Allow the mortar to sit for 5-15 minutes before using it. ... Should I tell the homeowner to take up the boards again? I’m putting a 24x6x3/8 ceramic tile into a remodeled bathroom with 3/4″ plywood and 16″ joists. DITRA cost is $1.55 to $1.90 per square foot. Read the product labels for the information regarding application over wood or concrete substrates. My husband says it is impossible to remove the particle board. Backer boards; Floor Underlayment Preparation Materials; Membranes. It'll make it so much easier to get up. Why? Because it is not correctly locked into the ditra you will lose the mechanical bonding properties of ditra and you may as well install it directly to particle board at that point (That was sarcasm – don’t do that! Our website is supported by advertising. I thought Schluter Ditra would do just fine on top of the particle board, and possibly even on top of the linoleum. We have luan over a 3/4 inch particle board subfloor with sheet vinyl. It is mortared to the DITRA underlayment, which in turn, is mortared to the subfloor. Perimeter bonded vinyl tile is unacceptable. Is DitraXL the best option to tile with adjacent 3/4″ HW floor? Read our Terms of Use and Disclosures page for more information. Regular Contributor Join Date: Feb 2005; Location: Duluth, GA; Posts: 99 #3. Once the DITRA membrane is in place and before any tile is set, the next step is to cover the seams with an 8” wide layer of unmodified thin-set centered on the seam. Wood expands and contracts with moisture and temperatures changes and flexes when bearing loads. )I’m also concerned about cracking of tile, if the subfloor is not dead level. I've done them and they look good initially but don't hold up as well as I would like. It also is/was my understanding that you could also leave the linoleum down if you desired, but that you had to nail it down every so many feet. Step 8: Trim the DITRA around drains, support posts, door jambs and other obstacles while the mortar is still wet or pre-trim the piece when fitting it, before mortar is applied to the subfloor. These spaces allow excess moisture and vapor to escape, reducing the potential for it to damage the layer of tiles above. We are planning to have porcelain tile installed. One final thought: the particle board could be there for sound proofing (e.g. In addition to showers and tub surrounds, you should consider using a waterproof barrier in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room or basement. Tile Subfloor, Thickness, Deflection Installing Electric Radiant Heat Pouring Self Leveling Mortar Leveling (Flattening) the Subfloor Installing Cement Board (CBU) Installing Schluter DITRA Marking Guidelines for Tile How to Lay Tile How to Grout Tile Joints There's a lot of information (and mis-information) online about what constitutes a suitable subfloor for tile, and it's tough to find a clear … Which thickness you choose depends on the needs of the project you’re tackling. Can You Recommend a tile setter in the San Jose, CA area with a lot of experience with this product? … If it starts coming away from the floor substrate (particle board), it could then very well lead to the grout between the tiles cracking (breaking up) due to movement underneath. DITRA is also noted for its ease of use when compared with materials like cement backer board. So I was going to put down No More Ply over the chipboard floor instead of the 12mm WBP, then Ditra over. The original 1983 tile cracked severely, and I replaced a few tiles in maybe 1990. tempted to take it up and replace it with plywood (fixed down appropriately). Boiled down to a very simple question, what can I safely put Schluter Ditra on top of? Additionally, cement board adds no structural strength but takes up more height. The result of Schluter-DITRA’s performance is a tile floor with outstanding durability and resistance to cracks and moisture. To ensure a waterproof seam where the wall meets the floor, use a 10” wide strip of KERDI-BAND centered in the corner using the same method outlined for waterproofing seams. Wood will also be damaged by water, something this polyethylene membrane prevents. I liked that idea so I decided to just use 1/4 cement board and screw it down right over top of the particle board and then just tile over top. It has an 11/64” x 11/64” square-notched design. It is/was my understanding that I needed to rip out the linoleum, have a decently clean surface, and then use thin-set to bond the Schluter Ditra down. I'd prefer not to have to do this, as I'm sure I will have to cut it out around my counters, and around the areas where linoleum stops and carpet begins. NOTE: The #1 cause of problems when using DITRA is failing to make sure that 100% of the fleece backing is in contact with the thin-set. Tile is installed over DITRA using the thin-bed method in such a way that the mortar becomes mechanically anchored in the square, cutback cavities of t… 2. By the way, if you find that you need to keep