I plan on installing ceramic tile in a small bath, approx 20 sq ft. I have removed the the vinyl floor and the 1/4" luan underlayment, what is left is a 5/8" sub-floor over 16" o/c 2x8 joists. Should I use 1/2" concrete backer, or 1/4" hardibacker (which the company states is denser and more rigid than the 1/2" hardi or concrete backers)? The backer will be thin-set mortared and screwed to the sub-floor. Another question is how to cut the backer board around the existing toilet flange? Perhaps a special jig-saw blade or hand saw? Last question, I promise, should the tile and backer board go right up to where the carpeting starts at the door way? I am not sure if I will use a marble threshold or another method. Some suggestions would help. I am a first timer, so any other suggestions and tips would be greatly apprieciated. Thanks for all your help. These forums are a great source of information. Ray

I am redoing a small 1/2 bath with sink and toilet. It will not be exposed to moisture. My problem is I intended to paint the room but now my wife wants me to tile 4 feet up. Unfortunately I have sheetrocked and painted the walls with primer already. If I rough up the walls with sand paper will the tiles adhere.Is the paint primer a big problem? I really don't want to rip out the sheetrock. Thanks for any help