New sub-floor or other option

nel262

Kitchen remodel.The current subfloor has linoleum over stick on tiles over linoleum.Very hard to scrape all this stuff off.I have seen on some shows on HGTV where an orange product,don't know the name is thinset to the sub floor and then tiled over.The use of the product is so that the tiles aren't directlty on the subfloor,in case the floor expands/shifts the tiles don't crack.Can I use this method over the layers I have to then have the tiles installed or should I remove the sub floor and start from scratch?Does anyone know the name of this product? I see it used on all these shows which are based in Canada.Is it used,required in the US?Or are the tiles always on cement backer board? The existing subfloor is 1/2 thick,with the orange underlayment and tiles my finished floor will then be about even with the hardwood floor in the adjoning dining room.All comments welcomed!
Thanks,
Nelson

illectric

its called ditra from schluter.

RedHelix

I used Ditra in my kitchen remodel when faced with the exact same circumstances as you. Had linoleum under linoleum under sponge carpet. Had to pull up the sponge carpet (which was... horrible) and resigned to Ditra when I saw I'd only chipped off the tip of the iceberg.

At any rate, it's an excellent product but you have to specifically read the instructions and find a compatible mortar or adhesive. Obviously, stuff that'll work on cement board doesn't always work with Ditra.