- To start with, choose a quality thin-set mortar for sticking the DITRA to the subfloor/substrate. ...
- Purchase a suitable trowel for the thin-set mortar between the substrate and the DITRA membrane. The DITRA trowel from Schluter is the best choice. ...
- Select DITRA or DITRA-XL underlayment depending on the job’s requirements. See “A Word About DITRA Thickness” below for more information on your options.
- Measure the space, and cut the first piece of DITRA to fit. ...
- Apply the thin-set to the substrate with your notched trowel at a 45-degree angle. ...
- Roll out the pre-cut DITRA over the mortar, fleece-side down, and press down the DITRA using a float or screed trowel to remove all air pockets. ...
- Raise a corner of the DITRA to check to make sure you’re getting 100% contact between the thin-set and the fleece backing of the DITRA. ...
- Trim the DITRA around drains, support posts, door jambs and other obstacles while the mortar is still wet or pre-trim the piece when fitting it, before mortar is ...
- Once the DITRA is down, you can begin setting tile immediately. ...
- Comb additional thin-set mortar over the DITRA with a notched trowel and solidly embed the tile into the mortar. ...
How to install Kerdi board Schluter shower?
- the system is completely waterproof ( even the floor drain)
- the shower pan ( tray) already has the slope so NO messing that up!
- it’s made for the average DIYer to install
How to install Schluter Systems drain kit?
The traditional method for installing tiled showers is time and labor intensive and creates a “water in/water out” system. First, a mortar bed is sloped to the weep holes in the drain. The waterproofing membrane, called a pan liner, is placed over this “pre-slope” and clamped into the drain.
How to install tile backsplash with Schluter trim?
- 3x6” corner bullnose
- 3x6” bullnose on the 6" side
- 3x6” bullnose on the 3" side
- 3x6” field tile
How to install a Schluter shower surround?
- light
- easy to cut and transport
- thermally insulating
- dust-free
- waterproof
How do you attach DITRA to subfloor?
0:272:04Schluter DITRA Over Plywood...Quick Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you can also use Schlueter all set and this is also a modified thinset that you can use it hereMoreBut you can also use Schlueter all set and this is also a modified thinset that you can use it here or bond Detra to a wood subfloor.
What do you stick DITRA matting down with?
Installing DITRA MattingApply a layer bonding adhesive like Ardex AF200 to the level substrate using a 3x3mm or 4x4mm notched trowel.Cut DITRA matting to size if required, then embed the anchoring fleece on the underside of the matting into the adhesive so that its entire surface is strongly bonded.More items...
Does DITRA have to set before tiling?
How long do I have to wait before I can install tile on the Schluter®-DITRA membrane? Once DITRA has been installed on the substrate, tile can be installed right away. No need to wait for the mortar to cure.
Do you need underlayment with DITRA?
In order to protect the integrity of the tile assembly, an underlayment that performs multiple functions is required. Schluter®-DITRA is specifically designed to allow the installation of ceramic and stone tile over any even and load-bearing substrate.
Do I need DITRA over plywood?
Ditra should be installed on plywood subfloors using modified thinset mortar, not unmodified. The difference between the two is that the unmodified is a mixture of Portland cement, sand and water retention agents. Modified thinset mortar adds latex polymers to increase its adhesion and strength.
How long does Thinset take to dry under DITRA?
The thin-set used on the Ditra surface takes almost 24 hours to dry. After tiling, ensure that no pressure or weight is applied to the tiles for the next 24 hours. After 24 hours, remove the painter's tape and plastic spacers and mix the grout according to the instructions if it is not premixed.
Do I need to tape DITRA seams?
DITRA and DITRA-XL installations can be made waterproof with minimal effort. Since the matting is made of waterproof polypropylene, the only extra step necessary is to seal the seams and floor/wall connections.
How long can DITRA sit before tiling?
After about 24 hours, it'll be ready for tile, and meanwhile Jim and Rich are getting started on the over half.
How soon can you tile after installing Schluter?
Wait 24 hours after the membrane (i.e., Schluter®-KERDI-BAND and Schluter®-KERDI) installation is complete to allow for the final set of the mortar and to ensure waterproof performance of the assembly at seams and connections before water testing.
How thick should subfloor be for DITRA?
DITRA is 1/8" (3.5 mm) thick, which minimizes tile assembly thickness and reduces transitions to lower surface coverings (e.g., carpet, engineered wood, and vinyl). DITRA allows for ceramic tile application over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 19.2" (488 mm) o.c.
What size trowel do you use to install DITRA?
For DITRA use a 1/4" x 3/16" (6 mm x 5 mm) V-notched trowel, 5/16" x 5/16" (8 mm x 8 mm) V-notched trowel, or the DITRA trowel, which features an 11/64" x 11/64" (4.5 mm x 4.5 mm) square-notched design, is recommended.
What size trowel is used for Schluter?
