Hey guys, I have a new home that I am tiling...I have to match or at least be close to the level of the hardwoods that will be going in after I finish. The subfloors are plywood not OSB. I was thinking about using the 1/4 inch hardibacker? If I go with concrete board I may be a bit too high for the hardwood? My other option is Ditra. I am paying for the materials, I can get a bit more out of the deal if I can convince him that anything difficult when the tile supplier tells him that scratch coat is the best way to go???? Also I will need approx. 1500 sq. ft. of whatever I decide to go with.

Any advice will be great.

Thanks Bill

Hi Billy
As long as you obtain the height required to match the hardwood you can use either cbu or Ditra. Ditra would be my choice and your best buy would be at Tilemaster in Aurora. They have a link on our "Links" page.

You didn't mention Hardi Backer?? I was concerned with using the 1/2 inch cement board, especially if I used a thinset under it. I thought it would bring me up over 3/4 hardwood.

I've never used Ditra, I really want to try it. I assume I can go right over the sub-floor with it. Dry fit the product then thin set the Ditra to the plywood???? Do you need a premium thinset to install the Ditra. Also I guess it's still a good idea to use a Polymer Modified thinset under the tiles over Ditra.

Is that Schluter seminar in Concord open to newbies also???

Thanks Bill