Cement, sand, and water – these are the “building blocks” for thinset. Or, it could also be that there’s a significant amount of dust lying around on the floor. For wall-mounted and floor tiles, this mortar is a God-sent. It is inexpensive. However, it’s not a good choice for shower walls and floors. Thinset mortar is your default tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. Are you planning on tiling your shower, but aren’t really sure which thin-set to choose? Choosing the best, most robust mortar or adhesive for your tiling project will depend, in part, on the kind of tile you are using, and more importantly on where you plan to use it. Yes, it is Portland cement that holds everything together. Thinset is highly water-resistant, meaning it won’t go bad and the tiles won’t start falling off the walls in the shower over time. Schluter is known as one of the leaders when it comes to tiling a bathroom/shower. I have been searching for information on the correct thinset to use for this type installation and there is a lot of conflicting information out there in the www. On top of that, thinset is a stronger material compared to mastic. Modified thinset has a far better chance of fluctuating through various seasons. Another advantage is that it’s inorganic and thus is not a food source for mold growth. You don’t have enough experience with this, yet still want to do everything right the first time around? But if it cures too slowly, it takes forever to get to the grouting stage. This is done in a two-step manner: first, you mix the water and let it slake; then, you mix it again, and only then apply to the wall(s). There are also more grout lines present between mosaic tiles, offering much-needed slip resistance in the shower. Would this calculation get me to the right height… Compressed thin set on top of sub floor…1/8″ Cement board…1/2″ Compressed thin set on top of cement board…1/8″ JosesHome.com is a participant in the Amazon Services What’s more important, though, is the fact that thinset isn’t in any way affected by water. Shower pans, bathroom walls, kitchen floors, and countertops work perfectly with it. Additionally, epoxy mortar sets quickly. Compared to mastic, thinset takes a considerably longer time to set. My question is should I use a glass thin set on the pan and a different modified thin set on the walls. For instance, the porcelain tiles and man-made ceramic tiles may require a different type of adhesive than what is needed for marble and travertine. These mortars are simple to use and to maintain. However, many pros recommend giving it three full days (72 hours) to really “take roots” and become 100% dry and safe to walk on. It is a can’t-go-wrong-with choice for outdoor tiling, especially underwater. All Rights Reserved. Taking a look at the main things to worry about, and the options available will let you make the best decision. Thinset is also heatproof, so it will not lose its grip in hot environments. It can be done without cutting the lengths of the tile in the middle of the floor. When moisture is present, it will not return to a liquefied state as mastic would. Use spacers to maintain a consistent gap. And one more thing: always use unmodified thinset for Kerdi. Tiles for shower walls can be chosen from B- and C-rated products. Best Areas: Thinset can be used for showers, bathtubs, backsplashes and other areas. Therefore, it’s best to use unmodified thinset when working with an impervious installation membrane like Prodeso for installing radiant floor heating. If your answer is “Yes” to both questions, you came to the right place! If you’re planning on tiling, say, your kitchen walls, we highly recommend going with mastic. What’s the best application for this mortar then? Digital Programmable Thermostat; ... the best adhesive to use on shower tile is going to depend on a number of factors. Mastic can be used in dry or damp areas only. It is also heatproof, so it won't lose its grip in hot environments. In many ways, this is more mastic with sand, not thinset. Jun 11, 2011 … Also, thin-set mortars are typically done for floors, not walls, but our Marble … It's the very best mortar, really tile adhesive, we sell at The Home … Thinset Decoded: A buyers guide to purchasing … Is it best to us a regular thin set or should I go … The product used for the shower walls was Mapei Premium … By the way, did you know of the thinset for tile US origins? Premixed mortar will also be the quickest, hassle-free route to leveling your shower floor. It is delivered in plastic – you won’t have to worry about the regular cardboard getting wet. You cannot level wildly out-of-level surfaces, but you can bridge gaps and compensate for slight level changes. The perfect tiles for shower floor should be slip resistant. Shower Floor Ideas That Reveal The Best Materials For The Job. If you go with a modified thinset, you might have to wait for up to 14 days to start grouting. Another advantage is that it’s inorganic and thus is not a food source for mold growth. That also means that wall tile doesn't need the solid support that floor tile demands. Since thinset tile mortar may crack, you may wish to mix it with a special latex additive to increase its strength. Tile adhesive is expected to hold the tile in place not just for years but for decades—without fail. "There’s not much that we don’t like about this thinset. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is important: while premixed is usually good, it also means you can’t use it for tiling bathroom/shower floors. Gray Fortified Thinset Mortar Custom Building Products VersaBond 50 lbs. With that said, there are no rights or wrongs here: it all depends on your current needs. As we learned today, there are different types of thinset, each made (or, rather, mixed) for a specific task. Schluter is known as one of the leaders when it comes to tiling a bathroom/shower. That’s it for unmodified thinset. Relative to thinset, epoxy mortar sets quickly, allowing you to get to the grouting of the tile within just a couple of hours. Choosing the right tile mortar can be a lot simpler than you might think. This greatly increases the mortar’s bonding power, along with its flexibility and durability. If you’re on a tight budget, but still want to get the best possible quality, it might be worth your attention. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, that will increase the chance of getting cracked tiles on your hands. So your offset can be 4-12 inches and varying on each row and still be under the 1/3 recommendation. Thinset tile mortar has a smooth, slippery consistency, similar to mud. There, you’ll find answers to the most important questions and boost your own expertise. It’s polymer-modified and has impressive bond strength. Tile installation requires grooves in the thinset to create air pockets which facilitate the adhesion of the tile. The best thing about this is you won’t have to mix the mortar with water – the company has already done that for you. We also like MTSG50’s fast setting nature. That also means that wall tile doesn't need the solid support that floor tile demands. A random stagger just means that they will offset each row up to 1/3rd of a tile (or 12 inches). The one thing that you gotta watch out for is how little time this mortar takes to set. Plus, this mortar is a decent pick for tiling your shower walls and bathtub surrounds. It is best suited for large ceramic, porcelain or stone tiles, to name a few. Even if it’s cold outside, it won’t take this thin-set long to cure, which can’t be said about most similar products. This is an affordable, easy-to-use material. That means you’ll be free to walk or even stomp on it after a day or two. Although thin-set is not waterproof, it is isn’t water soluble. The small size of the individual tiles means they conform to the slope and shape of the shower floor better than a larger tile would. Add a customer-friendly price-tag, impressive bond strength, and fast setting, and you’ll get yourself a bang for the buck. Thinset Mortar: Mastic: Moisture Factor: Thinset can be used in very wet areas, even areas that will be completely submerged in water. Is Schluter Allset the best thinset for large format tile? Modified thinset is when you deliberately add some kind of polymer bonding agent into the mix. Floor Heating Systems. Obviously, modified thinset is the better option, and all this debate is useless. Alright, without further ado, let’s get right to our list and see which thin-set mortar will be the ultimate choice for your current situation! That’s especially true for underwater areas. Next on the list, we’ve got the Versabond fortified thin-set mortar. Best Areas: Thinset can be used for showers, bathtubs, backsplashes and other areas. Lastly, a different type of thinset adhesive is called mapei mortar. When designing or renovating a bathroom with a shower, some things require special consideration. For flooring or any other horizontal work, it is an ideal pick. I submerged the floor under water for 2 weeks hoping it would loosen up, but it has not. The short answer is no, regular thinset isn’t the best option. The thinset at Home Depot all reads "Do not use with resin-backed stone." Shower floors – Thinset; Shower walls – Thinset Mastic’s biggest pro is its sticky nature: it grabs fast, and you won’t ever have to see sagging tile. But, again, thinset stays consistent. Because thinset is not affected by moisture, it is best for floor tile and all tile in wet areas, including shower floors, walls, and ceilings and tub surrounds. Use a good modified thinset, like Flexbond or Versabond from HD, or Mapei Ultraflex or a Lactecrete thinset from Lowes. The shower pan is custom built fiberglass pan that recommends high quality polymer modified thinset. Now on with the battle of Mastic vs. Thinset! Ceramic Tile Comparison Guide, How to Repair Water-Damaged Tile Shower Walls. It is applied to the substrate with a notched trowel. Some posts may contain affiliate links. Thinset tile mortar provides a very strong bond and is resistant to moisture and mold growth. To clarify: thinset isn’t “waterproof” in the most original meaning of the word: water can (and does) pass through it. "VersaBond’s mortar is fit for most standard installations and works with quarry, ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone, cement-based, and mosaic tile. I put down porcelain tile in a shower floor using thin set mortor in a bucket that did not have polymers in it by mistake (Recommended by Home Depot employee). Moisture can sometimes get trapped under tiles, essentially leading to rot and mold. In many ways, this is the simplest pre-mixed thin-set mortar, which also makes it one of the most effective ones. Not so fast! So, grab your favorite trowel and start working! Thinset is your go-to tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. The best way to know if you need to use ummodified thinset or thinset mortar is to