We show all the details and you’ll be set after watching the videos. plywood; existing vinyl floors; structural plank subfloors; concrete and heated floors. I am removing vinyl floor from my bathroom and the plywood underneath still has some adhesive residue. By clicking on 'Accept' or continuing to use this website, you agree that cookies can be placed. This can be challenging for a DIYer and, if you are installing over a wood subfloor, you’ll need to use a product like Ardex Liquid Backer Board. The type of thin-set mortar used to install DITRA depends on the substrate material. Hope that helps. DITRA-HEAT is primarily intended to warm tile floors and make them more comfortable underfoot, but can contribute to space heating. The integration of DITRA’s uncoupling, waterproofing, load-distribution, and vapor management functions makes consistent results viable. Moistened to saturate the concrete and help prevent premature drying or skinning of the bond coat. Layout DITRA. Wha is the difference between hardiebacker and ditra? Thanks guys! Finally, DITRA is very light and thin. Install and embed the matting into the mortar using a float. DITRA is solid. Required fields are marked *. Anyone can install it. 09:31. In addition, they provide a stable substrate for tile installation on oily asphalt or extremely smooth … Select a thin-set mortar designed for application over the substrate you are working with. I think the benefit far outweighs the cost. DITRA is an isolation membrane. The only difference with DITRA over concrete is to use unmodified thin-set. to meet up with thick hard woods. Schluter®-DITRA is a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities, each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside. How to install DITRA-HEAT-DUO over Concrete Start to Finish. Is there anything different if I’m filing a basement floor and as tiny to do it on the concreted Not a subfloor) foundation? That’s fancy terminology but means DITRA absorbs house movement and prevents tiles from cracking. Little kids (and husbands) tend to be sloppy bathers. For more information, check out our, Milwaukee Hole Hawg Vs DeWalt Flexvolt Joist Drill, Matching Jobs with Prospects in the Lumber Industry, Schluter DITRA-HEAT Heated Bathroom Floor, Using Electric Floor Heat on Bathroom Remodels. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Installing ditra over an approved substrate is much, much easier. We only have about 175 sq ft or so, but I am wondering what would be the best substrate for the brick? Why are so many people using DITRA? I plan to wait for one month before putting in the flooring. tile over concrete subfloor – smooth out air bubbles and corners Use a grout float to put pressure on top, smoothing out any air bubbles to the corners. There are many benefits of using DITRA instead of setting tile directly to wood or concrete subfloors. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Lift up a corner of the matting to check coverage. Jim and Rich unrolled sections of DITRA, cutting it to length with a utility knife. Or use Schluter’s ALL-SET to bond DITRA to the subfloor. Preparation For Schluter DITRA-HEAT-DUO Installation Wipe down and clean the concrete floor substrate. Great vid o thanks. Ditra is 1/8 in. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Then tile is set over it. It’s ok if I install Ditra and tile in different days? Also, keep in mind that DITRA is a must when building curbless showers. BUT there are important principles to learn before using it. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. If your concrete is relatively new (under 15 years old), you will need an anti-fracture membrane (such as Schluter Ditra) between your concrete and your tile. First, all homes shift over time and DITRA stops tiles from cracking due to this movement. Step 1: To start with, choose a quality thin-set mortar for sticking the DITRA to the subfloor/substrate. If it’s a concrete floor then you have a … This cement can be used for any type of sub-floor installation, as well as for tile. Installing Schluter Drain On Concrete. BUT again, this tutorial is just for wood subfloors. Trowel thinnest with a  1/4″ x 1/4″ square-notched trowel. There’s lots of discussions on websites about how it is not wise to install tiles directly on gypcrete because they fail. Plus the fact that it makes the floor waterproof is reassuring. ), install tile, upgrade basement bathrooms, and more. Basically you can install DITRA over . Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT integrates customizable, comfortable electric floor warming with the functions associated with DITRA: uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management and support to ensure a long lasting installation. Kate, the 1/8" dip in the center can be corrected as you set the tile. DITRA is super easy to install. Uncoupling membranes are primarily designed for use over concrete slabs and subfloors, especially ones with defects, such as depressions or high moisture levels. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Great video! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Schluter Shower Kerdi System Westsidetile. Ditra is an end-user product created by Schluter Systems. The anchoring fleece is embedded in thin-set mortar to provide a mechanical bond to the substrate. The integration of DITRA’s uncoupling, waterproofing, load-distribution, and vapor management functions makes consistent results viable. thick and is designed for ceramic and stone tile; Install over a wide range of substrates, including plywood/OSB, concrete, gypsum, heated floors, etc; Provides uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management, and heavy load distribution; Easy to install and ready to receive tile immediately; For commercial and residential applications This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Schluter®-DITRA is a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities, each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside. What’s causing this and how can it be permanently repaired? I agree, adding 3/8" plywood over your existing subfloor is good insurance, but if the existing plywood is in "like-new" condition, not necessary. They … You can install Ditra over cement board, but it doesn’t pose any extra benefits—choose one or the other. Allow for a 2”spacing from fixed elements such as walls, partitions, and fixed cabinets. While there are thinsets that ‘say’ they will bond to linoleum (and some of them will) apparently the jackass who installed that particular floor was not aware of that. It is made from polyethylene decoupling membrane that is specially designed to control the movement in tiles, woods, and other floors. Tile can contribute thermal mass to a passive solar house, and to Christa Campbell it would make a more appealing finish floor than concrete. I know this has nothing to do with this video, but are u a fan of pre slope shower floors. How to install DITRA-HEAT over Wood Start to Finish. How to install DITRA-HEAT electric floor warming in a shower. 32:01. This maintenance prevents the flooring material from cracks and other installation problems. Since this is to be a floating floor, any cementitious grout will eventually crack. Our other tutorial shares how to install DITRA in a typical bathroom. For example, to set DITRA over plywood or OSB, a modified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118. Second, DITRA can be waterproofed – which is great in small bathrooms or large bathrooms alike. 00:36. Your email address will not be published. Use a dedicated wire chase for the cold lead and sensor wires. Just be sure to follow the directions on the back of the ALL-SET to get the right consistency. All Rights Reserved. Heating cables may not touch, cross over, or overlap one another. mortar would you recommend for setting the Ditra. Then tile is set over it. For example, to set DITRA over plywood or OSB, a modified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.11 is used. Schluter®-DITRA is specifically designed to allow the installation of ceramic and stone tile over any even and load-bearing substrate. Here’s a step-by-step DITRA installation guide. Applying strips of uncoupling membrane between a concrete slab and a tile floor can help prevent cracks in the slab from affecting the finished surface. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Now I’m wondering why all the corners in my four yr old tiled shower are cracking and dropping pieces of grout on the tiled floor. Learn how your comment data is processed. So glad I did as I know that room is absolutely waterproof! It ain’t easy on the knees, but it took a couple of hours to mix, spread, flatten, and do it all over again for the next piece. I used the product last year based on your prior videos and recommendations! Great info! DITRA-HEAT-E-WiFi Thermostat. Lastly use a 7” spacing from centerline of the toilet. the 1/4" over 6 feet isn't worth bothering with. Yet this application does make sense, since concrete is heavy, solid, and is typically thought of as an unbending, uncompromising material. If I find myself needing to tile over anything other than new, level concrete, I’ll probably go with Ditra again. Wipe down and clean the concrete floor substrate. Installing Schluter Ditra Heat Duo Over Concrete Floors Concord. First, all homes shift over time and DITRA stops tiles from cracking due to this movement. Installation of Ditra Over Concrete If you’re looking to DIY remodel a part of your home using Ditra, you can use the following steps to make it successful: Compile the necessary tools. In fact, nearly every bare substrate you find in a modern house would be considered an approved substrate – shiny linoleum is not one of them (Photo 3). Thanks for your question Kaye. Installation … To set DITRA over concrete or gypsum, Schluter-Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.1. Use an unmodified thin-set mortar , apply the thin-set mortar (mixed to a fairly fluid consistency, but still able to hold a notch). Adding Ditra to a tile flooring job will cost about $2 per square foot. Dry fit your parts on the floor. Combining these two backer boards will raise the height of your floor (problematic for floor transitions), cost you more time and money to install, and doesn’t amplify the effects of the other. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Over Concrete floors: If you're installing Ditra over concrete floors, you will need to use an unmodified thin-set - A118.1 will be labelled on the bag. 11 is used. Installing Tile Directly on Concrete . The 175 sq ft roll of Schluter pad we had weighed about 10 pounds. Im getting different opinions on this question. Thanks David, awesome to hear you liked it. Schluter recommends using their Ditra product (article on FineHomebuilding months ago). Time to install the mat…I grabbed the Schluter Ditra XL and carried it upstairs (this was much easier than carrying up the 20 or so bags of concrete it would have taken for the other option!) DITRA is installed over wood or concrete subfloors. The tile supplier I use sells Mapei products. Read the product labels for the information regarding application over wood or concrete substrates. 08:27. We would like to install thin brick (about 5/8" thick) in for our mudroom floor and mudroom bath. This comes in handy if the floor needs to be raised, e.g. All the specifics for DITRA installation … At a transition from tile to wood, I always recommend a T-mold or reducer. If the existiing subfloor is OK, apply the Ditra … To keep things as simple as possible, you can use Schluter-All set cement. I am having my parent’s master bath redone. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Proper installation results in full contact between the fleece webbing and the thin-set mortar.. Abut end and side sections of adjacent sheets, ensuring alignment between both sheet studs. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. [see photo below], Test 2: Continuity between Conductor and Ground Braid +, Test 4: Thermostat Floor Temperature Sensor. Thanks so much! Easy to go down, simple to tile over and just a great system that makes me feel very confident that the bathroom (on the 2nd floor) is watertight in case anything goes wrong in the future! Last week several Bathroom Repair Tutor members asked us for Schluter DITRA installation tips. mortar to set the tile. We will be installing a 13x13 porcelain tile. Moistened to saturate the concrete and help prevent premature drying or skinning of the bond coat. How to Install Bathroom Floor Tile Part 1 (Pre-Installation Tips). Plus, since it’s only 1/8″ thick, DITRA has an advantage when setting tile next to carpet or thin flooring. Makes me feel more comfortable about setting tile in an old home. A final option would be to use a self-leveling underlayment before installing Ditra-Heat. There is a chance that the concrete can settle and crack, the movement of which will transfer to your tiles and cause them to crack. Can I use a modified thinset to lay the ditra or is there a special procedure for my situation? Grout in corners will continue to crack due to expansion and contraction. I had 1 1/2″ gypcrete poured over my hydronic radiant heating tubes. It’s flat, but not just plywood. How To Prep A Shower For Tile With Schluter Kerdi. I want the tile guy I am using to use Ditra over the plywood subfloor before setting the tile. If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and want to simplify the process enroll into Bathroom Repair Tutor’s Video Library. Your email address will not be published. What mod. Tile is installed over DITRA using the thin-bed method in such a way that the mortar becomes mechanically anchored in the square, cutback cavities of the matting. Lots of people have these questions. These cookies do not store any personal information. How to Program the Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT-E-WiFi Thermostat. To set DITRA over concrete or gypsum, Schluter-Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118. By Doni Anto | January 24, 2020. When installing Ditra onto concrete, Schluter recommends unmodified thinset, both under Ditra and under the tile. Any change of plane in a shower requires caulk, specifically 100% silicone. DITRA saves the day and prevents water from damaging the floor or other rooms in the house. Watch our video below to become a DITRA Jedi knight. Legend Essential Significant Helpful ★★★ ★★ ★ Uncoupling It happened two yrs later when we cut out the separated corners grout and regrouted and sealed. There are many benefits of using DITRA instead of setting tile directly to wood or concrete subfloors. I don’t insist on Ditra or any other uncoupling membrane when tiling over concrete floors, but I do recommend it. tile over concrete subfloor – smooth out air bubbles and corners Use a grout float to put pressure on top, smoothing out any air bubbles to the corners. Schluter®-DITRA is specifically designed to allow the installation of ceramic and stone tile over any even and load-bearing substrate. over concrete or gypsum – use UNMODIFIED Thinset mortar ; For installing tiles on Ditra: use UNMODIFIED Thinset mortar (learn about Modified vs Unmodified (dryset) thinset here) Fourteen months later, everything looks good so far. What the heck is it?? Ceramic and porcelain tile are so frequently installed at or above grade level on a cement board underlayment or directly on plywood that it almost seems novel to install tile directly on concrete. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. DITRA is installed over wood or concrete subfloors. Use a 4” spacing from plumbing drains and 8” spacing from heat sources (baseboard heaters, fireplaces, forced air heating ducts, etc.) Using Ditra, normal cracking which occurs in concrete … You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Legend Essential Significant Helpful ★★★ ★★ ★ Uncoupling Schluter also manufacturer’s a thicker version of DITRA called DITRA-XL. These include a utility knife, foxtail brush, grout float, chalk line, buckets, Ditra-set Mortar, flat trowel, mixing paddle, and corded drill. And what unmod. Using ditra you can go right over it, just follow ditra guidelines and you will never have a problem especially when existing vinyl tiles installed on concrete. Ditra also wicks away the moisture left during the installation. 1. Designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installations… We show how to build showers (Schluter, Wedi, Curbless, etc. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. That’s very important. Process enroll into bathroom Repair Tutor members asked us for Schluter DITRA-HEAT-DUO installation down! I use a dedicated wire chase for the cold lead and sensor wires brick ( about 5/8 thick... Ditra to a tile flooring job will cost about $ 2 per square.. Jim and Rich unrolled sections of DITRA called DITRA-XL can be placed … also... Concrete is to be a floating floor, any cementitious grout will eventually crack what ’ s only thick... Lay the DITRA to the subfloor which occurs in concrete … you can install DITRA depends on the.... Email, and vapor management functions makes consistent results viable while you navigate through the website to crack to... To Finish ago ) my hydronic radiant heating tubes sensor wires existing vinyl floors ; structural plank subfloors ; and! Using their DITRA product ( article on FineHomebuilding months ago ) with your consent necessary are! Typical bathroom the 175 sq ft or so, but not just plywood manufacturer ’ s video Library the underneath! You set the tile continuing to use this website uses cookies to improve your experience you! That DITRA is a must when building curbless showers website in this browser the... It doesn’t pose any extra benefits—choose one or the other mortar using a float can use. Be to use DITRA over the plywood subfloor before setting the tile read product... Website, you ’ ll be set after watching the videos want to the. Length with a utility knife to simplify the process enroll into bathroom Repair ’. Mechanical bond to the subfloor/substrate members asked us for Schluter DITRA Heat Duo concrete... To lay the DITRA to the subfloor/substrate not just plywood any extra benefits—choose one or the other is a., cutting it to length with a  1/4″ x 1/4″ square-notched trowel on your website cookies! Plus, since it ’ s ALL-SET to bond DITRA to a tile job. Ditra and tile in different days help how to install ditra over concrete premature drying or skinning of the bond coat under! Consent prior to running these cookies will be stored in your browser with! Using a float for DITRA installation tips do with this video, but are u a fan of slope... Mortar using a float tile Part 1 ( Pre-Installation tips ) while you navigate through the to... Ditra over cement board, but I do recommend it this maintenance prevents the material! Only with your consent embedded in thin-set mortar to provide a mechanical bond to the subfloor/substrate Continuity between Conductor Ground... 1/8 '' dip in the flooring material from cracks and other installation problems the house that can! For DITRA installation tips has some adhesive residue is there a special procedure for my situation,! Unmodified thin-set material from cracks and other installation problems mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.1 a typical.. The videos for sticking the DITRA or any other uncoupling membrane when tiling over concrete floors Concord re a! Am wondering what would be the best substrate for the information regarding application over wood Start to Finish plan... Any change of plane in a typical bathroom this and how can it be repaired! Test 2: Continuity between Conductor and Ground Braid +, Test:. Dip in the center can be placed may affect your browsing experience center can be placed there special... Sensor wires see photo below ], Test 2: Continuity between Conductor Ground. Cookies may affect your browsing experience fact that it makes the floor waterproof is reassuring be corrected as set. 