How thick can you apply thinset?

The terms thinset cement, thinset mortar, dryset mortar, and drybond mortar are synonymous. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick.

How thick is too thick for thinset?

In most installations, a layer of thinset 3/16 to 1/8-inch thick is sufficient. Too much thinset creates a mess and inhibits proper bonding between the tile and the substrate. For most tiles, apply a layer of thinset 3/16–1/8-inch thick. Do not attempt to use more thinset in order to level a surface.

What happens when you apply thinset too thick?

If the thinset is too thick, this creates an uneven surface that's difficult to clean and maintain. It also increases the drying phase causing the project to come to a halt. It's recommended to be methodical with the use of thinset mortar.

How thick can you apply mortar?

Mortar Thickness

The building code for weight-bearing brick walls calls for mortar to be no more than 3/8 inch thick. The thickness of the mortar can vary in other types of structures from 1/8 inch to ¾ inch, according to the MC2 Estimator's Reference website.

How thick can you float thinset?

Most thin-set mortars have a maximum thickness of 1/4" (6 mm) and medium-bed mortars have a maximum of 1/2" (12 mm).

Thinset for Tile...DO's and DON'Ts with Jeff Paterson of Home Repair Tutor

Can thinset be used for leveling?

You can use thinset to install tile over an uneven cement floor and leave the floor perfectly level. You can also use thinset mortar to level out an uneven cement floor or fill small holes in the floor without installing tile.

Can you fill low spots with thinset?

Using thin set to fill low areas by applying it a little thicker (most times it is much thicker) as the tile is being installed, is not a good idea. In fact, most manufacturers indicate in their product literature NOT to use thin set mortar to level or flatten the floor or wall.

How thick should thinset be under tile?

This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick. For example, a 3/8" notch trowel will produce a 3/16th inch thick coating after the tiles are pressed in to the cement.

How thick can you make a mortar bed?

With a standard thinset the maximum bonding thickness should never exceed 3/8 inch. If something is classified a medium bed mortar it is typically good for a maximum bonding thickness of ¾ inch.

What is the maximum thickness of a mortar bed?

TCNA Method F103B-21: Under the requirements section, it lists mortar bed thickness 1-1/4″ minimum to 2″ maximum. I recently read in an article that 2″ was the maximum for a mortar bed also.

Can you put too much thinset?

In addition to producing an uneven surface, applying too much thinset can create costly cleanup headaches and add unnecessary time to a project. Simple installation rules eliminate the possibility of this potential problem.

Does thinset mortar shrink?

Standard mortar, unlike medium bed mortar, is not designed to maintain a ¾” thickness. For that reason, it may shrink and cause lippage when used with large format tile.

How thick should mortar be for wall tile?

Tile set by the thinset method is adhered to the substrate with a thin layer of "thinset" cement. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick." Tile substrates are allowed 1/8" of variation from one area to another (and typically have more than that).

How thick can the thinset be in a shower floor?

The shower pan base mortar layer thickness should be approximately ½ to 1 inch thick. Since the shower floor already has a pre-slope, just apply a base mortar layer that has an even thickness throughout the shower floor area.

Is mortar the same as thinset?

Thinset, while it is also sometimes referred to as a “mortar” is an adhesive. It's a mix of cement, water, and fine sand. It holds your tile to the substrate and is used in commercial applications, “wet wall” applications (such as a shower floor), or with heavier tiling materials such as Ankara Travertine Stone Tile.

How much does a 50 lb bag of thinset cover?

A 50-pound bag of thinset will cover a minimum of 50 square feet to a maximum of 95 square feet.

How long do you have to work with thinset?

Let thinset set (or slake).

Once mixed, let the thinset slake (which is a fancy word for don't touch it) for 5-10 minutes.

Can you tile over uneven concrete?

If the substrate the floor tiles are being installed on is uneven but structurally sound, a self-leveling floor compound can be used to even it out. Self-leveling floor compounds are liquid bases that seek out the low areas on a floor and fill them in.

How do you prepare an uneven wall for tile?

Walls tend to be uneven for two main reasons. Either the wall itself has sagged slightly over time, or the surface of the wall is not completely flat. Either way, the best course of action is to remove the boards, then re-board and re-skim the walls so that you have a a flat surface to work from.

What is the cheapest way to level a concrete floor?

There are self-leveling coatings designed to fill gaps and cracks. You could also try using vinyl floor tiles to make the transition more gradual. Probably the easiest (and cheapest) thing to do would be to get a big diamond grinding wheel and bevel down the lip.