What size notched trowel should I use to install Schluter™-KERDI? A 1/4" x 3/16" (6 mm x 5 mm) V-notched trowel or the Schluter™-KERDI-TROWEL is recommended.
How long to let Ditra set slake?
Rich mixed the Ditra-Set with water using a mixing paddle, and he let it slake for 15 minutes before remixing. Schluter recommends mixing the thinset to a “fairly fluid consistency (but still able to hold a notch).”
What is ditra tile?
DITRA is composed of a polyethylene (plastic) grid of square cavities, each with angled, dovetail cut-backs, and an anchoring mesh laminated to the backside. It comes in long rolls (i.e. 1 m x 30 m), and it’s lightweight and easy to cut. DITRA is approved for use with ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile.
What is a ditra membrane?
DITRA is a versatile product and can do more than just provide an uncoupling membrane. DITRA can be used as a waterproofing membrane for vapor and moisture management, and to support / distribute heavy loads. Check out the installation handbook for even more information and certifications.
Why use Schluter-Ditra matting?
Professional tile installers and DIY homeowners use Schluter-DITRA matting to prevent the cracking of tile and grout caused by movement substrate, the foundational material beneath the tile. DITRA is also noted for its ease of use when compared with materials like cement backer board.
What is the alternative to ditra?
The Alternative to DITRA: Cement Board Underlayment. Commonly called CBU or cement backer board, or more technically, cementitious backer units, cement board underlayment was originally designed as a substitute for drywall in showers because it is resistant to moisture and mold and won’t deteriorate when wet.
What is a ditra membrane?
The term refers to the fact that the DITRA material prevents the tile mortar from sticking to the subfloor. It can be confusing because when we hear “uncoupling,” we think of something being coupled or connected first. In reality, the DITRA membrane prevents the coupling in the first place.
Why should OSB be covered with DITRA?
Wood Substrate: OSB, plywood and framing members should be covered with a material such as DITRA underlayment because wood is very susceptible to changes and to moisture. Wood expands and contracts with moisture and temperatures changes and flexes when bearing loads.
How thick is ditra?
Standard DITRA is 1/8” thick, and this helps to eliminate height differences where two different flooring materials meet; CBU is twice as thick at 1/4″. DITRA is fully waterproof; CBU allows water to pass through it, but is not damaged by the water.
Is ditra good for radiant heat?
Floors with Radiant Heat: DITRA is an excellent choice for use in any application where radiant heating is installed in the floor. Heat causes materials to expand, and they shrink again when they cool. That movement will cause tile cracks without a layer of motion-absorbing material such as DITRA.
How does ditra tile work?
DITRA provides uncoupling through its open rib structure, which allows for in-plane movement that effectively neutralizes the differential movement stresses between the substrate and the tile, thus eliminating the major cause of cracking and delaminating of the tiled surface.
What mortar is used for a ditra floor?
where a waterproof floor is required, all DITRA and DITRA-XL seams and floor/wall transitions must be sealed with Schluter®-KERDI-BAND using unmodified thin-set mortar ; see page 12 certain moisture-sensitive stones, e.g., green marble, or resin-backed tiles may require special setting materials. Consult stone supplier and Schluter®-Systems for more information
What is ditra waterproofing?
DITRA provides reliable waterproofing in interior and exterior applications. Its polyethylene composition protects the substrate from moisture penetration, which is particularly important in today’s building environment where most substrates are moisture sensitive.
How often do you need movement joints in a ditra?
DITRA does not eliminate the need for movement joints, which are essential in any installation. Provide perimeter joints at all restraining surfaces (e.g., walls, railings, etc.). In exterior applications surface movement joints must be placed every 8' - 12' (2.4 m – 3.7 m) in each direction.
Can you bond gypsum to ceramic tile?
Bonding ceramic or stone tiles directly to gypsum concrete substrates is generally considered questionable or not recommended . The challenges associated with gypsum-based underlayments include the requirement of an extended drying period before installing tile and continued sensitivity to the reintroduction of moisture throughout the life of the installation. In addition, since the coefficient of thermal expansion of gypsum concrete is substantially greater than that of ceramic tile, shear stresses caused by temperature fluctuations can result in delamination or cracking of the tile covering. This is particularly important when gypsum concrete is used as a thermal mass for radiant heated floors. With the increasing popularity of radiant heated floors, which typically utilize gypsum concrete, tile installers need a reliable installation system to address these issues.
Does a KERDI band need to be sealed?
all seams in DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-TB matting and floor/wall transitions must be sealed with KERDI-BAND using unmodified thin-set mortar. Note: KERDI-BAND must lap DITRA-HEAT at seams and at floor/wall transitions by a minimum of 2" (50 mm) in order to maintain waterproof integrity
Can you put furniture over a floor temperature sensor?
Do not place furniture or mats over the floor temperature sensor. They can act as insulation and raise the floor temperature reading at the thermostat. This may cause the heating to turn off before the remainder of the floor reaches the desired temperature.
