Please help the flange rookies!

We are installing a new toilet in a powder bathroom and are planning on installing tile.

We have already replaced the subflooring and just installed Hardie Backer around the perimter of the flange as we had read in a book :confused:

The Hardie Backer is now sitting around the flange perimeter, there is a 1/4" gap between the Hardie Backer and the flange lip and the flange rim itself is 1/4" to allow for tile installation. That part looks fine for tile.

The concern is that when looking down at the flange there is a gap between the flange bolt markers and the subflooring that is 1/2" deep because we did not make the Hardie Backer go all the way in around the flange tube.

Will the toilet bolts still install properly by catching into the subflooring 1/2" down or do we need to squeeze another layer of subflooring past the Hardie Backer and around the flange tube?

Hope that make sense. Thanks.

If you're concerned that the closet bolts will fall into the space then do what I do. I take a extra nut and washer and secure the closet bolt to the flange. That way both closet bolts will be right where you want them to be and securely in place. Good luck, Tom