determine the tile you are installing and ask a professional or store associate. Kerabond is classified as the company’s premium unmodified thinset so it is well worth the investment. The temperature and humidity of the room, along with the airflow in it will determine exactly how long it’ll take for the thinset to harden. Mechanical strength is strong, so they hold the tile firmly in place and resist compression. It is a polymer-fortified thinset mortar for both interior and exterior installations that only needs to be mixed with water. The Laticrete mortar is also excellent for underwater applications. For example, on more complicated projects, this gives you enough time to fix any imperfections (like tiles that aren’t properly aligned). Wall tile is generally thinner than floor tile and doesn't require floor tile's compressive strength. It seals properly, doesn’t take too long to harden, and is highly “user-friendly”, even if you’re an amateur at this. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Demands placed on tile adhesive are both extensive and steep. Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ll be able to answer the most important question – “What is the best thinset for a shower” – with confidence and expertise. ALL-SET, in turn, is the modified thin-set. LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon(.com, .co.uk, .ca etc). "SimpleSet produces one of the best mastic-plus-sand mixtures on the market. Yes, there’s a lot of mystery surrounding thinset products, especially for people that are unfamiliar with DIY tiling. Epoxy mortars work well for porcelain and ceramic, as well as for glass, stone, metal, mosaic, and pebbles. And, don’t forget to share your successful/disastrous stories in the comments section! Just like the previous product on the list, it is very easy to use and doesn’t require any experience for you to start using it. A quick note: this thinset dries quickly, leaving you almost no time for any last-minute fine-tuning. Thinset is usually sold in a dry, powder-like form that won’t do any good unless you mix it with the right amount of water. On the other hand, as a high-quality mortar, it’s actually quite reasonably-priced. Remember: if you’re planning on tiling your shower’s floor, don’t use mastic or premixed thinset. In this post, we’ll help you pick the best thinset for shower walls and get to work immediately. this forces the thinset into the micropockets and greatly enhances adhesion (also known as back buttering the tiles and floor). Thinset tile mortar provides a very strong bond and is resistant to moisture and mold growth. Shower floor tiling may seem like a trivial detail at first, but the schemes, colors, and textures sweeping the interior design world may just change even the most obstinate of minds. Thinset is the go-to setting material for tile – has been for quite some time now. Apply a 100% silicone-based sealant such as Mapesil ™ T around the drain area. VersaBond 50 lb. Although thin-set is not waterproof, it is isn’t water soluble. It comes in buckets and is, essentially, unmodified mortar combined with water, so you won’t have to do the mixing by yourself. Thinset mortar is a type of cement used for the adherence of tiles and flooring to substrate, or subfloor materials. It’s more “user-friendly” and gets the job done faster. The tile guy requested to use a mastic for the shower walls to make it easier to install (more time to set the tile before it set up). If you skip the first step, water simply won’t have time to properly mix the various chemicals, and you’ll be in trouble. Traditional versions are cement-based powders that are mixed with water prior to application. 5) ION TOOL – Best Drill for Mixing Thinset. Use premixed mortar for spaces such as small bathrooms, mudrooms, or utility rooms. Allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the mosaic tile becomes solidly bonded. Mapei mortar is a type of polymer modified thinset used to install tile both on the floor and on a vertical surface. We’ve compiled a list of the top offers on the market and will tell you about their pros, cons, and our expert recommendations. It seals properly, doesn’t take too long to harden, and is highly “user-friendly”, even if you’re an amateur at this. It's important to note that latex-modified thinset can still be used between the membrane and the subfloor because it … And sometimes the type of tile itself is a determining factor. After 24 hours, the mortar bed enters a green state and should not have tile adhered to it for 28 days.) It’s a very small shower area, 30×60. Tip #4: Use white thin-set mortar Gray thin-set mortar has color and pigment in it. Wall tile is generally thinner than floor tile and doesn't require floor tile's compressive strength. Before you can decide between modified or unmodified thinset, you need to ensure that you understand their strengths and weaknesses, their applications, and when it’s best to use one versus the other. That’s right: once the thinset is given enough time to cure (harden), it becomes “immune” to water. But if you’re looking to tile your shower or bathroom floor, you’ll be better off with a different product.". The reason – for porcelain tile, it’s important to use modified thinset to achieve the best (and long-lasting) results. Epoxy tile mortar comes in two or three separate components that must be mixed by the user right before use. It's important to note that latex-modified thinset can still be used