Flat walls for tile the easy way👍

[@billf4548]

Aw, this system worked perfectly for our bowed backsplash! Killer results!. We started with a 40" wide patch, let it dry, added a 28" wide patch and then finished with a 16" patch. Used unmodified thinset per Kerdi directions. Sal, we are so grateful to be able to tap into your experience and we really appreciate the time you put in putting these videos together. It's a lot......tip of the cap to you!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@jodyleis9784]

I watched a ton of Sal's videos last year. I had never attempted tile before. I studied his videos and installed Kerdi board and tile. It looks great a year later! Thanks Sal for all that you do for us!

[@liztaylor85139]

1st a timer DIYer watching all your videos. I thought I had my walls plum but once I got my wall up I have a bow in the middle of one. I was in tears as to what to do. YOU just solved my problem!!! "Again"! Thanks Sal.

[@BryWorYT]

Your 'Kerdi-Thinset Lasagne' method has just saved my bacon. Brilliant.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Excellent!

[@tankeryankercruz7795]

Thanks!

[@SalDiBlasi]

You bet! And Thank you.

[@hardkorowy69]

I just wanted to say thank you Sal,I just finished the 1st of 3 bathroom renovations, And with your videos, I was able to learn a lot .I took my time and made sure i kept researching to do it right the first time,and not half ass it, I knew there was a lot of things that had to be a done a certain way,but didn't know what all of them were,Anytime I thought I had an issue I was able to eventually find the answers in 1 of your many Excellent videos ,I'm very meticulous when I attempt to do a project, Family &friends were very impressed by the final outcome, Again I say THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad that you found them helpful, that is why I make them, to help people get it rigt the first time.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

another great video, thank you Sal for always sharing your knowledge

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks guys

[@teh60]

Great tip Sal. That makes a big difference.

[@chiller19100]

Thanks for these videos. I do this for a living and they are very helpful.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Look up Tile Geeks and GTP on facebook, you can thank me later.

[@rickdixontn]

This is just what I needed. Thank you for this helpful tip.

[@SalDiBlasi]

You are so welcome!

[@jamesjett1561]

Do you have to use a membrane? Can you just do the thinset and let it dry? Can you tile over hard thinset?

[@jacobcollins2624]

I've been installing for a good while and love your videos. Very helpful and I love learning new things. Especially if theres a better way then I currently practice. Thank you Sir.

[@SalDiBlasi]

There is always something to learn, that is why I always make it a point to attend as many training events as possible.

[@georgianwindow]

a man who knows what he is doing thanks

[@Louthemailman]

Once a week u take me to school Sal👍👍👍👍

[@thehound1359]

Just what I was looking for.

[@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy]

Nothing beats good prep. Great video as always Sal, you’re the man.

[@SalDiBlasi]

👍

[@Dtileandremodeling]

Well done Sal!

[@itskevwatson]

Just curious. Why can't you just level the wall with the all set and not have to apply another membrane?

[@kphawaii]

Awesome Sal!

[@kadhine007]

Thank you Sal! This is just what I needed!

[@timsmith4352]

Thanks Sal..great idea!

[@SalDiBlasi]

You bet

[@michaelhorn9114]

At the Schlueter workshop, they go over the importance of checking the walls before any kerdi goes on the wall. Good video and good job Sal! Schlueter is the best imo!!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

First thing I do, left bow in the wall on purpose to demonstrate this method. Best to do good prep before installing any kind of board.

[@michaelhorn9114]

@@SalDiBlasi you seem like a very good tile setter. There's a big difference between a tile installer and a tile setter!

[@SalDiBlasi]

@@michaelhorn9114 Not sure I understand what you mean by" tile installer and a tile setter" unless you mean Tile "placer" and tile "setter".

[@michaelhorn9114]

@@SalDiBlasi probably the same.

[@mosconi4539]

Thanks,you're the best.

