I am building a small kitchen/bar area in my basement. I have installed a 3/4" exterior plywood over my cabinets. I have spent two frustrating days trying to put 1/2" durock over the ply, but I really hate working with the stuff. My main problem is my countertop will be 24" and the sink is 22", which only leaves about 1 inch at the front and rear of the countertop. Every time I make my cuts, those areas always crack. I also don't like the edges of the product when cut-they are basically crumbling away. Can I remove the durock and apply the tile directly to the plywood? If so, is there anything further I need to do to the plywood or is it ok as is? Are there any other underlayment products out there better than durock? I am an average joe DIYer with limited skills, so I'd like to bypass this step altogether if possible. This bar area will basically see very limited use so I'm hoping tiling directly to the ply will be ok.

I'm replacing a three way alcove fiberglass tub with integral skirt and tile flanges. The manufacturer says that stringers should put up on the studs to support the underside of the deck. My problem is that the underside is irregular because of the varying thickness of the fiberglass underneath the deck. Do I need the stringers? Should I put them up to support the lowest point? I appreciate any help. Thanks.