hi to whoever can help me.im redoing my bathroom.new tile for the floor and shower/tub.my problem is what type of mortor do I use?I'm putting the ditra down on the floor which is plywood and according to the people at ditra I need to use a modified thinset to put the ditra down and an unmodified thinset to put the tile on the ditra.does anyone agree with that?but I don't know what to use on the tile for the walls in the shower .the tile will be going on cement board.and it is a 6x6 tile.and floor is 12x12.I also need to know what sixe trowels to use for both the floor and the walls os the shower.PLEASE HELP ASAP THANKS RON

Ron,
Personally not a big fan of Ditra. It is correct however that you use unmodified thin-set for the floor. As far as the walls are concerned it depends on if you are planning on waterproofing the walls & shower floor? Either way to be on thew safe side use a latex modified thin set like Mapeis's Ultra Flex 2 or Tec full flex. A 3/8" notched trowel is plenty for that size tile.

Ditra is the best thing since sliced bread, IMO. Follow Schluter's directions. Use modified over plywood of course and a premium unmodified thin set to install the tiles regardless whether they're regular soft bisque, porcelain or stone. Just don't use a cheap unmodified for the tiles. What brands are available to you? Some people use a cheap modified to set the tiles too, but that will void any warranty, if you care about that.

You're supposed to use a modified thin set over all CBU's floor or walls. A tub/shower can be done without waterproofing, although I recommend it. Either liquid or sheet membrane. Liquids require modified, some sheet membrane require unmodified, such as Kerdi. Figure out what brands and which way you're doing the walls, then we can answer those questions.

Jaz

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Originally Posted by JazMan

Ditra is the best thing since sliced bread, IMO. Follow Schluter's directions. Use modified over plywood of course and a premium unmodified thin set to install the tiles regardless whether they're regular soft bisque, porcelain or stone. Just don't use a cheap unmodified for the tiles. What brands are available to you? Some people use a cheap modified to set the tiles too, but that will void any warranty, if you care about that.

You're supposed to use a modified thin set over all CBU's floor or walls. A tub/shower can be done without waterproofing, although I recommend it. Either liquid or sheet membrane. Liquids require modified, some sheet membrane require unmodified, such as Kerdi. Figure out what brands and which way you're doing the walls, then we can answer those questions.

Jaz

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I am going to use the cement board on the walls in the tub/shower area as far as waterproofing didn't think of that .what types of liquid are out there?I have Lowe's and home depot by me and some tile stores.so as far as where to go its doesn't really matter.

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Originally Posted by tile guru

Ron,
Personally not a big fan of Ditra. It is correct however that you use unmodified thin-set for the floor. As far as the walls are concerned it depends on if you are planning on waterproofing the walls & shower floor? Either way to be on thew safe side use a latex modified thin set like Mapeis's Ultra Flex 2 or Tec full flex. A 3/8" notched trowel is plenty for that size tile.

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Why aren't you a big fan of ditra?

When Ditra 1st came out it offered a 20 years warranty on the floors. It has since dropped from 15 to 10 & is currently at 5 years. I am an old school person & have never had the Perma Base fail on me. When installed correctly, glued down with thin-set & taped the joints, it is extremely durable. As far as liquid waterproofing goes, try the Aqua Defense at Lowe's. They sell a 5lb jug there for $40 or so. Make certain you apply 2 coats for it to be effective.

Use a modified thin set, (same as to install Ditra to plywood) for the walls.

As for the liquid membrane, HD carries Red-Guard, Lowe's may carry HydroBan by Laticrete or one made by Mapei depending on your region. Aqua Defense is another, there may be hundreds made. 2-3 coats should make the walls waterproof.

Jaz

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Originally Posted by tile guru

When Ditra 1st came out it offered a 20 years warranty on the floors. It has since dropped from 15 to 10 & is currently at 5 years. I am an old school person & have never had the Perma Base fail on me. When installed correctly, glued down with thin-set & taped the joints, it is extremely durable. As far as liquid waterproofing goes, try the Aqua Defense at Lowes. They sell a 5lb jug there for $40 or so. Make certain you apply 2 coats for it to be effective.

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OK thanks for your help

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Originally Posted by JazMan

Use a modified thin set, (same as to install Ditra to plywood) for the walls.

As for the liquid membrane, HD carries Red-Guard, Lowes may carry HydroBan by Laticrete or one made by Mapei depending on your region. Aqua Defense is another, there may be hundreds made. 2-3 coats should make the walls waterproof.

Jaz

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Now the waterproof goes right on the dura rock?for the walls?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JazMan

Use a modified thin set, (same as to install Ditra to plywood) for the walls.

As for the liquid membrane, HD carries Red-Guard, Lowes may carry HydroBan by Laticrete or one made by Mapei depending on your region. Aqua Defense is another, there may be hundreds made. 2-3 coats should make the walls waterproof.

Jaz

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And than wait till that dries and put thin thinset over that and than tile. Right?

The membrane is applied to the surface, yes. Durock or whatever it is. Then just follow directions.

Jaz