[@kathleentelmont9895]

This was so helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent. Your work is so impressive.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@orlandor2784]

Hi Sal grate video always thank you

[@Jemstk]

I have a mess can I use thinset to backer board to level out little

[@chrislienhart9067]

Can this method be done on Wedi wall board in shower? What membrane would you recommend on WEDI? What about patching a small bow using thinset without membrane? Thanks

[@timcouch5005]

Bank you so much ran into this problem this morning and now I know how to fix it

[@f.shabestari8276]

This is absolutely brilliant! I did fix the walls (apparently not good enough!) but after I put up the Kerdi borads, I noticed a slight dip towards the corner. Although it was within the acceptable tolerance, I didn't want to leave it the way it was and removing the Kerdi boards was not an option. Thank you very much again Sal!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, glad it helped

[@f.shabestari8276]

@@SalDiBlasi Thanks again for this wonderful video Sal. Quick question: Could I apply the same technique for the substrate as well? The shower floor is very slightly un-level (center drain). Can I do the same before I install the Schluter shower pan or just simply add a bit more thinset in the low area? Thx!

[@paulstephens9274]

Great work and concept. I been trying build out low portion of cement board with speed set and feather set but still need more cob]Vera he so will try using 6” fiber tape or what your sheet of this. What product instead of thin Set to apply it with cause after will be aqua defense then skim coat featherset before gluing up composite shower walls. Had thought of just applying extra glue in low spot areas too but rather get level first

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Great video Sal. I respect how the true craftsmen out there share their knowledge with such willingness. Hoping all is well, Dirty Jersey out!!

[@GarwoodNick]

I'm beginning to suspect Sal might have some previous tile setting experience

[@SalDiBlasi]

It was my first day....... 36 years ago.

[@GarwoodNick]

@@SalDiBlasi haha yeah I love your videos! Thanks for sharing your knowledge 😀👊

[@jondoe6627]

Ya think? 🤔

[@brianapley]

This is great. I just ran into this, figure I’d check to see, “what would Sal do?” Thanks Sal, for deliberately bowing the wall to show us.

[@I88-4-88I]

THANKS A MILLION!!!👍

[@gsquaredmke]

Can you use this method on walls for a kitchen backsplash? My house is almost 100 years old and I have a couple spots on the walls that bow out a bit. Thank you!

[@onitautoonit7161]

You the man sal 😎

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@rainahuebner8158]

What is the membrane you use?

[@jaredlabere7630]

Can I ‘flatten’ the wall without using that membrane?

[@СемёнПетрика]

Sal 👍

[@leeedwards3783]

I actually have the opposite, a curve on the wall which make a gap on the right side of about 14mm when a straight edge is put on. My wife has chosen 500mm x 250mm tiles so stuck there. Might tey and break the plaster out to get it out. I only tile boarded the shower area when I should have actually checked all walls for flat. Learn the hard way I guess. Great video Sal!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@PhillyFixed]

Hey Sal! If I have the time to wait and don't need to tile immediately, could I skim the wall with thinset and use a level as a screed wituout the extra layer of membrane? Then come back the next day to tile once dried? I thought I had wet shimmed my GoBoard sufficiently but still ended up with a low spot, unfortunately...

[@enderx47]

Did you ever get an answer to your question? I have the same one. Thanks

[@MrHooperstar]

Love ur videos have learned so much from u!! If u were on Long Island I would hire u!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

👍😊

[@johnkim1656]

How come you need the sheets?

[@KwanPangLeung]

Great video! I’m also encountering this problem, there’s a half to 2/3 inch bow on my dot and dab wall, about 2-3 feet wide, and I’m going to level it with this method, but I still have some question about it: 1, since it’s a dot and dab plasterboard wall other than a solid wall, is it ok to apply half a inch plaster onto it? 2, what’s the purpose of the membrane? Is it to hold the plaster together, or keep the surface level, or just providing a waterproof layer? Do I have to use it to level the wall? 3, what kind of plaster is best for this job? Thank you very much!

[@sickandpretty]

Thank you for making these informative videos!! You are definitely an artist, sir. Much love.

[@SalDiBlasi]

My pleasure!

