As I've posted on before, I will first be installing 3/4" hardwood in the majority of the main floor. Some areas like the bathroom and possibly the kitchenwill be finished with tile. I haven't yet decided on HW or tile for the kitchen.

The existing subfloor is two layers of plywood (5/8" & 1/2") on 2x10 floor joist 16" OC in all rooms. The 5/8 plywood is the main floor decking with the walls placed on top of it, while the 1/2" is cut and laid on top of the 5/8 between the outer walls and interior partitions.

Having never worked with tile floors, I'd like to estimate the finished height of a typical tile installation. I've read about the need for cement board, duraroc, or other underlayment products under the tile with thicknesses varying between 1/4, 5/16, 1/2 or more. My questions...

What is the thickness of commonly used flooring tile?

In addition to the combined thickness of the chosen underlayment and tile, how much height should I figure is added by the tile mastic or adhesive?

Can this all work out to be level when the existing subloors are all at the same height?

Any other suggestions and advice are welcome.
ZT

Most tiles I have worked with were 1/4 to 5/16 thick. I would pick the tile I want, and plan from there. Without the tile in your hand, you have better odds in Vegas, on determining a plan of attack.

Thanks AFG! I could see where my choice of tile may depend on its thickness. Can you tell me what the tile mastic or adhesive is likely to add to the overall height?

Another question...

How do you handle undercutting door jambs for HW where a transition will occur. Is it common to only undercut half the jamb where the HW will be installed?

If so, how is this best accomplished? Cut halfway across the jamb and then make a vertical cut with a chisel to remove the piece?

Thanks again for any replies, ZT

Depends on the size of the tiles as to what thickness of a mortar bed.

The tiles need the door jambs undercut, too.

But yes, that is how I do it to terminate it. A sharp chisel.

Thanks again AFG! I appreciate your help!
ZT