Confused about thinset options: Unmodified, Polymer modified, Latex added
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Confused about thinset options: Unmodified, Polymer modified, Latex added
I am in the process of tiling a basement bathroom wall, floor and shower with poreclain tile. The basement floor is concrete slab. The floor tile will be 13"X13", the walls 6"X6", and the shower floor in 1"X1" sheets. The non-shower floor will have Ditra, so I plan on using unmodified thinset.
I understand that for the inside of the shower (walls and floor), I should use thinset, not mastic. But I don't understand the difference between the different modified thinsets, or if I should be using a latex additive instead of water.
At Home Depot, I see 2 "Polymer Modified" thinsets: Something like Versabond and Flexbond. Then, they have this milk like stuff that can be added to thinset instead of water. I don't understand the differenced and would'nt dare ask a HD associate to try to explain.
So, any direction in this area would be appreciated.
I understand that for the inside of the shower (walls and floor), I should use thinset, not mastic. But I don't understand the difference between the different modified thinsets, or if I should be using a latex additive instead of water.
At Home Depot, I see 2 "Polymer Modified" thinsets: Something like Versabond and Flexbond. Then, they have this milk like stuff that can be added to thinset instead of water. I don't understand the differenced and would'nt dare ask a HD associate to try to explain.
So, any direction in this area would be appreciated.
#2
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I think you pretty much have it. Yes unmodified (dryset) for the floor over ditra. Modified thinset (no mastic) for the walls inside the shower. Versabond and flexbond will both be fine for the shower. No reason why you cant get by with the cheaper versabond. The additive is not for versabond or flexbond. The additive is for dryset (unmodified thinsets) to make them "modified" and you don't need this.
Good idea not asking the HD guys.
I think you pretty much have it. Yes unmodified (dryset) for the floor over ditra. Modified thinset (no mastic) for the walls inside the shower. Versabond and flexbond will both be fine for the shower. No reason why you cant get by with the cheaper versabond. The additive is not for versabond or flexbond. The additive is for dryset (unmodified thinsets) to make them "modified" and you don't need this.
Good idea not asking the HD guys.
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Thanks
#4
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Without getting too technical here the dryset and additive is generally where additional bond strength is needed. The thing that immediately comes to mind is setting tile directly to plywood substrate.
Without getting too technical here the dryset and additive is generally where additional bond strength is needed. The thing that immediately comes to mind is setting tile directly to plywood substrate.