You can install tile over vinyl flooring in a home.
The cracking of tile and grout can be prevented with the use of Schluter-DITRA matting.DITRA is noted for its ease of use when compared with other materials.
It acts as a waterproof barrier over subflooring such as plywood and OSB.The tile floor with outstanding durability and resistance to cracks is the result of Schluter-DITRA's performance.
In this guide, we show you everything you need to know about this popular tile flooring material, so you can decide if it's right for your project.Click here for more on caring for tile and stone floors.
There are quick links to what is DITRA, how does it work, where can you install it, and installation guide.
Getting a good handle on just what Schluter-DITRA is is the key to understanding why this membrane will greatly enhance the structural integrity and durability of your tile floor.Contractors sometimes refer to this product as DITRA, and we will do the same.
The manufacturer's definition can be expanded for further explanation.The material is according to Schluter.
There is a grid structure of square cavities, each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to its underside.That's right.
It is possible to reduce cracking by absorbing the stresses created by shifting, expanding or contracting.
In every flooring installation, the DITRA material flexes to prevent the movement from transferring through and causing the tile and grout to crack.The material is similar to automobile shock absorbers.
The tile isn't adhering to the substrate with the flexible layer of DITRA installed.The DITRA underlayment is mortared to the subfloor.The main cause of cracking in tile floors is the transmission of movement.Sand has been used for thousands of years as a non-rigid layer of material between the tiles to prevent them from cracking.The performance of a sand layer can be improved by also providing a waterproof vapor barrier.
You may hear the term "uncoupling" when discussing Schluter-DITRA with contractors or retailers.The DITRA material prevents tile mortar from sticking to the floor.When we hear "uncoupling," we think of something being coupled or connected first.The DITRA is supposed to prevent thecoupling in the first place.
In a wide range of flooring applications, Schluter-DITRA is used.There are locations where you can take advantage of the performance DITRA offers.
Wood is very susceptible to changes and should be covered with a material such as DITRA underlayment.When bearing loads wood expands and contracts.Without a flexible, motion-absorbing material, these movements will damage tile and grout.The wood will be damaged by water.There are wood subfloor systems that DITRA can be installed over.
Concrete is difficult to cover with hard flooring such as tile and natural stone.Concrete can expand nearly twice as much as ceramic tile.
When the concrete expands and contracts with changes in temperature, installing tile directly on it will cause significant cracking of the flooring within a short period of time.
DITRA should be covering the concrete subfloor prior to the installation of tile or stone flooring.
DITRA is an excellent choice for use in any application where radiant heating is installed in the floor.When heat causes materials to expand, they shrink.Without a layer of motion-absorbing material, tile cracks will be caused.Electric thin-mat and wire heating are some of the types of heating that DITRA accommodates.It's possible that the subfloor is:
Gypsum concrete and wood are required for waterproof installation.This will cause damage to floor covering.In places where water is common, a waterproof barrier must be above the subfloor.
A waterproof barrier can be used in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and basement.
The barrier is made from waterproof polyethylene.One additional product is required, which is a waterproof material used to seal the seams.Thin-set mortar is used to apply the KERDI-BAND.
When installing tile or stone, this product can be used outdoors.Any movement of the substrate that would damage the stone, tile or grout is mitigated by the decoupling performance.Many applications rely on the waterproof performance of DITRA.
The original purpose of cement backer board was to be used as a substitute for drywall in showers because it is resistant to mold and will not degrade when wet.
It was found that CBU works well as an underlayment for tile and natural stone.When possible, the board is fastened with screws.The seams are covered with tape.Thin-set mortar is used to install the tile above the CBU.
To start with, choose a quality thin-set mortar for sticking the DITRA.Select a thin-set mortar that is designed for application.The information regarding application over wood or concrete can be found on the product labels.
Firm enough to hold a notch, mix the thin-set fairly loose.The ridges that are created with a notch trowel must stand up.Before using the mortar, allow it to sit for 15 minutes.Slaking allows the water to fully penetrate the dry mix.Instructions for mixing and slaking can be found in the thin-set mortar packaging.
Before adding thin-set mortar, add water to your mixing pail.This prevents mortar from sticking to the edges of the bucket.
Purchase a suitable trowel for the thin-set mortar.The DITRA trowel is the best trowel.It has a square-notched design.There are V-notched trowels of 5/16” and 3/16” in size.
Depending on the job's requirements, you can select DITRA or DItra-XL.For more information on your options, see "A Word About DITRA Thickness" below.
Measure the space and cut the first piece of DITRA.It is easier to cut from the backside of the roll.
