Schulter Ditra or Cement Board (Hardibacker, Durock, Wonderboard, etc.) is typically used as a tile substrate because it is durable, water resistant, and does not expand, contract, or warp when exposed to moisture. Schluter Ditra is superior to cement board in all categories except price and durability.
Full Answer
Do you need Schluter Ditra?
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.
When should you use Schluter Ditra?
Schluter ®-DITRA and DITRA-XL are specifically designed for ceramic and stone tile installations. DITRA and DITRA-XL provide uncoupling to prevent cracked tile and grout. Made of polyethylene, DITRA and DITRA-XL serve as a waterproofing layer that protects moisture-sensitive substrates, such as plywood/OSB.
Is DITRA better than backer board?
Ditra is waterproof, while cement board lets water through but won't be damaged by it. This may make Ditra a better choice if moisture from below is a concern, such as with some outdoor applications or installations over concrete.
Should I use DITRA over concrete?
0:134:25Schluter®-DITRA Tips Over Wood and Concrete in a Bathroom - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo why would you want to use Detra. Between your tile floor. And the subfloor well Detra absorbs theMoreSo why would you want to use Detra. Between your tile floor. And the subfloor well Detra absorbs the movement of your home and prevent your tile from cracking.
What is the best underlayment for tile floors?
What Underlayment is Best for Tile? For tile flooring where a thinset is used, the best solution is a rubber-cork underlay. You can also install ceramic tiles directly over plywood or a cement board. Rubber cork underlay is designed for crack suppression.
What is the difference between Schluter Ditra and Kerdi?
In this application, the Kerdi membrane is lightweight so a small notch trowel is essential. The Ditra and Ditra XL are a larger (heavier) material which requires more mortar for installation. This is why the larger notch trowel is recommended.
Which is better Schluter Ditra or cement board?
Schulter Ditra or Cement Board (Hardibacker, Durock, Wonderboard, etc.) is typically used as a tile substrate because it is durable, water resistant, and does not expand, contract, or warp when exposed to moisture. Schluter Ditra is superior to cement board in all categories except price and durability.
Do you put Thinset under 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.
Can DITRA go over plywood?
0:192:04Schluter DITRA Over Plywood...Quick Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we comb the thinset into the plywood using directional trialing. And then we add our deitra.MoreSo we comb the thinset into the plywood using directional trialing. And then we add our deitra.
Do you need Schluter Ditra on a concrete floor?
Although tile can be placed directly over a concrete slab, products such as Schluter's Ditra are designed to separate, or “uncouple,” the tile from any potential movement in the substrate and protect the tile and grout from cracking.
Can you tile right after laying DITRA?
How long do I have to wait before I can install tile on the Schluter®-DITRA membrane? Once DITRA has been installed on the substrate, tile can be installed right away. No need to wait for the mortar to cure.
Can you walk on DITRA immediately?
Ditra-set only takes 25 to 30 minutes to dry. These advantages allow you to walk on the Ditra surface before tiling or even right after installing the Ditra. When installing ceramic and other stone tiles, Ditra is beneficial to use.
How long can DITRA sit before tiling?
How long do I have to wait before I can install tile on the Schluter®-DITRA membrane? Once DITRA has been installed on the substrate, tile can be installed right away. No need to wait for the mortar to cure.
When can you walk on Schluter Ditra?
Pro-Tip: DITRA can be walked on immediately after; there's no need to wait for the mortar to cure.
Do you put Thinset under 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.
How soon can you tile after installing Schluter?
24 hoursWait 24 hours after the membrane (i.e., Schluter®-KERDI-BAND and Schluter®-KERDI) installation is complete to allow for the final set of the mortar and to ensure waterproof performance of the assembly at seams and connections before water testing.
What Is an Uncoupling Membrane?
Temperature and moisture changes cause substrates and tiles to expand and contract at different rates and an uncoupling membrane is used when you don’t want to bond the tiles directly to the substrate.
When Should You Use an Uncoupling Membrane?