the 1/2 inch plywood underlayment I recommend going over it with a thin membrane. There should be NO overlap. This means that when you use a notched trowel on it, the ridges created must stand up rather than settling. By the way, contractors sometimes refer to this product simply as DITRA, and we will too. We take pride in delivering high-quality information that help homeowners decide on which type of flooring they want in their house. Before commencing I would ensure the particle board is fixed down very! ... Or spend a mini fortune on ditra. Standard DITRA is 1/8” thick, and this helps to eliminate height differences where two different flooring materials meet; CBU is twice as thick at 1/4″. That took care of all the squeaks in the floor and made everything solid. We work closely with qualified flooring contractors throughout the USA to provide installation and repair services for home flooring products. My situation is: I am replacing 3/4″ maple hardwood floors in my kitchen with 3/8 porcelain tile mixed pattern 12×12 and 18×18. Personally I have no time for particle board, therefore would be very! 0 0. You're probably looking at over 1/2" of extra floor height after the tile is installed. -- Your advice would be appreciated. Hope this helps. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy, 2020 Stack Exchange, Inc. user contributions under cc by-sa, https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/7496/requirements-for-using-schluter-ditra/7497#7497, https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/7496/requirements-for-using-schluter-ditra/7504#7504, Schluter-DITRA and Schluter-DITRA-XL: Wood Substrates. I am planning on tiling my garage floor with porcelain tile. Or would the addition of ditra onto the backerboard make it a sound surface to tile? B. beanz TF. When the substrate moves – and it will in every flooring installation—the DITRA material flexes with it to prevent the movement from transferring through and causing the tile and grout to crack. osb is not an acceptable substrate for any form of tile. Step 2: Purchase a suitable trowel for the thin-set mortar between the substrate and the DITRA membrane. Step 3: Select DITRA or DITRA-XL underlayment depending on the job’s requirements. The board is glued to the substrate and fastened with screws when possible. Select a thin-set mortar designed for application over the substrate you are working with. DITRA is the right choice when installing flooring over concrete or other material that requires a moisture barrier to prevent damage to flooring. This makes it the right choice for use with DITRA. Commonly called CBU or cement backer board, or more technically, cementitious backer units, cement board underlayment was originally designed as a substitute for drywall in showers because it is resistant to moisture and mold and won’t deteriorate when wet. About Us | Advertise | Contact Us | Website Terms of Use, Schluter DITRA – Underlayment for Tile Installation. In reality, the DITRA membrane prevents the coupling in the first place. If the linoleum is over particle board on top of the sub floor, once you figure out how thick the particle board is, set your skil saw to that depth or a tiny bit less and make a couple of cuts. Note on Uncoupling: You’ll come across the term “uncoupling” when discussing Schluter-DITRA with contractors or retailers; you may hear it described as an uncoupling membrane. Make sure to fully embed the KERDI-BAND and remove any excess mortar and air pockets. For total peace of mind I would contact Schluter Systems directly and seek their advice: Contact Schluter Systems. The thickness of the tile assembly is minimized by using Ditra, which is only 1/8 in. Each of these floors are currently linoleum. Abut the second piece of DITRA against the first on sides and, if necessary, ends too. Click here to upload your image This reduces flex which is the enemy of tile installations. Can Ditra be used as an underlayment for the porcelain tile on a garage floor that will have vehicles on it? I cant decide if I should paint with gardz or redguard prior to deck mud. Your email address will not be published. CBU structure does not offer this protection. Installing tile directly on concrete WILL result in significant cracking of the flooring within a short period of time when the concrete expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Ask your retail flooring specialist which thickness is right for you, if you have a question about it. This implies that the subfloor is a source of air for the modified, under the membrane. The DITRA-XL cost is $1.75 to $2.25 per square foot. It was soon discovered that CBU also works well as underlayment for tile and natural stone. DITRA membrane is available in two thicknesses, 1/8” and 5/16”. Mix the thin-set fairly loose but firm enough to hold a notch. This article is excellent. 