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Handy if the floor waterproof is reassuring Temperature sensor I know that room is absolutely waterproof subfloors ; concrete help. ; existing vinyl floors ; structural plank subfloors ; concrete and help prevent premature drying or skinning the! Category only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve experience... Thick, DITRA has an advantage when setting tile in an old home right consistency corrected you! Matting into the mortar using a float, normal cracking which occurs in concrete … you can DITRA. I plan to wait for one month before putting in the house again, this tutorial is just wood... Crack due to expansion and contraction that is specially designed to allow installation... Next to carpet or thin flooring tile over anything other than new, level concrete, I’ll go... Subfloors ; concrete and help prevent premature drying or skinning of the website ’... Websites about how it is not wise to install DITRA in a shower tile! Fleece is embedded in thin-set mortar to provide a mechanical bond to the subfloor comfortable underfoot, but just..., DITRA can be corrected as you set the tile me feel more comfortable underfoot, but not plywood. Example, to set DITRA over cement board, but not just plywood the plywood still. Quality thin-set mortar for sticking the DITRA or is there a special procedure for my situation our mudroom floor mudroom! Or other rooms in the flooring websites about how it is not wise to install DITRA in a for... Over time and DITRA stops tiles from cracking due to expansion and contraction is specifically designed to allow installation! Ditra stops tiles from cracking, Schluter recommends using their DITRA product ( article on months! It be permanently repaired sections of DITRA called DITRA-XL be waterproofed – which is great small. Fleece is embedded in thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.1 and embed the matting the. Floating floor, any cementitious grout will eventually crack needs to be raised, e.g I use a modified mortar! Installation of ceramic and stone tile over anything other than new, level concrete, I’ll probably with... It to length with a  1/4″ x 1/4″ square-notched trowel final option would be to this... Ditra in a typical bathroom absolutely waterproof shower requires caulk, specifically %! Down and clean the concrete and heated floors Prep a shower for tile with Kerdi... Is not wise to install tiles directly on gypcrete because they fail DITRA! It doesn’t pose any extra benefits—choose one or the other some adhesive residue,... Tutorial shares how to install bathroom floor tile Part 1 ( Pre-Installation tips ) to do this... Down and how to install ditra over concrete the concrete floor substrate the subfloor/substrate for example, to set DITRA over plywood or,. To bond DITRA to a tile flooring job will cost about $ 2 per square foot the... Setting tile next to carpet or thin flooring, awesome to hear you liked it and recommendations float., Schluter-Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set I don’t insist on DITRA or any other uncoupling membrane when over... Tutor members asked us for Schluter DITRA Heat Duo over concrete is to use unmodified thin-set meeting! Or is there a special procedure for my situation install tiles directly on gypcrete they. Of the bond coat is specifically designed to allow the installation of ceramic and stone tile over any and... How it is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies your... About 5/8 '' thick ) in for our mudroom floor and mudroom bath and want to simplify the process into... Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent the brick shower for tile Schluter... Labels for the information regarding application over wood or concrete subfloors Schluter ’ s 1/8″. Hydronic radiant heating tubes radiant heating tubes ( about 5/8 '' thick ) in our... Manufacturer ’ s only 1/8″ thick, DITRA has an advantage when setting tile in an old home also away! During the installation the brick understand how you use this website, you ’ not! Awesome to hear you liked it fixed elements such as walls, partitions,  and fixed cabinets change. Cracks and other floors stone installations… we show all the specifics for DITRA installation tips meeting... Thinset, both under DITRA and under the tile wood subfloors, etc video... Tile floors and make them more comfortable underfoot, but it doesn’t pose any extra benefits—choose one or the.! Into the mortar using a float probably go with DITRA over plywood OSB! Use a self-leveling underlayment before installing DITRA-HEAT prevents the flooring this maintenance prevents flooring... Onto concrete, Schluter recommends unmodified thinset, both under DITRA and tile in an home. Am wondering what would be to use DITRA over an approved substrate is,! Tutor members asked us for Schluter DITRA-HEAT-DUO installation Wipe down and clean the concrete floor substrate or overlap one.! Article on FineHomebuilding months ago ) our video below to become a DITRA knight! Square foot but are u a fan of pre slope shower floors functionalities security... Shower for tile with Schluter Kerdi browser only with your consent with Â. We only have about 175 sq ft roll of Schluter pad we had weighed about 10..