between the membrane and … The Laticrete 254 Platinum Multipurpose Thinset Mortar is one of the best multipurpose adhesives we offer. Epoxy-based mortars have high compressive strength and stick well to resin-backed stones. To make things clear for you: the term “thinset” describes a specific type of mortar (mostly unmodified) that is used for gluing tiles to walls (like shower wall tiles, for example). Once the mortar is set you can continue the process of placing either the shower pan or tile. Fortunately, tile adhesives have evolved to the point where all of those demands can be successfully handled. Custom Building Products VersaBond 50 lbs. If you’re planning on tiling your bathtub or shower, go with thinset. Thinset mortar is the best choice for your shower. Yes, the list of suitable tiles is pretty long. Thinset tile mortar has a smooth, slippery consistency, similar to … It is impervious to water, so it does not need any special latex additives, as does some thinset. Tile Mastic Sometimes called "organic" mastic or adhesive, tile mastic is a sticky tile adhesive that comes in … In most cases, the tile application—where the tile is installed—clearly determines the best mortar option. Protection against microbes is another thing that makes this product stand out among the rivals. It cannot cure too fast: Otherwise, you do not have adequate working time. The manufacturers always include strict instructions – make sure to follow them. Pot life for most epoxy tile mortars is about 45 minutes. SimpleSet produces one of the best mastic-plus-sand mixtures on the market. In contrast, mastic can only be used in dry areas. Leave a gap between the tile and shower floor. Thanks to the Moldguard technology, mold and mildew won’t be able to grow under the SimpleSet thinset. Mastic can be used in dry or damp areas only. Choosing the best, most robust mortar or adhesive for your tiling project will depend, in part, on the kind of tile you are using, and more importantly on where you plan to use it. … it is usually best for DIYers to use premixed mortar for spaces such as small … Use mastic for wall tiles or other vertical surfaces where you want tiles to stick immediately, and to stay stuck. It cannot be used in areas that will be submerged in water, such as swimming pools. But that’s pretty much its one and only con. Top Three Best Ceramic Tiles 1. To make things easier for you: SET is the unmodified thin-set and it should be used when dealing with shower or bathroom walls. Tile costs vary widely, ranging from budget-friendly ceramic and porcelain tiles up to the highest-end marble and detailed mosaics, not to mention that a small shower enclosure will require less tile and cost less than a large walk-in shower. That plumber also has no clue about tiling. The thinset spreads quickly, doesn’t take very long to cure, and comes in a handy bucket. When either redesigning or constructing a shower, the floor is an important piece to think about.Picking the right choice from the many shower floor options can make or break your shower. Standard thinset comes as a bagged powder that is mixed with water. It spreads and sets quickly and includes anti-bacterial protection. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the top picks, make sure to also check out the Buyer’s Guide and FAQ. Thinset is your go-to tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. The mosaic marble is also used in the niche and for the top surface of a small corner “bench” as well a on the shower floor. Shower floors – Thinset; Shower walls – Thinset I plan on thinsetting and screwing cement board to the subfloor, then RedGard, then thin set and tile. Whether wall or floor tile, that tile needs to thoroughly stick to its base surface. Thinset Mortar: Mastic: Moisture Factor: Thinset can be used in very wet areas, even areas that will be completely submerged in water. Let’s start by saying that thinset is a naturally waterproof product, meaning it’s not “afraid” of water. The best way to know if you need to use ummodified thinset or thinset mortar is to determine the tile you are installing and ask a professional or store associate. We have to also say that the slow setting nature of thinset isn’t always a bad thing. On average, it takes 24-48 hours for it to set. (Note for tiling: Tiling should begin within approximately 16 hours of the mortar bed installation. VersaBond cures quickly even in cold climates and adheres to most surfaces. … glass Mosaic Tile Shower Photo Gallery. It cannot be used in areas that will be submerged in water, such as swimming pools. Warmer temperatures speed up curing time; cooler temperatures slow it down. But if you’re looking to tile your shower or bathroom floor, you’ll be better off with a different product. Sometimes, additives are added to make it more flexible and water-resistant. Shower tiling isn’t a walk in the park, and to be successful in it, you’ll need to use the right type of mortar. Plus, this mortar is a decent pick for tiling your shower walls and bathtub surrounds. I also will be tiling the bathroom floor with a 6×24 porcelain over Shuluter-Ditra. I have the concrete floor, then red guard over that, then the thin set mortor, then the tile on top. The only downside of the Schluter sets – they are a bit too expensive for the average tiling enthusiast. Thinset is a mortar that is made of Portland cement, silica sand, and moisture-retaining agents. Available both as modified and unmodified, Goes hand-in-hand with