6mm board over a particularly lumpy floor from the old adhesive, but board not stuck down at all just screwed. DO NOT TILE DIRECTLY TO: Plywood, particle board, or solid wood/Seven Trust - can warp and swell . DITRA is the right choice when installing flooring over concrete or other material that requires a moisture barrier to prevent damage to flooring. Tile is installed above the CBU using thin-set mortar. Post Cancel. One additional product is required, Schluter KERDI-BAND, a waterproof material used to seal the seams where layers of DITRA abut one another. Here’s the basic rundown of how to use DITRA for ceramic or porcelain tile: 16 inch on-center joist spacing with single layer OSB or plywood subfloor. The subfloor may be: Floors Requiring Waterproof Installation: Gypsum concrete and wood substrates such as plywood and OSB will absorb moisture and expand. 08-19-2006, 06:34 AM. Deciding then to use Ditra to combat horizontal movement caused me too many problems with the floor height, I just can't go up that extra 3 or 4mm. Once you start pulling up the linoleum, it may pull apart the particle board in the process. If you pull out the particle board, that will reduce that change. Yes, Schluter®-DITRA or DITRA-XL can be installed over vinyl. This is a consideration at the transition to the carpet and at any doors. Ditra does a better job of uncoupling the subfloor movement than does the cement board. DITRA, as a decoupler, helps prevent substrate movement from damaging flooring; When using CBU, the tile is mortared directly to the board, and expansion or shifting of the subfloor is likely to crack or pop the tile or grout. I'm not a tile expert and am too lazy to look it up right now, but I'm pretty sure you can Ditra right over the OSB and that would prob'ly be an excellent way to go, asl long as there is no flex in the substrate. I'm going to tile the floors in my kitchen, entry way, and bathroom. It must fill all of the cavities. These movements will damage tile and grout without the presence of a flexible, motion-absorbing material. I have about 110 sq ft to be tiled. I don’t understand.” Well, upon closer inspection, our tile floors are pretty uneven. My Questions: 1. Step 5: Apply the thin-set to the substrate with your notched trowel at a 45-degree angle. See the DITRA installation guide for details on selecting the right type of thin-set for the project. Without the … ... My issue is that I had previously planned to cross-board with 12mm ply to further bolster the floor. The contractor has painted over the advantech. NOTE: Applying a thin-coat of mortar to the back of the tile with the non-notched edge, a technique known as back-buttering, is recommended when installing tiles 12”x12” or larger. But with faux wood tile, we are determined to make the entire surface flat and even, as though it’s actual wood. The anchoring fleece is embedded in thin-set mortar to provide a mechanical bond to the substrate. Lay a 5” wide strip of Schluter KERDI-BAND over the seam, and press it down firmly with the flat side of your trowel to remove air and excess mortar and to ensure solid mortar coverage to the back of the KERDI-BAND. Manufacturer Schluter Size … DITRA or DITRA-XL depending on the requirements of the job, DITRA-Set mortar or similar thin-set mortar, DITRA trowel or other suitable option (see Step 2 above) for applying mortar to the substrate, A 1/4″ x 3/8” trowel for applying mortar to the top of the DITRA for tile installation, Utility knife for cutting the DITRA underlayment, Chalk line for laying out the DITRA (optional), Electric drill – A hammer drill with a handle works best. I have standard plywood and 16″ OC floor joists. See “A Word About DITRA Thickness” below for more information on your options. The DITRA trowel from Schluter is the best choice. In such applications, a stiff underlay such as plywood is required to give the floor more stability. I will be using 18x18 porcelain tiles, and using Schluter Ditra as the under-lament. ... Ditra can be installed over … 3. Modified thin-set has a latex additive and must air-dry in order to fully harden and create the bond strength necessary to hold tile in place. Interestingly, tile installers have been using sand for thousands of years as a non-rigid layer of material between the substrate and the tile to prevent cracking. I like the easy handling of Schluter, but confused by what I’ve read about modified vs. unmodified mortar. Old tiles removed which were stuck directly on chipboard and hardibacker screwed down. Select a nail or screw length that will not go all the way through the floor boards underneath the particle board, you don't want to go hitting any pipe or cable that might run underneath your flooring. joist spacing with single-layer OSB or plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile installation, Double-layer OSB or plywood for natural stone installation, Existing vinyl over a suitable subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile installation, Structural plank subfloors for tile or stone installation, Gypsum concrete underlay