Ultimate Tile Jobs - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

jarvis design · 05-23-2008, 06:24 PM

Hey everyone,

I thought I would share with you how I have changed our way of doing tile. First off, I have always used concrete board as a substrate - always!!
About 4 years ago I started using Kerdi Waterproofing and Laticrete epoxy grout for every job. We went from being mildly more expensive to way more expensive - and have never been busier. Once I explain to people why they need to spend the money (no worries/no maintenance), they don't see me as more expensive - just doing a better job!!

Splinter · 05-23-2008, 08:33 PM

Many people research on the internet before calling a contractor, and Kerdi is the hot thing right now... I've done quite a few showers on Long Island because Im one of the few contractors that actually know about it...

Have you heard about the forums over at www.JohnBridge.com ??

Kerdi is a huge topic over there.

kevjob · 05-27-2008, 09:06 AM

once the customer, who is concerned with value over price, hears the reason for the price jump usually they will opt for the kerdi.

jarvis design · 05-27-2008, 06:03 PM

Hey Alex,

I have been on the John Bridge tile forum. Lots of good information! I am going to a Schluter workshop tomorrow in Toronto for 2 days. I have been using Kerdi for about 4 years - thinking of using Ditra vs. concrete board.

spitnails · 06-02-2008, 01:32 PM

Hey thanks for the info. I never knew about that site!

Adam B. · 08-17-2008, 02:55 PM

Kerdi huh? Tell me more. I'm sick of hardi backer, so dang dusty.

orson · 08-17-2008, 03:21 PM

I personaly think hpg beats kerdi hands down but for some reason noone on this forumn has anything to say about it. My guess is 12 months from now everyone will be exalting the virtues of hpg or some similar system and pooh-poohing kerdi as yesterday's material, but who knows.

nj handyman · 09-01-2008, 08:45 PM

been using kerdi for years now. what is hpg?

Bud Cline · 09-02-2008, 09:51 AM

Assume he is referring to Mapei's HPG, a liquid waterproofing membrane. Not the same as KERDI and in no way comparable.

They both offer waterproofing characteristics but KERDI is basically fool-proof while the liquid membranes effectiveness depends on the ability of the installer to pay attention to detail.

nj handyman · 09-02-2008, 02:25 PM

thanks, bud.

do you ever have a problem with the kerdi and thinset becoming a bit proud in the corners? still trying to work that one out.

john

kevjob · 09-02-2008, 03:44 PM

try shimming middle part of the wall out about 1/16 to 1/8 and then when kerdi and corners are applied it comes out perfect, very important with little tiles.

Bud Cline · 09-02-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Do you ever have a problem with the kerdi and thinset becoming a bit proud in the corners?

Yup but I learned to squeeze the heck out of the thinset and tightly tuck the corners with a putty kniife and it really isn't a big deal. Big tiles also help. The newer preformed corners are a great improvement. The real problems come up when someone tries to use KERDI to make their own corners. Now that's a problem.

The preformed corners that come with the kits and drains are thinner than KERDI I think.

Make no mistake...KERDI has a learning-curve.

Donovan · 09-08-2008, 10:22 PM

Kerdi and Ditra all the way. Just started using Ditra, but been using Kerdi for about 5 years. Its the best stuff out there right now in my mind. Anyone else using Ditra. Its pretty great too. No dust, lightweight, easy to install, and its prettier than cement board.