[@nashinnovations]

Sal i have no doubt that you're a tile master. I just wish i could hear you better. Maybe invest in a lapel mic, or just voice over the whole video. Very grateful for the knowledge bombs you're dropping.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Audio is always a challenge, the problem is I work alone and don't want to ruin expensive equipment on a dusty dirty jobsite. The good audio stuff is reserved for clean environments.

[@toddstevenson3936]

Is kerdi your favourite brand to use for waterproofing systems or would you recommend another? In U.K. kerdi products are very expensive in comparison to others.

[@SalDiBlasi]

There are many great options, Schluter, Laticrete, are the easiest for me to get. These options are also expensive here, however cost is not the only concern, I give my customers the best materials and systems available, gives me peace of mind and the ability to give a warranty that is backed by the manufacturer. When you consider the labor cost and everything that goes into a shower, the cost really isn't that different to a traditional system.

[@jamesjett1561]

How do I learn to do this and and what materials are you using?

[@alanlicht7633]

So, Sal, are you saying to use the recommended kerdi trowel or an equivalent to apply the membrane and to build up layers of membrane as needed that way? Or, are you using a larger trowel for a bigger bow to get more thinset underneath sort of like floating the wall with thinset then applying the membrane?

[@SalDiBlasi]

One thing I should have mentioned, I actually used a Ditra trowel to apply the thinset, however you don't want to go too deep with thinset, better to add another layer if needed. Just to be clear, I would normally fix the studs by wet shimming or furring before installing the tile, just wanted to show another method if the case arises that you need to do it.

[@number6396]

@@SalDiBlasi Alan - I was wondering the same thing. Never mentioned in video. It did not look like he put more thinset in the middle and feathered the edges but I would think you would have to. He also did not show the level up against the wall when finished. I can't believe one layer did it with the bow he started with.

[@sergiovelazquez3474]

Hello @ Sal Diblasi Respect your Craftsmanship 100% , I would like to know If you knew ,where I could Buy the latest North America Tile Installation Standard Handbook Thanks .

[@SalDiBlasi]

www.tcnatile.com/products-and-services/publications/218-english-publications/188-handbook.html

[@rickvess790]

I have a shower wall that it is about 1/2" out of plumb on one side. I never noticed until the GoBoard was already installed, banded, and 2 coats of GoBoard adhesive applied -- and the floor tiled. The problem will be obvious when I later attempt to install a 34" wide shower glass panel (not a door, just a walk-thru opening). Can I fix my bad wall by doing the same thing but vertically instead of horizontally? I love your videos! I am finishing basement, but this is my first shower. THANK YOU!

[@kallenyc]

Is this an appropriate fix to flatten a wavy painted wall that doesn't need to be waterproof? Also, what type of thinset is best?

[@agmz489]

I have a similar dip in a wall, it’s about 1/8” of an inch at most. It’s cement board only. Should I try this method?

[@wallacegrommet9343]

The membrane adds much greater resistance to cracking than thinset alone

[@SalDiBlasi]

You don't want to use just thinset to build out the wall, not designed for that, you can however use a rendering patch made form that purpose.

[@Johnv950]

@@SalDiBlasi Hey Sal, I have a bow in my wall like this that I didn’t catch until after cement board was up and seams mudded. I plan on using the Kerdi membrane. Can I use non modified thinset to flatten the wall, let it dry and then thinset the membrane on? Thanks for posting such great videos!

[@georgianwindow]

Thanks what did you use for filling out the bow in the wall in the tub?

[@blaisestepansky6166]

Sal, thanks for the great video. Although i understand this video is several years old i wanted to ask if this technique is acceptable if the wall are bowed the opposite way (floor to ceiling) i had my walls nearly perfectly flat and upon setting my redi tile pan i slipped up and my mud bed held me 1/16" to 1/8" off the stud creating a low spot on my wall

[@tjdlugosz8735]

Can I level out some spots in my wall with just the thinset? Or do i need to put the membrane over it?

