- 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. ...
Full Answer
What type of thin-set mortar is used to install Ditra?
The type of thin-set mortar used to install DITRA depends on the substrate material. For example, to set DITRA over plywood or OSB, a modified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.11 is used. To set DITRA over concrete or gypsum, Schluter-Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.1.
Can you use cement board instead of 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.
Can I use plywood for Ditra?
There was not enough stuck to get enough leverage to tear one off and find out. Most any plywood (even osb ) is an approved substrate for ditra. And if you use a thinset approved for that substrate, there are no problems at all.
What is the best substrate for Ditra tile?
Most any plywood (even osb ) is an approved substrate for ditra. And if you use a thinset approved for that substrate, there are no problems at all. Photos 3 and 4 had an unapproved substrate and, apparently, incorrect thinset (and a shitty tile job, but that’s a whole other post). It was nearly guaranteed to fail.
What type of mortar is used with DITRA?
To set DITRA over concrete or gypsum, Schluter-Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.
Can you use modified mortar on DITRA?
Since DITRA is impervious, it does not deprive the mortar of its moisture. This allows the cement to properly hydrate, resulting in a strong, dense bond coat. In general, we don't recommend the use of modified thin-set mortar to set tile over the membranes because these mortars must air dry to cure properly.
Can you use pre mixed mortar for DITRA?
No. Schluter-Systems does not recommend the use of premixed thin-set mortars (mastics/adhesives) in any DITRA installation.
What do you put down DITRA with?
2:3813:02Schluter®-DITRA Installation over Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDetra is installed simply and easily with thin set mortar.MoreDetra is installed simply and easily with thin set mortar.
Is uncoupling mortar the same as unmodified?
Uncoupling Membrane Mortar is an unmodified, dry set, medium bed mortar that was created for use with uncoupling membrane and waterproofing membrane.
How do you use thinset over DITRA?
To tile over the Ditra mat, you need to use the flat side of a trowel to cover the whole area of Ditra evenly with a thin set. Using the flat side of the trowel will fill the square holes or spaces on the Ditra with a thin-set. You can then use the notched trowel to spread the thin-set all over the Ditra surface.
What is unmodified thinset mortar?
Unmodified thinset consists simply of cement, finely graded sand and water retention agents. It's mixed with water before it's ready to be spread out on the subfloor.
Is Mapei uncoupling membrane mortar unmodified?
MAPEI's Uncoupling Membrane Mortar does not contain polymer and is considered non-modified.
How long after laying DITRA can I tile?
Once DITRA has been installed on the substrate, tile can be installed right away. No need to wait for the mortar to cure.
How do you prepare subfloor for DITRA?
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 is the difference between modified and unmodified thinset?
Unlike unmodified mortar, which consists only of a blend of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents, modified thinset includes additional retention products, such as latex polymers, which can increase its performance and strength.
What is fortified thinset?
Fortified Thin-Set Mortar is a professional formula, all-purpose mortar, polymer-modified to provide good bond strengths. VersaBond cures quickly and adheres to most surfaces.
Walking on Ditra before Tiling
In general, Ditra protects against excessive movement and deflects any weight applied to the surface. It can neutralize the weight deflection because of its structure, eliminating the chances of tiles cracking. Ditra also provides waterproofing, vapor management, and load distribution.
How to install Ditra, step by step
The installation of Ditra is not as simple as it looks. As such, Ditra installation requires some patience, practice.
Ditra Mat Tiling, what is the best way?
First, mix the unmodified thin-set and spread it over the Ditra mat. Use the flat end of a trowel to fill the gaps or the cavities on the Ditra mat. Use a notched trowel to make even rows of thin-set on the Ditra mat. It would be best if you then put the mortar on the back of the tile.
Tiling On Ditra Matting, what thin-set to use?
In general, use a non-modified thin-set for effective results. After matting the surface with Ditra, you can start to lay ceramic or stone tiles over the Ditra matting. The unmodified thin-set helps to maintain a strong bond between the tiles and Ditra matting, even with a higher moisture level.
Tiling over Ditra Heat, what should I pay attention to?
In general, before matting the surface with Ditra, seal the edges of the surface and then spread the Ditra mat over it. Put the heating cables between the studs and cover them with underlayment. When tiling over the Ditra heat, make the thin-set by mixing more water than usual to allow the tiles to stick to the surface properly.
Final Words
Through this article, you have learned if you can walk on the Ditra mat before tiling it. Since Ditra protects the tiles from any unnecessary movement, deflection, or moisture on the surface, walking over it before tiling or even after installing it for tiling will cause no harm to the mat.
Is Ditraset a good thinset?
"Hardiboard" and the other variants are quite "thirsty" and require wetting as they tend to pull the water out of the thinset and make setting the Kerdi a race. Ditraset is a VERY good, unmodified thinset, if you can access it.
Can you use Kerdi over drywall?
If you have drywall and it's properly fastened and you're using Kerdi, you can Kerdi over drywall. No worries. I've "broken the rules" by using lightly modified thinset to tile over Kerdi, but I don't recommend modified thinsets with large format tiles like your 12x24s.
Is Avanti drywall approved?
Avanti is correct as drywall is approved, Tundra I agree why risk damage from the back side. For that reason I won't use it. John is correct as Ardex produces the only modified thinset that is approved over Kerdi. Not because it cures but the new generation of thinsets coalesce.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
What is a concrete subfloor?
Concrete Substrate: Concrete is a challenging substrate to cover with hard flooring such as tile and natural stone. The major reason is that concrete can expand nearly twice as much as ceramic tile and grout.
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.
Why is my tile not locking into the ditra?
Because it is not correctly locked into the ditra you will lose the mechanical bonding properties ...
Is plywood a substrate for ditra?
Most any plywood (even osb ) is an approved substrate for ditra. And if you use a thinset approved for that substrate, there are no problems at all. Photos 3 and 4 had an unapproved substrate and, apparently, incorrect thinset (and a shitty tile job, but that’s a whole other post). It was nearly guaranteed to fail.
Can you install ditra directly on particle board?
Because it is not correctly locked into the ditra you will lose the mechanical bonding properties of ditra and you may as well install it directly to particle board at that point (That was sarcasm – don’t do that!).
Can you use ditra on waffles?
If you use ditra, and if you have an approved substrate, and if you have the correct thinset mortar, and if you fill the waffles correctly, and if you use the proper trowel and get proper coverage it will not fail. Yes, that’s a lot of ifs – when you read it. In practice it really is not that many things to get right.