An uncoupling membrane is used most often when laying tile over concrete, but it can also be used:
Schluter-DITRA Uncoupling Membranes
Schluter-DITRA membranes uncouple tiles from substrates, provide waterproofing, and add to the durability of the installation by distributing heavy loads. They also prevent moisture buildup via built-in channels, protecting tile from damage.
Schluter-DITRA Membranes from Centura Tools
In combination with the Schluter-DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cables, this membrane is used for interior floor warming applications. The heating cables snap into the membrane without the need for clips or fasteners.
Visit Centura Tools for Tile Tools and Equipment
If you need versatile, high-quality tools for your tiling project, look no further than Centura Tools. We supply the best products from the top tiling brands around the world, to ensure you have what you need to complete your work professionally and safely.
How to use Ditra mat?
In general, before matting the surface with Ditra, seal the edges of the surface and then spread the Ditra mat over it. Put the heating cables between the studs and cover them with underlayment. When tiling over the Ditra heat, make the thin-set by mixing more water than usual to allow the tiles to stick to the surface properly. Also, pour some water on the surface to make it a little wet before placing the tiles over it.
Why use ditra tile?
When installing ceramic and other stone tiles, Ditra is beneficial to use. It aids in a durable tile installation that will last for a long time. It is also widely used to tile over MDF, OSB, and other surfaces. In today’s world, construction is becoming light-weighted, and the tiles we use in our houses are very challenging to maintain. The risk of tile cracking always exists because of the extra humidity, moisture, and load distribution they undergo. To help maintain the integrity of the tiles, use Ditra to ensure the tile’s durability and maintenance.
How to apply Ditra tile?
When tiling the Ditra surface keep in mind to put the adhesive on the backside of the tile as well. The reason is that it will keep the strong bond between the tile and Ditra surface. Apply the thin-set at the backside of the tiles using the flat trowel edge up to 1/8” thick. Then place the tiles one by one onto the rows you made with a notched trowel edge.
How to tile over a ditra mat?
To tile over the Ditra mat, you need to use the flat side of a trowel to cover the whole area of Ditra evenly with a thin set. Using the flat side of the trowel will fill the square holes or spaces on the Ditra with a thin-set. You can then use the notched trowel to spread the thin-set all over the Ditra surface.
How to use thin set on a ditra mat?
First, mix the unmodified thin-set and spread it over the Ditra mat. Use the flat end of a trowel to fill the gaps or the cavities on the Ditra mat. Use a notched trowel to make even rows of thin-set on the Ditra mat. It would be best if you then put the mortar on the back of the tile. This helps the tile on the mat maintain a strong bond between the tiles and the surface. Complete the whole row by following the same procedure and then move to the second row.
How to lay ditra mat over ditra?
Then, apply some pressure on the Ditra to maintain the firm grip between the Ditra and Ditra-set. For this, you can use a grout float to ensure complete contact between the mortar and Ditra. Always start from the center and move towards the sides, pressing the wrinkles outward.
How long does it take for a ditra to dry?
Ditra-set only takes 25 to 30 minutes to dry. These advantages allow you to walk on the Ditra surface before tiling or even right after installing the Ditra.
Why does modified vs unmodified mortar matter?
The debate matters because of the way the different products cure. Modified mortars need air to dry and unmodified’s don’t. That is to say, the longer an unmodified mortar holds onto its moisture the better.
To Each their own
What’s happened is that the different manufacturers are setting their own rules and innovating their own products. For example:
Unmodified thinsets
Now, Schluter will still guarantee the use of unmodified thinset mortars meeting ANSI 118.1 with their products. However, they only offer their lifetime system warranty when using their brand of Schluter mortars. [ 3]
Best thinset to use with Schluter Kerdi and Ditra
The table below references some of the thinset mortars that comply with Schluter’s installation instructions. I’ve highlighted my preferred choices in bold.
What is Schulter Ditra?