[@professorkaos2781]

it depends on how thick you have to go but if you are installing on kerdi membrane I would strongly suggest to use another sheet of kerdi like Sal did here. A thin skim of thinset to build up 3-4mm is ok IMO but not more than that on top of the kerdi but this is not best practice. Sals way is the best and safest way for longevity, bonding etc. Now if it was a cement board wall, then a bigger patch with thinset is acceptable (though maybe not TCNA acceptable) and is done routinely in commercial union work around downtown Toronto. Literally all the big buildings that have tiled walls are built out with either wall patching using thinset or spot bonding tile. For me, if its 6-8mm or less that i need to build I'm comfortable with a good quality thinset like Mapei LFT or Laticrete Gold. If more than 8mm is needed its time to look at fixing the issue or using patching compounds/levelor.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Is that natural stone? Looks great!

[@SalDiBlasi]

yes marble.

[@Jemstk]

Can I use same method for floor

[@skdrcr]

Awesome tips here!! ? Sal, with the Mapei 4-1 mud bed mix do you ever make it 5 to 1? I thought I saw a video of you doing that unless that was a different sand topping mix

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes and yes

[@tankeryankercruz7795]

Tku I’m dealing with this issue right know Tku.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, glad it helped

[@richards5878]

can compound be used instead of thinset to flatten wall first?

[@delawaresrealtornick5670]

As long as you use a good sealer primer on top of the compound and then absolutely the next part is a must, you have to roll on waterproofing membrane. If you tile over joint compound it will without question soak up water and ruin your work and get mold weeks months or even a year down the road.

[@СемёнПетрика]

Sal👍

[@juanluna6256]

Hope anyone can help. I am installing a shower, using a kerdi foam pan. Can I use kerdi board for the first 2 to three feet of the shower and durock for the rest of the wall. If so would I use keedi band for the seams. Planing on using red gaurd as well.

[@SalDiBlasi]

If you are going to use a system, then use that system, they only work as designed if you install it as designed. If you want to use Durock, then install the Durock and then use the Kerdi Sheet membrane over the cement board to seal up the system. Use the banding where needed. combining system voids warranties and leaves you on your own if there is a problem. Itis good to save money, but do that where it makes sense, not where you could compromise the integrity of a wet area that can cause significant damage over time if it leaks.

[@juanluna6256]

Sal DiBlasi Thanks. I bought the Kerdi board. I have another question? One of my wall is a masonry wall. The try wall that i will replace with kerdi is fastened to 1/2 strips. Would it be ok to fastened the kerdi board to the strip? Would that hold the wait of the tile?

[@btomas225]

Sal, I totally get this method and you're a genius, however, maybe I'm not asking the right question(s) but I can't find anything online or here on YT that would give me "perspective" as to what exactly is the tolerance over a given distance that's acceptable to still accomplish a decent tiling job? You use your experience and intuitive knowledge to make that judgement but I have neither. My field tiles are 4x8 ceramic tiles and I have a horizontal dip in one DurRock board of about 1/8 of an inch over a span of 32 inches. Is this something I need to mess with or is it within acceptable deviation for the size tile I'm using? Also (sorry for the longish post), there are several membrane products available on amazon with varying thicknesses from around 5 mil to 20 mil. Wouldn't it be best to use the 20 mil instead of the 5 mil membrane given we're looking for building the thickness? I don't know how thick your Kerdi membrane is (I seem to remember reading it's 8 mil) but as an engineer I would think it best to use the thickest membrane (within reason). At 20mil thickness, six layers in a 'stair step' sequence would produce about 1/8 inch (120 mils) build to fill the cove, discounting the thinset used for each layer).🤔

[@SalDiBlasi]

This might help www.ceramictilefoundation.org/blog/floor-or-wall-flat-enough-for-large-format-tile

[@goodheart1965]

Any type of thin-set? Or does it have to be the nonmodified thin-set?

[@giovannitidona658]

Hi Sal if I'm using kirdi , or roll on water proofing system , this question applies specifically for exsterior wall do i still put up 6 mill poly as a vapor barrier or is the kirdi or role on water proofing products look after and take place of the poly

[@SalDiBlasi]

From what I understand, it is one or the other, not both.

[@giovannitidona658]

@@SalDiBlasi ok thanks

[@kallenyc]

Is the only reason you needed the membrane is because this was a waterproof area?

