HI,
I'm in the process of my first bathroom reno. I am a firm believer in doing it solidly and right the first time. Have taken everything out (tub, sink) and removed floor down to the joists. Have now replaced subfloor with 3/4" plywood glued and screwed to the joists. About to add a second layer of plywood 1/2" it will be glued and screwed to the previous layer. After that I have some "whats is the best product" questions. My plans are for a ceramic tile finished surface. Bathroom is only 73" square without tub now.
Using the internet I have found there are a few choices.
It seems the next layer should be either a modified thin set and 1/4" to
1/2" cement board. Some sources also do a self-leveling cement and other still use something I recently found at Lowes /Home Depot stores called a "schluter system." Any comments out there. Or even a better suggestion?

Oh, and should I choose the cement board- do I cover the whole floor? Or secure the tub and then use cement board in remaining areas. Worried that if I don't have some sort of water/vapour barrier under the tub I will have problems later.

Thank you!!

Hey Steve...

Schluter system looks great, but I'm not familiar enough with it to comment on it.

I have been installing the cement board in the modified thinset as you are asking about for at least 10 years now and have never had any issues... EVER!

I use the alkali-resistant screws as directed and I tape seams per instructions.

Set the tub as directed by tub manufacturer and then install the cement board so that it LOCKS the tub into place (keep cement board 1/8" off the tub and fill this void with the modified thinset... ;) ).

If you prepare the walls properly you should not need a vapor/water barrier under the tub. If you are installing cement board on the walls be sure to keep the board off the tub 1/4" or so and tape and fill this joint between tub and cement board with the modified thinset (reduces any chance of water WICKING up the cement board years down the road).

Let us know if you have any more questions...

MARK

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Thanks!

Pop back anytime... glad to help!