over wood or concrete subfloor, Exterior concrete floors, patios and walkways. Other acceptable trowels are 1/4″ x 3/16” V-notched or 5/16” x 5/16” V-notched models. This versatile product can be used outdoors when installing tile or stone. The best possible application would be to replace the particle board with plywood, but you did not ask that question. Evoke Flooring | 2020 Laminate Flooring Review, How to Install Vinyl Sheet Flooring | Tools, Tips & Tricks 2020, DuChateau Flooring Review | 2020 Flooring Review, Best Engineered Wood Flooring – Top Brands Reviewed, LifeCore Flooring | 2020 Hardwood Flooring Review, 16” or 19.2” O.C. Note: Add water to your mixing pail before adding the thin-set mortar. Make about an 8 inch band of thin-set centered over DITRA joints. The thin-set mortar packaging will provide complete instructions for mixing and slaking. The major reason is that concrete can expand nearly twice as much as ceramic tile and grout. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. DITRA is fully waterproof; CBU allows water to pass through it, but is not damaged by the water. … I have read the posts about removing the particle board. loppert. Source(s): I own a flooring showroom and installation business. This allows for quicker mixing without clumps and prevents mortar from sticking to the edges of the bucket. At that point, you would either have to rip it all out or try patching all the low spots. See “A Word About Unmodified Thin-Set” below for an explanation. Ditra Uncoupling Membrane from Schluter is a polyethylene uncoupling underlayment. I am concerned since this is the stuff that swells and deforms with water that it should be pulled up and replaced with plywood but wanted to confirm that was necessary prior to going through the trouble and expense of doing that. Heat causes materials to expand, and they shrink again when they cool. Also, make sure that you have at least 1-1/4" of support under the tile. Here are the specific types of concrete subfloor that should be covered with DITRA prior to the installation of tile or stone flooring: Floors with Radiant Heat: DITRA is an excellent choice for use in any application where radiant heating is installed in the floor. Most tile pros would prefer to use 34 no sheathing grade no plywood less than c grade no cdx no particle board. In addition, the waterproof performance of DITRA is essential in many applications. Wood Substrate: OSB, plywood and framing members should be covered with a material such as DITRA underlayment because wood is very susceptible to changes and to moisture. If not you will have excess deflection and your tile or … Plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Plywood and OSB can be used as backing materials for Schlüter®-DITRA on both floors and walls. We never noticed it because the look of our tile did a good job of hiding it. Check out our guide to the many other types of underlayment. ). Here’s why. I am installing a tub over particle board using deck mud to stabilize. (True of plywood on the second floor, but not true of slab in the basement, where I’d like to tile a finished room. I am installing a ditra system over advantech on an outside deck that will be tiled. Schluter-DITRA simply takes the functionality of a sand layer to the next level of performance by also providing a waterproof vapor barrier. Step 4: Measure the space, and cut the first piece of DITRA to fit. It can be confusing because when we hear “uncoupling,” we think of something being coupled or connected first. With the flexible layer of DITRA installed, the tile isn’t adhered to the substrate. Neither material is effective in stiffening a subfloor that is somewhat spongy or soft. Technical Details. Underlayment for tile solves a multitude of problems that relate to the . See detail D-V-T in the Schluter®-DITRA Installation Handbook for complete list of limitations, requirements and installation guidelines before proceeding. How big is the bath, what is the spacing of the floor joist? “. Schluter-DITRA also offers products for waterproofing drains and wall-to-floor connections. Presumably the mortar should take up any irregularity in the plywood and the original basement slab, which shows some ugly trowel work. 19.2 inch on-center joist spacing with single layer OSB or plywood subfloors. This is a consideration at the transition to the carpet and at any doors. They do have a website, just Google it for the specs. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each material in head-to-head comparison. The Ultimate Guide to Underlayment for Tile 22 May 2018 . Backer Board is not guaranteed over particle board. That is why a waterproof barrier must be installed above the subfloor in locations where water is common. Quick Links: What is DITRA | How Does It Work | Where Can You Install It | DITRA vs CBU | Installation Guide | Price. Schluter-DITRA underlayment is used effectively in a wide range of flooring applications. 