To sister or not to sister

Originally Posted by Mathelo

Jaz,

What mortar do you prefer for under and over on the Ditra for this install?

I used the Laticrete 254 for my powder room with the NobleSeal but that is probably overkill for under the Ditra and out of spec for over the Ditra. I did like the 254 but it is the first mortar I've ever used.

Louis

Originally Posted by JetSwet

Mapei kerabond is a good product for ditra imo. There is also ditraset hydroment but its rare to find.

Originally Posted by Mathelo

I haven't seen either of those locally. Best bets for me are Laticrete, TEC, or whatever Home Depot carries.

Originally Posted by JazMan

Q's like this is another reason you should list your location when you register. We're not gonna come and find you......promise.

Originally Posted by JazMan

Any modified thinset that meets ANSI. A118.4 & A118.11 if fine to install Ditra to plywood. I prefer Ditraset to set the tiles. But any premium unmodified is good. Laricrete 317, Tec Full Set Plus, and several dozen others. The unmods meet ANSI A118.1. Just do not buy the cheapos, the ones that are $6-8 per bag. Spend $12 and up. The ones I use cost more than that wholesale.

Jaz

Q's like this is another reason you should list your location when you register. We're not gonna come and find you......promise.

Originally Posted by Mathelo

Jaz,

Would it be okay to use 317 with 333 Super Flexible Additive under the Ditra and 317 'unmodified' over the Ditra? Easier to buy just one mortar.

Louis

Originally Posted by JazMan

PERFETTO!!!

Jaz

Originally Posted by Mathelo

So ... not to sound like I can't make up my mind but after reading the product data sheet for Laticrete 317 that says:

"LATICRETE 317 must be fortified with LATICRETE 333 Super Flexible Additive or LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix for exterior use, porcelain, mosaic, glass and stone tiles, and heavy traffic areas."

I'm starting to question the wisdom of using this mortar over Ditra. I understand that modified/unmodified mortar over Ditra is hotly debated and that Shluter recommends unmodified but everything I've read suggests that modified is stronger for porcelain so long as you give it adequate time to dry before grouting. As a DIYer, time is something I have plenty of.

So if I can give it a week or two to dry before grouting, why shouldn't I use a modified thinset that Laticrete recommends?

Thanks!

Louis

Originally Posted by JetSwet

Using 317 alone is using umodified unless you add add mix to make it modified

Originally Posted by Mathelo

Yes, I understand but Laticrete does NOT recommend using it with porcelain without the additive.

Louis