should I use self-leveling underlayment

[Camp Spiel]

I have a 130 sq foot kitchen with plans to install slate tile. I have a half an inch to 2 inch slope in the floor. Should I use the self leveling underlayment or level as I go with thicker mortar. Any better ways to level?

Thanks to all.

[Bud Cline]

Should I use the self leveling underlayment or level as I go with thicker mortar.

That technique really wouldn't work if by "thicker mortar" you are referring to thinset mortar. Thinset doesn't work like that and is not intended to be used as a builder-upper or a filler beyond a very slight minimum.

What is the reason for this 2" slope?
Is the floor structure suitable for a stone tile installation?

Stone tile flooring requires a structure twice as strong as that required for a ceramic tile installation.

[Camp Spiel]

The 2" slope is on an addittion to an 1864 farm house. The addition is also pretty old and is supported on one side by the original stone foundation and the other by rock and stone foundation which must have settled. I believe 2x6 joists. I wasn't too concerned about it supporting the flooring choice. Should I be? Is it the weight of the flooring?

Thanks

[Bud Cline]

The weight of the flooring is as important as the deflection of the structure. There are ways to determine the deflection but up-front I'll say I doubt any 2X6 floor joist system will support a stone tile installation according to the span tables.

What is the species of the joists?
How far apart are they?
What is the length of their unsupported span?
What was used for subfloor?
How thick is the subfloor?

[Camp Spiel]

I'll need to do some work to find out the species but the span is 10 foot and their 16inches apart, currently it has vinyl over 1/2 inch plywood. My ceiling is currently 7.4 feet so I was trying to avoid too much build-up.

[Bud Cline]

Species of the wood may be difficult to determine. What part of the country are you in? Houses built in that era may have had little compliance with any standard practices if there were any kind of standards back then. I'm thinking official standards didn't come along until around WWII. The wood species would most likely be something available in the immediate area and milled locally.

Is the 1/2" plywood the only subfloor? There was no plywood in 1864 so I assume the subfloor still contains elements below the plywood you haven't mentioned. The 1/2" plywood also doesn't meet code by itself.

[Kman]

Also, 2x6's spanning 10 feet is too much deflection for ceramic tile, let alone natural stone.

[Camp Spiel]

Its my second home in New Hampshire. Nothing is to code in this house. I need to rethink my plan and do a little more investigating. lIf the stone slate doesn't work out, would I be safe with a ceramic slate look?

Thanks alot Bud, great site for info and thanks for taking the time.

Joe

[stullis]

You will need to beef up your joist system prior to doing anything.

[Nick Arrera]

Camp Spiel said I'll need to do some work to find out the species but the span is 10 foot and their 16inches apart, currently it has vinyl over 1/2 inch plywood. My ceiling is currently 7.4 feet so I was trying to avoid too much build-up.

This translates to a deflection of L / 296..
Since the maximum deflection for tile is L / 360, and for natural stone is L / 720, your floor is rated for Sheet Vinyl or wood ..

[Camp Spiel]

Not what I wanted to hear but atleast I know where to start.

Thanks alot

Joe