Joint compound vs feather finish for patching floors before tile - what's the right call?

I keep seeing guys fill low spots in subfloors with joint compound before laying tile and it drives me nuts. Joint compound shrinks and cracks under tile after a few months, especially on plywood. Feather finish or a proper self leveler is what you should use, yeah it costs more per bag but I'd rather spend the extra $15 than have a callback in 6 months. Had a buddy who used joint compound on a 400 sq ft kitchen remodel last spring and 3 tiles cracked by November. Am I wrong here or do some of y'all actually get away with using drywall mud under tile?

2 comments

2 Comments

wren_jackson18d ago

Honestly, is a cracked tile or two really that big of a deal in the grand scheme?

linda62617d ago

Is the crack structural or just cosmetic though?