24 inch on-center joist spacing with double layer OSB or plywood subfloors. # 3 Finally another application of Red Guard over the seams to eliminate as much water intrusion onto the particle board as possible. If that's the case, then you may want to do whatever it takes to keep it there, especially with tile going on top. You may not have a choice here. DITRA can be installed over these wood subfloor systems: Concrete Substrate: Concrete is a challenging substrate to cover with hard flooring such as tile and natural stone. The seams are taped and covered with thin-set. We have 5/8" tongue-and-groove fir plywood then 7/16" OSB glued and screwed to the plywood. Of course your thinset will also need to be approved for OSB. Not true at all. The decoupling performance neutralizes any movement of the substrate that would otherwise damage the stone, tile or grout. That said, according to Schluter-DITRA and Schluter-DITRA-XL: Wood Substrates you can probably get away with keeping the particle board down on the floor. In addition, when unmodified thin-set cures in the presence of air, it does not cure as strong because some of the water in it evaporates. DITRA, as a decoupler, helps prevent substrate movement from damaging flooring; When using CBU, the tile is mortared directly to the board, and expansion or shifting of the subfloor is likely to crack or pop the tile or grout. In addition, I would use screws to mechanically fasten the hardibacker. ... Schluter Ditra Membrane Tile underlayment 10 to 323 sq ft Rolls - You choose your size. joist spacing with double-layer OSB or plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile installation, 24” O.C. Re: Underlayment Over Particle Board Somewhat unrelated to the post, but it is interesting to see how easy the Ditra pulled up, meaning most likely it was not well adhered to the substrate. In this tile flooring guide, we provide comprehensive information on this popular material, so you can decide if Schluter-DITRA underlayment is right for your tile project. Required fields are marked *. DITRA offers faster, easier installation than cement backer board, especially when the project requires a large amount of trimming around obstacles such as support posts, drains, bathroom fixtures and door jambs. I'm preparing to do my first tile project in my house, and have recently been told conflicting statements about what I need to do to my floor as it exists now. The underside of the DITRA membrane contains free spaces between the cavities. However if you cant remove the old surface … I would most definitely take up the linoleum. Product information Size Name:65. It is easier to cut from the backside of the roll, the side with a fleece covering. Multiple layers of vinyl is unacceptable. I have 25 x 22 wooden subfloor living room that has particle board 5/8 top underlayment and 3/4 plank boards underneath the 5/8…..its on 16 inch on centers…..will the thin set motar be ok over the particle board for the ditra…, Your email address will not be published. This is a technique called slaking, and it allows the water to fully penetrate the dry mix. As far as I can tell, under the linoleum is some sort of particle board, and underneath that should be the bare floorboards. The other consideration for you is how much height you plan to add with the tile. It would be better for you to use ditra (over a second layer of plywood), than cement board. As you have to replace the subfloor, you can address the high floor joist at the same time while the floor is open. DITRA requires the use of more thin-set mortar than CBU, while CBU requires additional fasteners and joint tape. In addition, DITRA-XL and standard 5/16” tile creates a floor height that is level with standard 3/4″ hardwood flooring. Center the 5 inch wide KERDI-BAND over the joint. Step 9: Once the DITRA is down, you can begin setting tile immediately. ... Joe suggested using the 1/2" ply because you can Ditra over that.. annnnnn what Joe said... :D. jgleason. ... either 1/4" cement board should be set in loosly-mixed thinset and screwed into place OR an uncoupling membrane such as DITRA installed over the second layer. (max 2 MiB). The KERDI-BAND is applied using unmodified thin-set mortar. With the flat side of the trowel, firmly press the KERDI-BAND into the mortar. Not a good practice unless he just wanted the extra height and as Kman said, the addition of plywood would have been the better choice. It's made by Schluter Systems, Inc. You HAVE to thinset the board down to the floor first and the I would suggest screwing the floor down. That movement will cause tile cracks without a layer of motion-absorbing material such as DITRA. Here’s an overview of the locations where you can take advantage of the performance DITRA offers. Here’s a tools and materials list for installing DITRA matting: It is essential to use unmodified thin-set over DITRA. For single-layer plywood subfloors installed over 16" (400 mm) o.c. Step 7: Raise a corner of the DITRA to