EasyMat vs Ditra ? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Suf · 05-26-2009, 11:08 PM

Sq ft price is within 5 cents of each other.

EasyMat is an adhesive backing to the sub floor.

Ditra needs mortar saturated into the felt backing.

Any BTDT experience with the Foam-like roll EasyMat?

I'm concerned with the corners adhesion......and who will back the "Lifetime Warranty"?

Job is a kitchen: 8" joists, 16"o.c and 12' span
50 y.o home w/1x6" original subfloor, w/recently overlaid underlayment 4ply 7/16".........bringing the base floor to ~5/4"

Looking to finish with: 1/4" ceramic 12" tiles.

Transition height to existing hardwood floors (nearly level) is the main issue and the weight upon small joists.

Thanks!
-Suf

Winchester · 05-26-2009, 11:26 PM

If it's only a few cents difference why not go with the schluter? It's proven and they stand behind their product if anything ever does go wrong.

PrecisionFloors · 05-26-2009, 11:57 PM

Easymat is to Ditra = 5/8" particleboard is to 3/4" T&G Advantech

Floordude · 05-27-2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

8" joists, 16"o.c and 12' span

Uhhh.....

Houston, we have a problem!!!!

PrecisionFloors · 05-27-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floordude

Uhhh.....

Houston, we have a problem!!!!

Yep...I missed that. Does not meet L/360 deflection standards, but, I think Schluter will still warranty it with Ditra over single layer plywood/OSB subfloor.....they allow some pretty loose specs iirc. Ditra XL will allow even more.

THDTile1229 · 05-27-2009, 12:08 PM

Custom Building Products do make some great stuff- but I would add that none of their great stuff is the best in the business...Check with your Local THD - they should have the # to a regional rep for Custom Building Products (That rep provides training to dedicated Tile Aisle associates & also does inspections of jobs in the event you need coverage for their warranties...also keep in mind the job MUST BE LAID to Custom Building Product specs, so if your cutting any corners- you will void out the warranty)- if you can't find an apron (it happens) drop by the tile aisle and flip over a bottle of sealer- take down the 800# on the back...the guys on the other end of the phone can give you any kind of specifics needed on their product- but they'll probably tell you what everyone else here will say and thats to go with the Schluter...

Edit: Keep in mind that most of the associates aren't on the ball- you might want to get in touch with their Flooring Expeditor...that person communicates directly with installers and S/O manufacturers and should have a list of contacts including their Regional Custom Building Products rep

Suf · 05-27-2009, 01:02 PM

Thanks for the info.

In doing further research and your help, we've decided to return the EasyMat and go with the Ditra.

The span is actually around 10'6", So the deflection should be a bit less.
Floor feels solid under my 235lbs. We'll see.

jarvis design · 05-29-2009, 08:55 PM

Glad to hear you took back the easy mat and got ditra

Easy mat just doesn't compare!!