Transition Height Options

I have some very thick retro tile that will transition to hardwood flooring. The tile when placed over hardiboard results in about a 1/4 inch too high. What options are there versus using hardiboard over the subfloor?

Variances at transitions isn't at all unusual. It takes some planning to get tile installed properly AND flush-up the adjacent surfaces at the same time. It isn't always possible.

You could use Schluter's DITRA underlayment instead of Hardi or any cement board. DITRA will only raise things 1/8" whereas with cement board the minimum is 1/4".

I had the same situation going from a laundry room I tiled to hard wood floor. I was about 1/8" higher than the hard wood. Installed a Schluter transition strip. Looks really nice and is installed with thinset when doing the tile. There is a slight lip to butt the tile up to so it was pretty simple. HD and Lowe's carry various depths and styles. Hope this helps.

Rick