The thin-set should be applied with a trowel at a 45 degree angle.The DITRA installation guide has information on the right type of thin-set for the project.
Step 6: Roll out the pre-cut DITRA over the mortar and use a float or trowel to remove the air pockets.
If you want to remove all air pockets and excess mortar, you need to work from the middle of a piece of matting toward the edge.
To make sure you are getting 100% contact between the thin-set and the fleece backing of the DITRA, raise a corner.If necessary, the second piece of DITRA against the first on sides ends as well.There should be no overlap.
Failing to make sure that 100% of the fleece backing is in contact with the thin-set is the #1 cause of problems when using DITRA.
Before mortar is applied to the subfloor, it is advisable to trim the DITRA around the drain, support posts, door jambs and other obstacles.
You can start setting tile immediately after the DITRA is down.Start by applying thin-set mortar to the top of the DITRA.DITRA encourages you to use a unmodified thin-set.For an explanation, see "A Word About Unmodified Thin-Set" below.
Take the thin-set mortar and put it over the DITRA with a trowel.Applying a thin-coat of mortar to the back of the tile with the non-notched edge is a technique known as back-buttering.
The next step is to cover the seams with an 8” wide layer of thin set centered on the seam.It has to fill all of the holes.
Next, apply and comb a top layer of unmodified thin-set using a specially designed trowel or trowel with a square-notched design.
Put a 5” wide strip of KERDI-BAND over the seam and press it down firmly with the flat side of your trowel to remove air and excess mortar.
To ensure a waterproof seam where the wall meets the floor, use a 10” wide strip of KERDI-BAND centered in the corner.
To create the bond strength necessary to hold tile in place, a modified thin-set must be air-dried.It would take up to 60 days for thin-set to be properly dried after it was altered with DITRA below and tile above.
Unmodified thin-set does not need air because it cures rather than dries.It's the right choice for DITRA.
When thin-set cures in the presence of air, it does not cure as strong because some of the water in it evaporates.DITRA matting and tile help the unmodified thin-set retain more of its moisture as it cures, and this creates a stronger bond than modified thin set can achieve.
DITRA is available in two thicknesses.DITRA is designed to deliver uncoupling, waterproof, vapor management and load distribution.
This reduces the transition to flooring that is lower such as vinyl, carpet or engineered wood.
It's possible to install ceramic tile over a single layer of plywood or OSB subfloors on joists with wider spacing.A floor height that is level with standard hardwood flooring is created by DITRA-XL and standard 5/16” tile.
If you have a question about thickness, ask your retail flooring specialist.
Lowes, The Home Depot and other stores sell this versatile underlayment.DITRA is a standard in most retail flooring stores.It is also available on eBay.
The backer board cost is between $0.70 and $1.10 per square foot.Many professional tile Setters believe that the higher cost of DITRA is offset by the fact that it takes less time to install than CBU due to its ease of use.Less installation time leads to lower estimates from contractors.
I am replacing maple hardwood floors in my kitchen with porcelain tile mixed pattern 1212 and 1818.I have a small area to tiled.I own standard plywood and OC floor joists.
My questions are 1.Is DitraXL the best option to tile?2.Is it possible to recommend a tile Setter in the San Jose, CA area with a lot of experience with this product?3.Do you know if the company has experience with this product?
I am putting a ceramic tile into a bathroom with plywood and joists.I replaced a few tiles after the 1983 tile cracked.The plywood was only nailed after I removed the tile and some of the mortar.I messed it up, now thinking of Schuter vs. cement board.I am confused by what I have read about modified vs. unmodified mortar.The discussion suggests that unmodified goes between the tiles because there is no air.It's possible that the subfloor is a source of air for the modified.It is true of plywood on the second floor, but not of slab in the basement, where I would like to tile a finished room.If the subfloor is not dead level, I am concerned about cracking of tile.The original basement slab shows some ugly trowel work and the plywood should be taken up by the mortar.
I plan on tiling my garage floor.Can Ditra be used as an insturment for the porcelain tile on a garage floor that will have vehicles on it?
I don't know if the thin set motar will fit over the particle board in the living room.
Natural stone tile is being used for planning on using Ditra Xl over OSB.There are instructions on how to prepare the subfloor.Minimum subfloor thickness is 23/32′′ and the wood floor consists of double layer wood.Minimum underlayment thickness is 11/32′′, 3/8′′ nom.There are two layers of flooring next to the picture.
I was going to put another layer of osb 11/32 over the floor, but Home Depot told me that it was not necessary for Natural Stone if I used other Ditras.