Self-leveling underlayment: How to get it level and the correct height

[@Feelstoramusic]

Great information on how to make sure you have enough material, or in some cases, not too much, in areas to create a uniform level/and or flat floor. You should definitely create a video showcasing how to prep, layout the grid, pour, move the material, and finished floor at the end! Alot of youtubers show them pouring it but do not show the level/flatness at the end, because I'm guessing it really is neither of those when they don't take the time to do it right.

[@CassieSnowLV]

Extremely helpful thank you!!

[@bamarich]

I'm in Alabama and want to tile our kitchen, bath, and dining room floors using 12x24 porcelain. I've removed the linoleum and lauan. The subfloor is 3/4" plywood over 2x8 joists, 16" OC. Can I just lay Ditra then tile or should I put down 1/2" cement board? Please advise... If my subfloor 3/4" plywood was over engineered joists 16"OC, would I need to do anything different?

[@typ044]

You don't need backer under ditra, your question on sub thickness and joist spacing is something that can't be answered without more info. Essentially you need to know the joist depth and length and then look up a deflection limit calculator online. Basically needs to be L/360 for ceramic/ porcelain and double that for natural stone. Nobody online can guess the sizing of your floor joist.

[@DIYTileGuy]

You should download the Ditra installation handbook from Schluter. It's free and very informative. You can install backer and Ditra over it if you like but you can install Ditra right over the subfloor too. What @typ044 said about the floor joists.

[@bamarich]

Thank you @@typ044

[@bamarich]

Thank you!@@DIYTileGuy

[@typ044]

@@bamarich no problem. to clarify you need to know the unsupported length of the joist, for example if the joist is 20' but has a beam/girder or support wall in the middle your span would be 10'.

[@CP-ou8js]

What is the thinnest plywood I could tile without it warping? Thanks!! What state do you live in? ...for jobs?

[@DIYTileGuy]

If you're referring to a subfloor then this can go over standard subfloor thicknesses. 3/4 inch OSB or 5/8 inch plywood with 16-inch centers.