What size trowel do you use to install Ditra?

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What size notched trowel should I use to install Schluter-DITRA and Schluter®-DITRA-XL? 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.



In respect to this, what size trowel is used for Schluter?

A 1/4" x 3/16" (6 mm x 5 mm) V-notched trowel or the Schluter®-KERDI-TROWEL is recommended.

Beside above, how thick is Ditra with thinset? 1/8"

Also, how much thinset do I need for Ditra?

To bond tile to DITRA, using a 1/4" x 3/8" (6 mm x 10 mm) square- or U-notched trowel: Use one 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 40 - 50 ft2 (3.7 - 4.6 m2). To bond tile to DITRA-XL, using a 1/4" x 3/8" (6 mm x 10 mm) square- or U-notched trowel: Use one 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 35 - 45 ft2 (3.3 - 4.2 m2).

What Thinset do I use with Kerdi?

Unmodified thin-set mortar is recommended to set ceramic and stone tile, including large format tiles, over the KERDI membrane. Portland cement-based unmodified thin-set mortars are dependent on the presence of moisture for hydration in order to gain strength.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How do you install Schluter Ditra heat?

2. Apply DITRA-HEAT to the floor, fleece side down. Solidly embed the matting into the mortar using a float, screed trowel, or DITRA-ROLLER, making sure to observe the open time of the bonding mortar. If the mortar skins over prior to matting installation, remove and reapply.

What size notched trowel for 12x24 tile?

With your 12×24 tiles you should use a 1/2" notched trowel on the wall and back butter each tile, but just with a skim coat. Tile trowels come in many shapes and sizes, generally starting out from a 3/16″ v-notch up to the 1/2″ square notch.

What is the thickness of Ditra heat?

DITRA-HEAT is ideal for installation over plywood and OSB. Only 1/4" (5.5 mm)-thick, it provides the thinnest possible assembly without sacrificing performance.

What is Kerdi membrane?

Kerdi is a sheet-applied polyethylene waterproofing membrane and vapor retarder. Kerdi200/5M covers 54 sq. ft. and is ideal for waterproofing tiled tub surrounds and showers. This membrane features an anchoring fleece on both sides to anchor it in thin-set mortar.

What size notched trowel for 18x18 tile?


While a 12-inch tile can use a 1/4-by-3/8-inch trowel, an 18-inch tile must use a full 1/2-inch trowel. If full mortar coverage is not seen on the tiles, the tiles must be back-buttered -- that is, the mortar applied directly to their backs. Voids beneath an 18-inch tile could cause the tile to crack over time.

What size notched trowel for 3x6 subway tile?

For Versabond thinset, the recommended trowel size for a tile where the longest side of tile is less than 8" use 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" (6 x 6 x 6 mm) Square-Notch. The recommended type of trowel is usually listed on the adhesive package.

What type of thinset do I use with Ditra?

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.

Should I use modified or unmodified thinset?

It's important to note that latex-modified thinset can still be used between the membrane and the subfloor because it is not impervious. However, unmodified thinset should be used between the membrane and the tile.

Can I use modified thinset over Ditra?

The problem with using a modified thinset is that it takes forever to dry over Ditra, especially with porcelain tile, being that it has an impervious barrier above and below. Schluter has said that if you use a modified thinset to set the tile that you can have to wait as long as 7- 10 days JUST TO GROUT.

What is the difference between modified and unmodified thinset?


Unmodified thinset has been around forever. 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.

How much does a 50 pound bag of thinset cover?

A 50-pound bag of thinset will cover a minimum of 50 square feet to a maximum of 95 square feet.

Can I use modified thinset with Kerdi?

Modified thinset mortars aren't recommended for use with Kerdi because they must dry out to gain strength, whereas the membrane inhibits drying, which can lead to unpredictable results. For example, if a shower is used before the mortar has cured properly, leaks and polymer leaching can occur.

Is VersaBond modified or unmodified?

VersaBond® Professional Thin-Set Mortar. A professional formula, all-purpose mortar, polymer-modified to provide good bond strength for floor and tile projects. VersaBond® cures quickly even in cold climates and adheres to most surfaces, exceeding ANSI A118.

Is unmodified thinset waterproof?

All portland based cementious products will allow water to pass through. The latex modified is more resistant due to the latex that is mixed in with the adhesive but that doesn;t make it "waterproof". The latex also allows a bit more flex in the tile and substrate. As Jason described, thinset itself isn't waterproof.

Should I use Ditra or cement board?


1. Ditra is waterproof, while cement board lets water through but won't be damaged by it. With cement board, the tile is mortared to the cement board and the cement board is mortared to the substrate, so there's a chemical bond. This difference, Ditra fans would argue, makes it more resistant to movement.

Can you install tile directly on concrete?

While you can install tile directly on concrete, problems erupt when the concrete cracks or shifts. All of the movement in concrete is transferred to the tile. Cracks in concrete immediately become cracks in the tile.

How long does Ditra take to set?

Step 4: Mix Ditra-Set
Open time for Ditra-Set is about 20-30 min so the guys only mixed what they could use in that timeframe.