Tile install, previously carpet & vinyl (linoleum)

[PeterT]

I am replacing the flooring in the lower level of my house. The main room was carpet, the foyer/hall/bathroom/garage entry were all linoleum.

I pulled up the carpet, and removed the tack strip, I am ready for cement board.
It looks like they installed the vinyl 1/4" higher, with a thin luan material.
The house is only 15 years old, so the subflooring looks to be in good shape and must be 3/4+ thick (OSB).

When I pull up the vinyl flooring, should I also remove the luan?

 

[Garage Flooring]

Ceramic tile really should not go directly over luan but here you are using cement board...... One of my concerns would be height and do you need that 1/4" but my other concern would be Luan will delaminate it if gets exposed to moisture.

 

[tab2]

I agree with the moisture concerns but since you are on OSB which I am assuming is over wood framing (not concrete) you should be fine. Did you have any squeaking issues? That would make me pull it. I would pull it too if it easy (only screwed down), if it is glued down I would leave it. I would make up the different in height with 1/2" or 3/4" cement board.

 

[duneslider]

The Luan most certainly should be removed prior to tiling the floor. It is NOT a stable material and should not be under the tile.

 

[PeterT]

Ok, I will tare it out,, that will give my two exterior doors a little better clearance.
Thanks!

 

[Todd.Brock]

Tile install, previously carpet & vinyl (linoleum)

If you use knipex nail pullers or an equivalent , it will go much faster pulling all the staples. When you pull up the luan, there will be 100's of those little bastards. Everywhere. Pull them up and then you can lay your backer board. You will get into a rhythm pulling them up. It's the quickest way I found.

n

 

[PeterT]

Good idea, I've got a set of those knipex nippers.

 

[3sum]

Make sure to thinset underneath the backerboard too. Too many DIYers don't do that step.


Chris Pope Locust Grove, GA
07 Sprint ABS, 07.5 Tuono, 85 V65 Magna

 

[PeterT]

Todd.Brock, great advice on those pliers, I had a pair of Channellocks just like that and they worked wonders on those staples. I couldn't believe how many staples the installer originally used, every seem had them ever inch or so.
Got all of them up, cleaned and vacuumed.

I do have a question, I have a large room 16'x14' and than the foyer entry, hall, etc. I plan on using 1/4 durock cement board for the large room, the 3x5 sheets will lay down nicely with minimal cuts.
For the remainder, I was going to use the Ditra membrane, mainly because all of the angles and cuts and smaller areas (closet, laundryroom, bath).
In order to transition from the cement board to the Ditra, I was going to use a v-notch trowel, with a thin layer of thinset for the 1/4 cement board. For the Ditra, I would use the normal amount of thinset 1/8 to a 1/4.
I want to eliminate any hump or have any sort of grade between the two. SHould I just use my 4' level on the transition or is there a trick. I am not suggesting I build up the thinset too much, but hopefully I can transition between the two. The subflooring is level so I have a level floor to start with.

 

[duneslider]

You really shouldn't use two different underlayments like that, just do it all with one or the other. You can't skimp on the thinset under the backer board either, that is what makes or breaks the whole deal with backerboard.

I would highly recommend just picking ONE method and stick with it through the whole project. In my opinion, the ditra is a MUCH better product but it obviously is more expensive. You get what you pay for though.