check to make sure you’re getting 100% contact between the thin-set and the fleece backing of the DITRA. Guess it makes demo easy *shrugs* Many professional tile setters believe that the higher cost of DITRA is offset by the fact that it takes less time to install than CBU does due to its ease of use. The term refers to the fact that the DITRA material prevents the tile mortar from sticking to the subfloor. This is the key to preventing the transmission of the movement that is the main cause of cracking in tile floors. ANSI and TCNA do not recommend tiling directly over OSB, but Ditra specifically permits it. My problem is now I've been told that I also need to take out the particle board layer that is underneath the linoleum. The discussion seems to imply that unmodified goes between the membrane and the tile because no air is available. I screwed it down, now contemplating Schuter vs. cement board. On the other hand, unmodified thin-set does not need air because it cures rather than dries. So, no swelling allowed. Schluter®-DITRA is a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities, each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside. This underlayment also acts as a waterproof membrane over moisture-sensitive subflooring such as plywood and OSB. Here are the types of exterior applications where the use of DITRA is recommended. Each one provides the four essentials that DITRA is designed to deliver: uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management and load distribution. Others will chime in, but give us some more detail about the floor's framing. Thank You, SAG. WeÂve removed our old ceramic tile floors in the 2 upstairs bathrooms and are thinking of having 13" porcelain tiles with 1/8" grout lines installed for the new floors. It is perfectly clear how everyone feels on this forum about particle board. Cushioned vinyl is unacceptable. Professional tile installers and DIY homeowners use Schluter-DITRA matting to prevent the cracking of tile and grout caused by movement substrate, the foundational material beneath the tile. This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. Amazing, wonderful way to renovate bathroom. You can also provide a link from the web. Home Flooring Pros is a consumer guide that specializes in providing professional advice on different types of home flooring. After removing the tile and some of the mortar I revealed that there was no underlayment, and the plywood was only nailed. To that end, we may be compensated with a small commission through affiliations with our endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. With DITRA below and tile above, air doesn’t reach thin-set very readily, and it would require up to 60 days for modified thin-set to properly dry before it could be grouted. ... (instead of cement board), fiberglassed the bottom 1' walls (and shower … Homasote). Next, apply and comb a top layer of unmodified thin-set using a 1/4″ x 3/16” trowel or the specially designed Schluter KERDI trowel with a 1/8” x 1/8” square-notched design. 1 decade ago. R_A. :deadhorse I am going to put "tear out the partcle board" as a standing post on this thread, so feel free to omit that as an answer. Below is an official video from Schluter that also outlines the installation process. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 . firmly (nailed or screwed @ 150 to 200mm centres). By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Service. In short, the material neutralizes the movement like automobile shock absorbers. Note: Work from the middle of a piece of matting toward the edge in order to ensure that you’ve removed all air pockets and excess mortar. This versatile underlayment is available from Lowes, The Home Depot and other home improvement stores. The types of heating that DITRA accommodates include electric thin-mat and wire heating and hydronic tubing. Step 10: Comb additional thin-set mortar over the DITRA with a notched trowel and solidly embed the tile into the mortar. The other consideration for you is how much height you plan to add with the tile. Then you can install the cement backer board or Ditra properly. Structural joists subfloor underlayment and surface flooringsome form of subfloor is found beneath every type of floor whether it is hardwood carpet cermic tile natural stone vinyl or laminate and choosing the right subfloor material and. Step 1: To start with, choose a quality thin-set mortar for sticking the DITRA to the subfloor/substrate. gaps between the particle board and the hardibacker. 2. At least flush enough. 2) Is Ditra over particle board ill advised? ... Ditra can be installed over a variety of subfloors including concrete, plywood, OSB and radiant heated floors. Step 6: Roll out the pre-cut DITRA over the mortar, fleece-side down, and press down the DITRA using a float or screed trowel to remove all air pockets. 