Flooring Tile - Using Thinset Mortar Under Ditra?

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View Full Version : Using Thinset Mortar Under Ditra?


Howitzer
08-17-08, 02:42 PM
I talked to a guy in the flooring department at Home Depot and he says I can use thinset mortar to secure Ditra membrane to my plywood sub floor (in a small 5' x 5' bathroom) plus use the same thinset to set the tile over the Ditra. Is this true?

I have half a bag of thinset in the garage, it has hardened a bit. Can I still use it?


Gunguy45
08-17-08, 04:01 PM
Have you gone to the Schluter website? I think thats specifically what they recommend.

The tile guys are all out, but I think thats correct.

HotinOKC
08-17-08, 05:00 PM
Get a new bag. A 50lb bag of Versabond is only $14.


JazMan
08-17-08, 08:26 PM
Well, it has to be bonded with thinset, how else? The question is which one? Kinda funny, but HD does not sell a thinset mortar that Schluter approves of to set tiles over Ditra with. I don't think HD stocks any dry-set anymore? They only sell modified thinset.

So fine, use Versabond to install Ditra to plywood. But Schluter won't like you using it to bond the tiles, it'll work, but no warranty.

Of course put that old bad of thinset at the curb this week.

Jaz

Howitzer
08-18-08, 01:56 AM
I checked out the Schluter site and they say that the setting and grouting materials are as follows:

1. Latex portland cement (p.c.) mortar – ANSI A118.11 - from their diagram this goes on before the Ditra.

2. Unmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1 - the tile is secured using this of course.

http://www.eteamz.com/supremefastball/images/Ditra.JPG

comments?

HotinOKC
08-18-08, 03:26 PM
Well, it has to be bonded with thinset, how else? The question is which one? Kinda funny, but HD does not sell a thinset mortar that Schluter approves of to set tiles over Ditra with. I don't think HD stocks any dry-set anymore? They only sell modified thinset.

So fine, use Versabond to install Ditra to plywood. But Schluter won't like you using it to bond the tiles, it'll work, but no warranty.

Of course put that old bad of thinset at the curb this week.

Jaz


Jaz,

Schluter recommends modified thinset for Ditra installation.

Schluter does not however, warranty their Kerdi showers installed with modified.

http://www.schluter.com/media/brochures/DitraHandbook-2008-ENG.pdf

JazMan
08-18-08, 08:19 PM
Mark,

What in my post seems wrong to you? How did Kerdi enter this discussion? Maybe you've been starring at that monitor too long?:blah: You trying to school me on how to install Ditra? :blah: Now that is funny!:coffee:

Jaz

Howitzer
08-18-08, 11:01 PM
Jaz,

Schluter recommends modified thinset for Ditra installation.

Schluter does not however, warranty their Kerdi showers installed with modified.

http://www.schluter.com/media/brochures/DitraHandbook-2008-ENG.pdf

Is modified thinset and latex portland cement mortar the same product? See my last post for a diagram I posted, which says that Latex portland cement (p.c.) mortar should be used.

HeresJohnny
08-19-08, 06:22 AM
How

Yes. Its the same thing.:)

HotinOKC
08-19-08, 06:50 AM
Mark,

What in my post seems wrong to you? How did Kerdi enter this discussion? Maybe you've been starring at that monitor too long?:blah: You trying to school me on how to install Ditra? :blah: Now that is funny!:coffee:

Jaz

Sorry Jaz, I misread your original post. Also, HD only has one dryset now, Customs Blend, and it is horrible stuff. Might as well use mud and straw.

Howitzer
08-19-08, 11:03 AM
How

Yes. Its the same thing.:)

So I think I have it now, modified thinset to lay the Ditra on top of plywood, then unmodified thinset to lay the tile on top of the Ditra. Do I have it right? Do I have to add anything to these mixes, other than water?

What notch size of trowel do I use the lay the Ditra?

I plan to lay 12 x 12 tile, what notch size of trowel to lay this size of tile on the Ditra?

HeresJohnny
08-19-08, 11:38 AM
So I think I have it now, modified thinset to lay the Ditra on top of plywood, then unmodified thinset to lay the tile on top of the Ditra.

Thats right.

Do I have it right? Do I have to add anything to these mixes, other than water?

No just water to the modified and unmodified.

What notch size of trowel do I use the lay the Ditra?

Schluter recommends either 1/4" x 3/16" v-notch trowel or 5/16" v notch trowel.

I plan to lay 12 x 12 tile, what notch size of trowel to lay this size of tile on the Ditra?

You could try a 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4". If you arent getting good coverage than move up to 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4".

JazMan
08-19-08, 06:43 PM
I recommend using a 5/16 V to install Ditra. Problem is you may have a hard time finding one. I have been cutting larger grooves for Ditra for many years. I don't get Schluter's thinking on this. There is a bid difference between a 1/4x3/16 V and a 5/16 V.:wall:

I always use a 1/4x3/8x1/4 as my standard weapon with tiles 12" or so. Just today I used 1/4x1/2x1/4 for a 12" ceramic, and the backs were flat with only grooves, not concaved at all. Start with 1/4x3/8, set it, beat it, then immediately remove it and check for thinset transfer. :thumbup:

Jaz