Hello,
I’m looking at installing Ditra directly over top my subfloor (it’s extremely similar to “Advantech”) which is 3/4″ tall. I’m just putting regular 13 x 13 ceramic tile over top, and according to the Ditra website, you can do this no problem w/o an additional layer of subfloor (as long as it’s not stone, too big, etc). I’m running into difficulty though where none of thinset I can find will warranty it if there is any issues b/c they don’t know how well the thinset will stick and hold to the engineered subfloor product (it’s a Weyerhauser product called “Edge Gold” – no one around here can get Advantech and from what I could tell this is extremely similar). Would anyone have any recommendations on what brand / type of thinset to use to ensure I won’t have any problems later on? Thanks again.
Replies
I would just call schluter directly, just to make sure since its their product too. They'll give you the rep in your area if you ask, he might know the subfloor you are using in that area of the country and also know what thinset available is best. I used kerabond mixed with the latex over regular 3/4" ply but I don't know about advantech and similar.
http://www.schluter.com/
One reason for putting down another layer of plywood, whether it's 1/4" or 1/2" is typically the Avantech, Edgegold or what ever it is gets rather beat up during construction. Putting down another clean subfloor layer with screws and Liquid Nails gives a nice dirt free, paint free and drywall dust free surface for the Ditra to adhere to.
Runnerguy
Edited 1/17/2008 3:25 pm ET by runnerguy
gc
You really need to go to JohnBridge.com website and use their Deflecto floor calculator to make sure that your floor can support tile. Ditra is a great product (I have used it several times) but it will not compensate for deflection in a sub-standard floor. Most tile requires a minimum 1" floor thickness.
Mark
http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/deflecto.pl
The good news is you can use latex modified thinset between the ditra and the subfloor, so it's apt to bond quite well.
Hope you realize that you are supposed to use NON modified thiset between the ditra and the tile.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
Pardon the stupidity but what's the difference between the "modifed" and unmodified?Home Depot sells the Ditra, but I could not find a mortar OR thinset that said "modified" or unmodified.And of course, the people at HD were useless as to what to use.
Modified has latex added. The modified takes a lot more time to fully set up, that's why they don't want you to use it with Kerdi or above the ditra. In my area, only the places that sell schluter products carry the unmodified, even the tile supply houses only stock modified. Check schluters website or call to find a dealer in your area, they will stock the unmodified.
HD sells unmodified as "Custom", or some such, IIRC.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
thanks for the info!
“[Deleted]”
If this added underlayment is a wood product, i would use PL Premium running beads about 6" OC and screw it off at same layout.
You only need to use thinset is your new underlayment is a cement based product like a hardiboard.
normal unmodified thinset cures like concrete by a chemical process.
Modified means latex modifiers have been added which helps bond to a lot of materials types, increases workability, resists freezing, etc, but the modified thinset dries instead of curing.
Trapped between large tiles and the impervious membrane of Ditra, it would take forever to set up so you could walk on it or grout it.
So read your Ditra instructions thoroughly. They do say to use what ever type of thinset is right for the underlayment type for underlay to Ditra, and to use un-modified for ditra to tile
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The un modified thin set is the package that allows a additive to be used this is usually the cheapest thin set available, modified thin will already contain a latex additive. and is usually the more expensive thin sets.
A good rule of thumb for Schluter is when adhering to a wood product use a modified thin set ,when adhering to a concrete product or drywall use a un modified product.
George