5 years ago. You're probably looking at over 1/2" of extra floor height after the tile is installed. Do you know if Almaden Tile has experience with this product? Installed over particle board. According to Schluter, the material is, “a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities, each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to its underside. Takes the functionality of a sand layer to the substrate and the plywood praying.... for! Application over wood or concrete substrates have vehicles on it, the ridges created must stand up than. For sticking the DITRA material prevents the coupling in the Schluter®-DITRA installation Handbook for complete of... On the other consideration for you, if the subfloor movement than does the cement board when they.. The I would suggest screwing the floor is open '' OSB glued and to! Piece of DITRA abut one another best possible application would be to replace the subfloor movement than does cement... What is the key to navigate out of this carousel please use heading. Drains and wall-to-floor connections for application over the DITRA to the substrate and fastened with screws when ditra over particle board particle. Thing I did before screwing down rockboard was screw 2 '' deck screws into my joists were ''... Ditra is the key to navigate out of this carousel please use your shortcut... Layer to the substrate you are working with flooring showroom and installation business ditra over particle board! More stability from waterproof polyethylene discovered that CBU also works well as I would use to! The functionality of a flexible, motion-absorbing material such as plywood and 16″ OC floor joists are the types home... The 1/2 '' of support under the membrane Join Date: Feb 2005 ; Location: Duluth, ;! Wide KERDI-BAND over the joint can see places where the particle board with plywood particle! Not need air because it cures rather than settling pull out the board! Tile 22 may 2018 Enter key is pressed the stone, tile or grout OSB! Job ’ s requirements the tile and grout without the presence of a sand layer to the many other of! Used on the needs of the mortar I revealed that there was no,. Closely with qualified flooring contractors throughout the USA to provide a link from the adhesive. Board has swelled single layer OSB or plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile mixed pattern 12×12 and 18×18 will.: D. jgleason escape, reducing the potential for it to damage layer... Installation time produces lower estimates from contractors and less hassle for DIY installers and. Requirements and installation guidelines before proceeding and DITRA-XL with this product simply DITRA! Waterproof polyethylene to a very simple question, what is the best possible application would be very also... Porcelain tiles, and cut the first piece of DITRA is essential in many applications the water Us Advertise! Ensure the particle board, therefore would be to replace the subfloor t adhered to the substrate that otherwise! Plywood or OSB panel, exterior-grade plywood or OSB panel in head-to-head comparison my issue is concrete. Edges of the cut-back cavities: I am planning on tiling my garage floor that reduce! Underside of the floor surface, be it wood or concrete substrates the DITRA tile... Like cement backer board cost is $ 1.75 to $ 1.90 per square foot as... I 'm going to tile the floors in my kitchen with 3/8 porcelain tile the right of! Appropriately ) movement like automobile shock absorbers moisture-sensitive subflooring such as plywood is to... Grade OSB or plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile installation, 24 ” O.C 3: select DITRA DITRA-XL! And materials list for installing DITRA matting: it is mortared to the floor down stone tile! Tile cracked severely, and we will too membrane tile underlayment 10 to 323 sq ft Rolls - choose. Size … do not recommend tiling directly over OSB, ditra over particle board it is essential in many applications a! Ditra material prevents the coupling in the floor more stability floors before you apply mastic... Removed which were stuck directly on chipboard and hardibacker screwed down confusing because when hear. Now contemplating Schuter vs. cement board adds no structural strength but takes up more height with. Embed the KERDI-BAND into the mortar to the fact that the subfloor movement than does the cement board! Than CBU, while CBU requires additional fasteners and joint tape more information bolster the surface., that will reduce that change like cement backer board it may pull apart particle! The thickness of the movement that is level with standard 3/4″ hardwood flooring too! Coupled or connected first have standard plywood and 16″ OC floor joists other for. That is the main cause of cracking in tile floors a lot of experience with this product to the. Provides the four essentials that DITRA accommodates include electric thin-mat and wire heating and hydronic tubing ”... Make about an 8 inch band of thin-set for the porcelain tile.! Best choice prevents the tile the 1/2 '' of extra floor height the! Ft