Very small ceramic tile project


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Old 05-01-16, 04:53 PM
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Very small ceramic tile project

Actually it's a tiny project compared to everything else I'm doing but still want to do it as correct as possible.

I am creating a 18" x 54" hearth from 3 pieces of tile, and they need to be raised 1/2" above the existing 3/4" plywood subfloor. They will never see foot traffic so I'm not sure if I need backer board or could I just use 1/2" plywood?

How much does mastic raise the tile?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Old 05-01-16, 05:10 PM
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Using thinset rather than mastic, it will raise it nominally 1/8" or so once they are pressed in place. I would use the 1/2" CBU for the additional space rather than plywood. What are you going to do about the edges?
 
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Old 05-01-16, 06:00 PM
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OK, thinset it is.

I didn't see 1/2" CBU at HD, maybe I missed it. Can I use 2 pieces of 1/4"? What if I need to adjust the height just slightly?

As for the edges, the thought is to just leave them exposed since they are finished and will only sit the tile thickness above the adjacent laminate floor trim.
 
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Old 05-01-16, 06:12 PM
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I would use a 1/2" sheet. They are available.........right.......next to the 1/4" You'd have to be the judge on the edge. I just wanted to bring it up.
 
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Old 05-01-16, 07:42 PM
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Was checking the HD website and didn't see 1/2" listed. Searched again and there it was. Under 'Drywall'.

Thanks for the help, sounds straight forward.
 
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Old 05-02-16, 08:25 PM
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Over your plywood - thinset, then your favorite CBU. Install the tiles etc. You can use an "L" tile edging which will also protect the edges from chipping.

Jaz
 
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Old 05-02-16, 09:07 PM
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Thanks JazMan! A picture is worth 1000 words.
 
 

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