What is a Ditra?
Ditra is an uncoupling membrane designed for ceramic and stone tile installations on floors. It provides uncoupling to prevent cracked tile and grout. It is made of polyethylene creating a waterproofing layer protecting the substrate.
How thick should subfloor be for DITRA?
DITRA is 1/8″ (3.5 mm) thick, which minimizes tile assembly thickness and reduces transitions to lower surface coverings (e.g., carpet, engineered wood, and vinyl). DITRA allows for ceramic tile application over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 19.2″ (488 mm) o.c.
What Thinset do I use under DITRA?
To set DITRA over concrete or gypsum, Schluter-Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118. 1.
Is Schluter DITRA worth it?
DITRA provides reliable waterproofing in interior and exterior applications. Its polyethylene composition protects the substrate from moisture penetration, which is particularly important in today’s building environment where most substrates are moisture sensitive.
How thick should Thinset be under DITRA?
In most installations, a layer of thinset 3/16 to 1/8-inch thick is sufficient. Too much thinset creates a mess and inhibits proper bonding between the tile and the substrate. For most tiles, apply a layer of thinset 3/16–1/8-inch thick.
Can you put DITRA over tile?
Schluter®-DITRA is specifically designed to allow the installation of ceramic and stone tile over any even and load-bearing substrate.
Can you walk on DITRA?
Pro-Tip: DITRA can be walked on immediately after; there’s no need to wait for the mortar to cure.
What do you put DITRA down with?
The type of thin-set mortar (modified vs. unmodified) used to install DITRA depends on the substrate. For instance, to install DITRA over plywood, a modified thinset mortar should be used. However, over concrete Schluter recommends an unmodified thinset mortar like the Ditra-Set shown here.
Can you use regular thinset 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.
What thinset do I use under DITRA?
Do you need subfloor under DITRA?
If the floor is already covered in vinyl flooring or vinyl floor tiles, Ditra can be installed over the existing floor covering. The only consideration is that the floor covering be firmly bonded to the subfloor, so that it does not come loose.
Is it OK to walk on DITRA?
Can you tile right after laying DITRA?
Once DITRA has been installed on the substrate, tile can be installed right away. No need to wait for the mortar to cure.
What can you use instead of DITRA?
Schluter Ditra VS Cement Board (Which is better?)
- Hardiebacker, Durock, and Wonderboard are the most common Cement Board Types.
- Mix Up Thinset Mortar according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Use a straight edge and utility knife to score the surface of the Cement Board Sheet.