Replies

1. 
   HeavyDuty | Jan 12, 2006 04:18am | #1

   It's all because of those square recesses.

   Any tiles smaller than 2" will not get even support from the raised ridges. So if you set small tiles it will telegraph through and you get a grid pattern. Unless that's the effect you want. :)

1. 
   10man | Jan 12, 2006 02:42pm | #2

   Hello TomC, That's what I figured; do you think 1" tile could still be set on ditra if extra care was used? Maybe tapping down with a 1'x2' pc. of 3/4" ply struck with a rubber mallet? Seems like that could still bed the tile in the thinset for full coverage and help keep the individual tiles flat too. Maybe fasten a float to the top of the plywood for a handle for easy movement and positioning... I'd like to try the stuff but don't want to get into problems with tilted tiles, high/low points, etc. if that's what the ditra would tend to cause in this case. Anyboby tried 1" tile on ditra? Another question; have you ever tried a grout-release on unglazed tile, or found it necessary or helpful? Thanks.10man

1. 
   EricPaulson | Jan 12, 2006 02:52pm | #3

   I've never used it, but couldn't you skimcoat the squares full then set the tile after the skimcoat has cured?

   I'd call an 8003 and ask how to handle it.

   Not sure why you are using the ditra, perhaps there are other products designed to give you the results you desire with out the drawbacks you are dealing with.

   Eric[email protected]

    

    

   It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been

    

    

    

1. 
   10man | Jan 13, 2006 02:57am | #4

   Everything I've read and heard about ditra has been good, so I thought I'd try it. Like most of you, always looking for a better way to do a job. New stuff sometime works well, soemtimes doesn't, always has a bit of a learning curve. Still hope to hear from someone who has used small tile over it. Thanks for your input.

1. 
   Conrad | Jan 13, 2006 03:28am | #5

   You might consider Nobleseal TS as an alternative. It's a chlorinated polyethylene membrane with a kind of hairy surface that holds the thinset in place. It is smooth and shouldn't be any problem with small mozaics. It works equally well for waterproofing or as a crack isolation membrane. I've used it several times with great success.

   The Noble Company  800-878-5788  http://www.noblecompany.com

2. 
   JohnSprung | Jan 13, 2006 03:53am | #6

   I think they want the tiles big enough that each one gets an even share of ridges and gaps under it.  Some of the little ones might be on too squishy a part of the Ditra.  You might try making up a test piece.  If it comes out even, let it get good and hard, then try stomping on it to see if there are weak tiles because of the pattern. 

    

   -- J.S.

    

3. 
   HeavyDuty | Jan 13, 2006 05:48am | #7

   The problem with setting small tiles on ditra besides uneven support is when thin set cures it tends to contract, that's why I said the grid pattern will telegraph even if you set the mosaic perfectly flat in the first place. Ditra is a great product, like anything else it has its limitation. I would look for alternate method/product for your situation as John and Conrad suggested.

   For unglazed tiles you seal it before grouting.

   Try John Bridges forum and see what the big boys say.

   Good luck, have fun on the project.

2. 
   IdahoDon | Jan 13, 2006 06:32am | #8

   Personally I wouldn't try small tiles with ditra simply because the manufacturer has a reason for discouraging it.  How do you warrantee something that the ditra manufacturer won't back up because it wasn't installed as per directions?

   There are many other membranes, both liquid and sheet, that work fine with small tiles so it seems like a problem waiting to happen to misuse ditra.

   Good tiling!

   Don

1. 
   10man | Jan 14, 2006 03:25am | #9

   Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'll just have to wait until a project with larger tile comes along before trying the ditra. I'll take the group's opinion and use another more suitable product. Toodles.