This post contains 7 real-world tips for installing Ditra. I'm a 25+ year tile installer and I use all of these tips when I install uncoupling membranes. First, let's clear up a couple of things: Here are the 7 installation tips: Ditra Installation Tip 1: Mix Your Thinset … [Read more...] about Use These 7 Schluter Ditra Installation Tips and Avoid Problems (in 2023)
Floor Prep
4 Alternatives to Ditra Uncoupling Membrane
I love Schluter Ditra and would recommend it to anyone. However, there are many alternatives to Ditra that have entered the market and they are worthy of consideration. There are many reasons to consider an alternative to Ditra, which could be: This post will examine Schluter Ditra and four … [Read more...] about 4 Alternatives to Ditra Uncoupling Membrane
Cement Board vs Ditra: Which is better?
Cement board or Ditra. Which is better? There are a lot of opinions but I'm going to try to stick to facts. This post compares: Let's get to it! What do Cement Board and Ditra do? The function of both cement board and Ditra is that of a tile underlayment. You install them … [Read more...] about Cement Board vs Ditra: Which is better?
Tile Underlayment: The Complete Guide for Beginners
Tile underlayment. There are a lot of different types of products that you can put under your bathroom floor tile. But it's confusing. Which product solves your problems? Also, do you even need underlayment for your tile in the first place? Let's take a look and examine the situation … [Read more...] about Tile Underlayment: The Complete Guide for Beginners
Self-Leveling Underlayment: The Ultimate Guide
Self-leveling underlayment. It sounds soooooo easy, doesn't it? You simply pour the leveling cement over the floor and the product then just levels itself all on its own. Sort of like...magic, right? Self-leveling underlayment is not what it seems Self-leveling underlayment is, quite … [Read more...] about Self-Leveling Underlayment: The Ultimate Guide
5 Ways to Screw Up your Cement Board Installation on Floors
Cement board installation is not something that is incredibly difficult. I think most people worry about how to cut it and once they have a plan for that then they think it'll be a breeze. But I've seen these screw-ups for several years now. It's the same ones over and over. Which … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Screw Up your Cement Board Installation on Floors
Installing Electric Floor Heat: How to Not Void Your Warranty
"How do you know it works?" I've been asked this by more than one homeowner when installing their electric floor heat system. It's a good question. Frankly, it's too big of a risk to install the whole electric floor heat system with tile on top and then hope that it works when the project is … [Read more...] about Installing Electric Floor Heat: How to Not Void Your Warranty
Do Uncoupling Membranes Really Prevent Cracked Tile Floors?
You want to tile your concrete floor. But there's a problem. The concrete has cracks in it. You know that if you tile right over the crack you soon will have a floor tile that's cracked in the exact same spot. So what can you do to keep the tile from cracking? Do Uncoupling Membranes Really … [Read more...] about Do Uncoupling Membranes Really Prevent Cracked Tile Floors?
Ditra Heat Mat Installation: Ignore these two rules
This post was updated on February 2022. Typically, I encourage people to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Especially when the company has clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand instructions like Schluter does. But when it comes to both Ditra Heat and Ditra Heat TB [edit: now … [Read more...] about Ditra Heat Mat Installation: Ignore these two rules
Why Schluter Ditra is so cool: Uncoupling membranes explained
Update: Schluter has launched Ditra 2.0. More details are below. You're curious about installing Schluter Ditra underlayment. Why not? It's quite a popular product on DIY television. Further, you can identify it instantly with its bright orange, waffled appearance. You may have even wondered … [Read more...] about Why Schluter Ditra is so cool: Uncoupling membranes explained