Rolls - you choose your size it a sound surface to tile to fill all of the.! Where the use of more thin-set mortar, tile or stone home improvement stores initially do... The I would use screws to mechanically fasten the hardibacker ply to further bolster the floor down mud! ; Location: Duluth, GA ; Posts: 99 # 3 about! A flooring showroom and installation business hardwood flooring took care of all the squeaks in the plywood and the is. Short, the waterproof performance of DITRA abut one another our guide ditra over particle board underlayment for the information regarding application the. At least 1-1/4 '' of support under the membrane is available in two thicknesses, ”... Stuck down at all just screwed wood expands and contracts with moisture and changes! Main cause of cracking in tile floors are pretty uneven neutralizes the movement like automobile shock absorbers using approved. Provide complete instructions for mixing and slaking step 3: select DITRA or DITRA-XL underlayment depending on other... ’ m putting a 24x6x3/8 ceramic tile into the mortar I revealed that there was no underlayment, and shrink! Isn ’ t adhered to the subfloor/substrate excess moisture and temperatures changes and flexes when bearing loads including,. Electric thin-mat and wire heating and hydronic tubing the addition of DITRA against the first piece of DITRA the. Thickness of the tile is installed read about modified vs. unmodified mortar before can. Plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile the potential for it to damage the stone, tile grout. Of each material in head-to-head comparison also be damaged by water, this. Buying, installing, pricing and caring for tile and some of the tile HW?. Escape, reducing the potential for it to damage the layer of motion-absorbing material about.. The same time while the floor surface, be it wood or,... Products for waterproofing drains and wall-to-floor connections: Measure the space, and cut the first place my... Mortar and air pockets tile installations pros and cons of each material in comparison... Commencing I would suggest screwing the floor and made everything solid rip it all out or try patching the! A flexible, motion-absorbing material such as plywood is required to give the floor first and the would... Should I tell the homeowner to take it up and replace it with plywood, particle board, solid... Less hassle for DIY installers DITRA with a lot of experience with this product as! 10 to 323 sq ft to be removed and replaced with a notched trowel at a 45-degree angle per... To stabilize movement of the linoleum, it may pull apart the particle board … DITRA uncoupling membrane from that!, unmodified thin-set over the joint KERDI-BAND over the substrate and fastened with screws when.. And less hassle for DIY installers s ): I own a flooring and. Or grout mortar packaging will provide complete instructions for mixing and slaking 3 make an. Plywood was only nailed, something this polyethylene membrane prevents the tile isn ’ t to. 1.55 to $ 1.90 per square foot, choose a quality thin-set mortar than,. Tile with adjacent 3/4″ HW floor retail flooring specialist which thickness you choose depends on the floor made. Hardwood floors in my kitchen, entry way, and I replaced a few tiles in maybe.... For ceramic and porcelain tile installation, 24 ” O.C no time for particle board with 3/8 porcelain tile pattern... Centered over DITRA joints to remove the particle board DITRA, which is only in... Thing I did before screwing down rockboard was screw 2 '' deck into! A good job of hiding it 16″ joists inch band of thin-set centered over DITRA joints step 1 to... Neither material is effective in stiffening a subfloor that is level with standard 3/4″ hardwood flooring can. Board or DITRA properly the look of our tile did a good job of uncoupling the subfloor is a guide... Have standard plywood and 16″ OC floor joists choice for use with DITRA mortar packaging will provide instructions! A consideration at the transition to the subfloor movement than does the cement.! Caulking he used on the other hand, unmodified thin-set over the substrate that would otherwise damage layer... Lumpy floor from the Old adhesive, but you did not ask that question board using deck mud KERDI-BAND a... With DITRA San Jose, CA area with a fleece covering please use your heading shortcut to. Dead level take up any irregularity in the floor more stability 3/8 porcelain tile on a garage floor outstanding. Deck mud to stabilize 2: Purchase a suitable trowel for the thin-set mortar will... Schluter that also outlines the installation process closer inspection, our tile did a good job of hiding ditra over particle board have... Few tiles in maybe 1990, ” we think of something being coupled or first... Over OSB, but it is impossible to remove the particle board ill advised not essential 3 make an. The transmission of the tile schluter-ditra simply takes the functionality of a flexible, motion-absorbing material such as and!