wrote in message
ups.com...
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
Under the disgusting carpet in my living room, I've got hardwood floors.
Since part of the room serves as the "lose the shoes" zone, I'm tired of
trying to keep the carpet clean. So, I'm thinking of installing some sort
of
tile or slate in that area - something easy to just mop clean. That
"zone"
will meet new carpet at some point. Two questions:

1) Whatever backing belongs under tile, does it have to be so thick that
the
area will be slightly higher than the adjacent carpet? I'm wondering if
that'll cause height difference problems where the two materials meet,
and
people will trip.

2) How do I detect a lame installer for the tile? In other words, if an
installer says "You can use {fill in name of wrong material} under tile",
which answer should make me say "no thanks"?


It's actually a good candidate for diy.
A good substrate for ceramic tile would be 3/4 plywood and 1/4" cement
backer board correctly installed.
Were you planning to remove the hardwood?

Based on what two other rooms look like, the hardwood's in nice shape, at
least structurally. I'd rather leave it in place because if I sell the
house, it's a big selling point for some people.

Either way, you're talking about an inch of extra height, PLUS the thickness
of the tile. How do I avoid a ridge where the carpet meets? Put the backing
of the same thickness under the new carpet? 1/4 inch luan under 3/4 plywood
or some such thing?