What do you think about this prep work? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Pearce Services · 01-17-2009, 12:38 PM

I have a tile job to do, the contractor was responsible for all prep, I just need to show up and tile. Well, we have all been through this before, so I decide to stop by and see his work before I schedule the installation.

He has 3/8" underlayment over 2 previous plywood layers, plenty of thickness, joists are adequate for deflection etc. Here is the problem, he stapled with 3/8" narrow crown staples, 6" OC, and left no gap between the sheets of plywood.

I am planning on plunging a circular saw into the plywood to get a 1/8" expansion gap, and screwing off the whole floor. Overkill?

I am working directly for the HO who is willing to pay me the extra for the added work. Would you guys discuss this with the GC, or let it go?

jarvis design · 01-17-2009, 12:52 PM

A am assuming the 3/8" plywood is standard grade (not G1S). You are on the right path - definately allow for expansion and most definately screw down the plywood. Staples are a bad idea!
My other advice is to use a top grade polymer modified mortar for laying your tiles. The best polymer to use is the type you mix yourself - ie. laticrete unmodified mortar with poly admix. However, their are lots of good mortars out their straight out of the bag - just don't cheap out!!

Pearce Services · 01-17-2009, 01:12 PM

I will be installing 1/4" wonderboard first, then the thinset and tile, would you try to educate the GC, or just let it go?

R&D Tile · 01-17-2009, 05:29 PM

Let it go unless you have to follow him installing tile over his prep work in the future, don't forget the thinset under the cementboard or better yet scrap it all together and use Ditra.