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Should I level the floors between rooms?

Chuck5's picture

Should I level the floors between rooms? (post #205562)

Chuck5 on Sun, 01/01/2012 - 22:37
in

I am installing vinyl tiles in a walkin closet with washer and dryer included over lightweight concrete. This room is approx. 160 sq. ft. in the second story off of the master bath and connects to a hallway. These connecting floors are tile in the bath and engineered hardwood in the hall. They are 3/8" to 1/2" thick and the tile will only add 1/8" to the closet floor. Should I level the closet floor to meet the other two (prefered) or leave it at it current height and install the vinyl? I used self-leveling cement to level the other floors before installing the hardwood and tile so have some experience there. I would appreciate any and all suggestions.

-A +A

Absolutely (post #205562, reply #1 of 5)

by Piffin in reply to Chuck5 [original] on Mon, 01/02/2012 - 05:20

You could glue down a 3/8" underlay instead of SLC

That way if you changed to another thicker material in the future it would be easier to deal with.

 

 


or try this site for the whole gang

http://forums.delphiforums.com/breaktimeclass/start

Thank you (post #205562, reply #3 of 5)

by Chuck5 in reply to Piffin [original] on Sun, 01/08/2012 - 22:13

Thank you for your input. I like the idea of being able to change to a thicker floor later but won't a wood underlayment reduce the efficiency of the radiant floor heat?

I would level them to lessen (post #205562, reply #2 of 5)

by MarkH in reply to Chuck5 [original] on Mon, 01/02/2012 - 05:29

I would level them to lessen the chance of tripping.  Also I would put a drain pan under the washer, because it's going to leak someday and you don't want that on the second floor. 

As for how to level them, I would use 1/4 inch underlayment under the tile if the floor is consistently flat. 

If the floor is not very flat then the LW concrete could be a better idea, but I would not put it under the washing machine because of the severe loads a washer can transfer to the floor. I would put underlayment under the washer.

Thank you (post #205562, reply #4 of 5)

by Chuck5 in reply to MarkH [original] on Sun, 01/08/2012 - 22:24

Thank you for your input. I agree with removing the trip hazard. I have plumbing already installed for the drain pan. The floor is not consistently flat so will have to use the self leveling stuff. I just know it is going to take many bags and a lot of mixing.

change of plans (post #205562, reply #5 of 5)

by Chuck5 in reply to Chuck5 [original] on Sat, 01/21/2012 - 17:53

Decided to go with plywood underlayment but can't screw it in place because of radiant heat tubing in the concrete. Any adhesive suggestions?