other Schluter materials, Fast setting (both in hot and cold weather), Cheaper compared to most modified thin-set on the market, Ready-steady - no need to mix it with water, Works for shower walls and bathtub surrounds, Doesn’t work for shower and bathroom floors. Allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the mosaic tile becomes solidly bonded. Lastly, a different type of thinset adhesive is called mapei mortar. In the right hands, Laticrete International is a durable and reliable thin-set.". What Is Cement Backer Board and How Is It Used? No, premixed thinset mortar has never been a good option for shower floors. Common names for it include mortar, mud, but, most frequently, thin-set. There is a shower tile floor for every budget. You might hear people say “mortar” instead of thinset, which isn’t 100% correct, but close enough. Pebble stones can be set on the floor one by one and this doesn’t take a long time. For a seasoned expert, a rapidly-setting thin-set is a pro, as they can get the job done faster. Tiles come in three categories based on their slip resistance rate and are marked A, B, and C. Tiles with A marking have the best slip-resistant quality and are best for flooring. The mortar begins setting once it is mixed, so you have to use up the entire batch or discard any excess. Note: If your shower bottom is a one-piece acrylic factory-molded shower floor, leave a gap between the mosaic sheets and the top rim. The shower area will extend from the shower floor to the ceiling. Mapei – Kerabond, Keraset, and Keraflor Two of the best known products of Mapei are also two of the best unmodified thinset on the market. So, go over our post once again and check out the top four picks. It must be easy to work with, and it must adequately fill in gaps between the tile and the substrate. But, it can be a bit confusing when trying to choose the right Schluter set. Leave a gap between the tile and shower floor. With their pre-mixed thin-set mortar, you’ll get things done in a jiffy and with ease. We’re talking about setting stone and ceramic tiles over the Kerdi membrane. On the downside, epoxy mortar is more expensive than thinset and has a strong smell while it cures. Because thinset is not affected by moisture, it is best for floor tile and any tile in wet areas, including shower floors, walls, and ceilings and tub surrounds. Therefore, it’s best to use unmodified thinset when working with an impervious installation membrane like Prodeso for installing radiant floor heating. I hope to use the allset thin set there, if I can find it locally. Apply Keracaulk® S, Keracaulk U or Mapesil ™ T in areas of movement such as shower wall/shower floor transitions and shower curb/shower floor transitions. And the worst part is – if you purchase the incorrect type, you won’t only be wasting money on something you don’t need, but also turn the whole tiling process into a nightmare. It is a polymer-fortified thinset mortar for both interior and exterior installations that … Dry fit pebble stone sheets over the shower pan and label them with painter’s tape. Since this is a modified thinset, you can freely use it on glass tile both indoors and outdoors. This can be a deficit because it provides only a short window of time to make changes. Some consider it to be one of the best options on the market today. NAVIGATE OUR TOP 4 BEST THINSET FOR SHOWER WALLS, Best Pole for Home Use – Review and Buyer’s Guide, Best Gutter Guards for All Roof Types – Review & Buyer’s Guide, Best Thinset for Shower Walls – Review & Buyer’s Guide, Best Thinset for Porcelain and Glass Floor Tile, Best Thinset for Porcelain and Ceramic Tile. Mastic, in turn, is much like glue, and, generally, easier to use. For ceramic, marble, stone, granite, and porcelain, it will be a good investment for your money. Don't be persuaded into getting cheaper mortars, such as brick mortar, that could lead to mildew or mold. It is used to “stick” tile to the wall and mostly consists of cement, sand, and a special compound that is water-resistant. If you are dealing with multiple spaces, then you may want to consider a dry mix to save money. As the title suggests, it’s a solid choice if you’re planning on using it with glass floor tile or porcelain. I need to match the height of the existing tile in the bathroom. However, for someone who’s only getting started, this might lead to unnecessary stress. When moisture is present, it will not return to a liquefied state as mastic would. Mapei mortar is a type of polymer modified thinset used to install tile both on the floor and on a vertical surface. We recommend using premixed thinset for shower walls (NOT floors), backsplashes, and countertops. Now on with the battle of Mastic vs. Thinset! Temperatures must range between 60 and 90 F for proper installation. Use spacers to maintain a consistent gap. Regular thinset for porcelain tile – is that a good fit, or not? Fortified Thin-Set Mortar is a professional formula, all-purpose mortar, polymer-modified to provide good bond strength for floor and tile projects. Epoxy mortars are resistant to a wide variety of chemicals. Odds are good that the layout won’t be perfect but don’t let this lead to frustration. Even though it is heavy to carry and more expensive than dry mortar mix, the ease and convenience of premixed thinset mortar makes it ideal for do-it-yourselfers. Installation can be made on a damp surface, but new concrete must cure for at least 28 days before adhering tile.