Schulter Ditra is manufactured by Schluter Systems and is a 1/8″ thick polyethylene uncoupling membrane that is specifically designed for tile installations. The Ditra uncoupling design is lightweight, durable, and minimizes the possibility of cracked tile and grout.
What is Cement Board?
Cement board is a building material made of a mixture of cement, glass fibers, and reinforcing fibers that is formed into a sheet. Cement board sheets are typically 3 feet by 5 feet in length, but also come in 4 foot by 8 foot sheets as well. Cement board sheets typically come in ¼”, ½” and even 5/8” thicknesses.
How to Install Schluter Ditra
Before installing Schluter Ditra, ensure that the subfloor is in good condition, level, and free of debris or dust. Sweep the area and remove any remaining dust with a damp sponge.
How to Install Cement Board
To Install Cement Board, you will need the following tools and materials:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Schluter Ditra
Schulter Ditra has become one of the best tile substrate materials due to its ease of installation. A complete list of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Schulter Ditra are listed below.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cement Board
Cement Board is the old school and traditional tile substrate that has been used for decades. Cement board is durable, water resistant, and has always been a great tile substrate option. A complete list of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cement Board are listed below.
Ditra vs Cement Board (which is better)
Is Schulter Ditra better than Cement Board? Or is Cement board better than Schulter Ditra? In short, the answer depends on your application. The table below gives a detailed comparison of Schluter Ditra VS Cement Board so that you can decide which substrate is best to use for your tile project.
What is Schluter DITRA Matting?
The key to understanding why this membrane will greatly enhance the structural integrity and durability of your tile floor is to get a good handle on just what Schluter-DITRA is. By the way, contractors sometimes refer to this product simply as DITRA, and we will too.
What is a ditra?
DITRA, as a decoupler, helps prevent substrate movement from damaging flooring; When using CBU, the tile is mortared directly to the board, and expansion or shifting of the subfloor is likely to crack or pop the tile or grout.
What is a ditra membrane?
The term refers to the fact that the DITRA material prevents the tile mortar from sticking to the subfloor. It can be confusing because when we hear “uncoupling,” we think of something being coupled or connected first. In reality, the DITRA membrane prevents the coupling in the first place.
Why does ditra flex?
When the substrate moves – and it will in every flooring installation—the DITRA material flexes with it to prevent the movement from transferring through and causing the tile and grout to crack. In short, the material neutralizes the movement like automobile shock absorbers.
Is ditra good for radiant heat?
Floors with Radiant Heat: DITRA is an excellent choice for use in any application where radiant heating is installed in the floor. Heat causes materials to expand, and they shrink again when they cool. That movement will cause tile cracks without a layer of motion-absorbing material such as DITRA.
Can you use ditra underlayment on OSB?
Wood Substrate: OSB, plywood and framing members should be covered with a material such as DITRA underlayment because wood is very susceptible to changes and to moisture. Wood expands and contracts with moisture and temperatures changes and flexes when bearing loads. These movements will damage tile and grout without the presence of a flexible, motion-absorbing material. Wood will also be damaged by water, something this polyethylene membrane prevents. DITRA can be installed over these wood subfloor systems:
Is Schluter-Ditra waterproof?
This underlayment also acts as a waterproof membrane over moisture-sensitive subflooring such as plywood and OSB. The result of Schluter-DITRA’s performance is a tile floor with outstanding durability and resistance to cracks and moisture.
Should I use Ditra?
Did my research from previous posts. Settings- house 60 years old, second floor bathroom, all of 30 s.f. Floor will be repaired back from plumbing job to the wooden planks over joists, wood strips on top to accommodate electrical piping,then will put back plywood/ what thickness?/ as foor. Questions:
Comments (17)
If you've got plank subfloor down now, all you should need is 3/8" plywood, being that the planks will give your subfloor the strength. 1) no primer. The difference is in the thinset used, depending on whether you use Ditra or cement board. For cement board, you want an unmodified thinset. For Ditra, you want it to be as modified as you can find.
