What Mortar to Set Ceramic Floor Tiles
- In its most basic form, thinset is nothing more than sand, concrete, and water. This is the same basic mixture used for thousands of years in the building of wonders around the world, and as can be seen in places like Rome or Greece where there are structures standing even after centuries, a proper mixture and installation can ensure a lifetime guarantee. And while at its most basic level the ingredients have remained unchanged over the millenia, modern science has allowed us to create a wide variety of mortars for use in applications that were probably inconceivable a few centuries ago.
- Polymers and latex additives have been included over the years to create a more flexible mortar, capable of withstanding seasonal movement in homes or heavy foot traffic over the years. Not only do the latex and polymers increase the elasticity of the thinset, allowing for additional flexibility, but they also create a stickier compound. However, the most important aspect of the additives in thinset mortar these days is without a doubt the flexibility, which allows the installation to stand up to abuse that traditional unmodified mortar simply cannot withstand.
The more additives and polymers in a thinset, the more expensive it will be. Unmodified thinsets can go as cheaply as a few dollars per unit, while the more expensive modified types can cost upwards of fifty dollars. - When you are dealing with latex-modified thinsets, there really is no right or wrong as to which type is going to work for your ceramic tile installation, as long as you are using a modified or fortified type. The key is to make sure you use a modified thinset of some kind, because certain types of ceramic and porcelain will not stick to unmodified thinset. In addition, unmodified thinset cannot be used over wood substrates, while modified thinsets can, although professionals will always recommend you use some form of concrete substrate if you are looking for a lifetime guarantee.
Thinsets come in two colors: gray and white. White thinset is generally reserved for wall applications due to additional polymers which make it stickier, but it can also be used in floor applications where a light-colored grout will be used. Many installers prefer gray thinset for dark grouts and white thinset for light grout.
There are literally dozens of variants sold these days, and dozens of manufacturers. Every home improvement store will carry a different brand, but they are largely based upon the same principles, and whether one brand is better than another is up for argument.
