin (1/8"). The house is only 7 years old and I am confident the subfloor is 3/4" plywood and another type subfloor installed over this.

 

Backerboard should be imbedded in thinset prior to screwing it down - and that thinset won't adhere to the vinyl. Considering how easy it is to rip up vinyl - why take the chance.....

 

Midi

The vinyl needs to go. Additionally, the 1/4" underlayment of luan, particle board or whatever has to go as well. Having these products underneath tile is almost a guranteed failure. Once you remove that tell us what you have left. What type of wood subfloor, how thick and how may layers. Tell us what you have for floor joists, what size, on center spacing and unsupported span.

 

OK thanks. I ended up tearing up the luan (relatively easy) and laying 1/4" hardi backer board in bed of thinset. Then laid the 12" tile (BTW I had joists 16" OC and 5/8" plywood underneath). Only problem is the grout i bought from store was a 2 part mix...well i only used one part and the grey grout turned blue overnight. SO I have to dig that up and re-grout.