For Those That Use Schluter Ditra

J&J Home Imp.

I am getting a big commercial job this summer that is going to be laid on this stuff. I have worked with it before so its not new to me. I was reading the manufactuers reccomendations the other day though and I saw where it said to use unmodified mortar to bond the tile to the Ditra because of drying time and such. I have used Versabond on it in the past and did notice that it took longer to get hard that on say Hardi. What do ya'll use with it? I have a bunch to do on concrete and a bunch to do on wood.

justin savage

We use rapid set thinset alot of times to eliminate drying time issues. When we arent being pushed to get it done yesterday we follow schluters recmendations. justin

MattCoops

Use a polmer fortified modified thinset, like VersaBond

once you lay the ditra down you can stomp all over it

read instructions on Ditra sticker

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Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more

HJ1

If you use modified, such as Versabond you are probably voiding the Schluter warranty, but you probably know that already. The unmodified is what Schluter recommends. That being said, Ive used the Versabond with ditra and porcelain in the past. I just wanted to make sure I got a good bond to the porcelain. Im sure the unmodified would have been fine but it was just a head game for me. If you give the versabond an extra day or two before walking on it and grouting I think you'll be fine.

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HJ

K_Tile

Rapid Set! All commercial work and Ditra gets rapid set. No time to let things dry and caution tape is made to be broken!

J&J Home Imp.

I wasn't sure that you could use the Rapid set on it but its good to know ya can.

dshcontracting

We use Custom SpeedSet mortar on all of our Schluter installs, including all of our shower pans with the schluter system. I feel since its chemically curing, its a pretty sure bed its rock solid before you start laying tile. I'v had some spots of Versabond not set up in the past, and then had to stop and wait.

J&J Home Imp.

Well unfortunately I already had my bid in and I got it at that price so unless i feel like I can make it up in labor I won't be running speed set on this one. Good to know for next time though. Has anyone tried to warranty anything after using speedset?

dshcontracting

Nope, never have had any problems or any leaks in my showers. If anyone does, lets here it. I would love to know where these products actually fail.

R&D Tile

Not if you are installing it over plywood, then you use Modified.

Unless your just saying what to use over it.

J&J Home Imp.

I was just talking about what to use on the Ditra itself

R&D Tile

Okee dokey.

HJ1

RD - Yes, just what to use to set the tile. That was the discussion.

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HJ