What kind of thinset do you use for concrete floors?

Modified thinset is the product of choice for most tile installations because of its increased strength and bonding with minimal shrinkage, which means a reduced chance of cracks forming in the tile.

Can I lay tile directly on concrete?

You can install the tile directly on the concrete. You can install a CBU or cement board on the concrete, then the tile on top of that. Finally, you can use an uncoupling membrane between the tile and the concrete.

What's the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 thinset?

The titles of “Type 1” or “Type 2” are applied to adhesives used to glue wood. Type 1 is basically fully waterproof. Type 2 is water resistant. Both can also withstand a bit of heating without failure.

Can I use thinset to level concrete floor?

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.

Will mortar adhere to concrete?

Mortar will stick to concrete. However, you must prepare the concrete surface first for adhesion to occur by ensuring it is even, free of dirt, and slightly damp. Applying a scratch coat to the concrete surface will help the mortar stick better. For even better results, you can use Thinset mortar.

Thinset on Concrete

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.

What is the difference between white and gray thinset?

Most of these mortars are available in either gray or white. If you intend to use a dark-colored grout, choose a gray mortar; choose white if your grout will be a light color. Achieving a white color requires modifications in the manufacturing process, so expect to pay a few more dollars for white mortar than gray.

What is thinset concrete?

Thinset or mortar (or thinset mortar, thinset cement, dryset mortar, or drybond mortar) is an adhesive made of cement, fine sand, and a water retaining agent such as an alkyl derivative of cellulose. Many thin-sets have latex and polymer additives in them designed to increase bonding strength.

Do I need to prime concrete floor before tiling?

Primer is absolutely necessary if you have an anhydrite screed (aka calcium sulphate). This is a liquid screed pumped onto the sub-floor that self-levels. It's quite common in modern construction and has many benefits over sand and cement screeds, but you can't tile straight onto it with standard adhesives.

Do I need to waterproof concrete floor before tiling?

Sealing a concrete floor before covering it with tile or carpet is a great idea. Sealing the concrete can prevent condensation and protect the floor. This means your carpet or tile stays dry and thus lowers the chances of mold and mildew building up.

How do you tile a concrete basement floor?

When mixing your thinset mortar How long do you need to let it set?

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.

What is white mortar used for?

Homes contain more mortar than you might think. From brick walls to shower stall floors, the building material appears in numerous domestic construction applications.

Can you grout over thinset?

Remove dried thinset before grouting. Take a razor knife and gently scrape any dried thinset from the sides of the grout joint. You do not have to remove the dried thinset all the way to the cement slab. Just enough so that the thinset does show once the grout is applied.

What is the difference between modified and unmodified thinset?

Unlike unmodified mortar, which consists only of a blend of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents, modified thinset includes additional retention products, such as latex polymers, which can increase its performance and strength.

What is unmodified thinset used for?

Therefore, it's best to use unmodified thinset when working with an impervious installation membrane like Prodeso for installing radiant floor heating. It's important to note that latex-modified thinset can still be used between the membrane and the subfloor because it is not impervious.

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.

What is VersaBond used for?

VersaBond Flex Fortified Thin-Set Mortar is a professional formula, all-purpose mortar with high flexibility and bond strength. With outstanding adhesion to plywood subfloors, this mortar is also ideal for porcelain and glass tile installations. Use it for interior or exterior floors, countertops and walls.

What happens if thinset is too thick?

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.

What is the difference between thinset and mud set?

A variety of high performance thinsets gives you strength, flexibility and chemical resistance to meet the requirements of most any environment. The surface you cover is the key to success in thinset. A mud set mortar installation gives you room for error in the substrate.