[@druglord57]

Another great video. Thanks Sal. Could a method like this be used if, because of inexperience, the shower wall ends up being out of level at the top toward the inside? Or do I just remove the Kerdi board and start over. I used the wet shimming technique so I would rather not have rip it off

[@SalDiBlasi]

If it is not too far out, yes, but remember all remedial methods have there limits.

[@druglord57]

Thanks for the quick reply. Really appreciate it since I need to make a quick decision on how to move forward with this. If I decide to redo this what kind of a mess am I in for? I’m imagining having to chisel out all to the thinset I used to shim.

[@Aaron86v]

If only it was that easy for some of us installers. Our walls have dips and are not flat in all directions, we simply just have to build out to make a flat wall. Our builder will not pay for anything to try and fix it. So we do what we can with what we get paid for.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I always install the backer board in the shower and do whatever prep is needed before I put up the board, I left this one like this to show a fix that might be useful. Sorry you have to deal with un unformed builders who care more about money than their customers or subs.

[@number6396]

I had this problem, in part, due to build up. I have yet to figure out how to hang Kerdi without build up. Too many layers at corners. I called Schluter CS for troubleshooting and the answer was, "Rip it out, shim walls and redo." Someone else from Schluter (whom you know) told me I could build up thinset (in dried layers). That is what I did. Wish I had seen your video first. Watching it was a "lightbulb moment." Much easier . . . although Kerdi is expensive and I hate to use more than I have to. Making things square and plumb is hard with Kerdi membrane and by the time the thinset is on the wall it skins over and Kerdi doesn't stick. It looks easy in videos, but it is not. I'm even Schluter certified!! DIYer beware.

[@fittyleben9680]

Sal I was wondering if I could fill a 1/4” gap between countertop and backsplash with silicone? it’s only about a foot or foot and a half where the gap is this large (the rest is 1/8” or less

[@Jahamian1]

Since no answer was given, I am a commercial above ground waterproofer (caulking), true silicone will bridge gaps 2-3 inches with backer rod. Most you cannot paint but read manu. specs.

[@B1gJ4k3]

Can this method be used over painted drywall? I’ve got a backsplash I’m working on a wavy wall. We’re doing glass tile, so apparently things need to be really flat and I’m not sure what to do...

[@iriemabayo5939]

I also have the same problem. What did you do to fix it?

[@B1gJ4k3]

@@iriemabayo5939 Ripped it out and installed all new drywall under the backsplash. It sucked, but I'm definitely more confident that my tile will hold/not crack.

[@kallenyc]

@@B1gJ4k3 Wow 😳

[@zkosslow]

Hi there! I see that you are using kerdi products...but if I'm having the same issue on a waterproofed wall (cement board that was waterproofed with redgard), would this general approach still work? Maybe just apply thinset in the "low" areas and allow to dry before tiling? Any other recommendations for my situation? Thanks in advance!

[@number6396]

That's what I did. It was suggested by a Schluter professional.

[@aptpupil]

Isn't there an issue with the waterproofing sandwich you create doing it this way? I think I remember it being an issue if water gets between the two layers...

[@mikeb.2166]

I have a similar problem between my countertop and upper kitchen cabinet where we want to tile in a backsplash - about 1/4 - 3/8 inch concave bow at the center of a 4-5 foot wide span of wall. Our contractor just slathered in USG3 compound over the bow but did not use a membrane or paper. The only advice was that the next step was USG Easy Sand 45 for final coat. I'm concerned it will be a weak base for tile, possibly crack causing tiles to fall out or am I just paranoid?

[@isaacholzwarth]

I'm not a contractor or anything but have watched a lot of videos on the subject in preparation for renovating my house which I'm doing now, I'm pretty sure that's a solid way of doing it, especially with a kitchen backsplash, I wouldn't worry about it as long as he's properly setting the tile.

[@kphawaii]

Sal what size trowel are you using the notches look kinda big

[@SalDiBlasi]

That was actually a ditra trowel. You don't want to use a really deep trowel.

[@josecarrio]

@@SalDiBlasi -- Thanks Sal for all the information you provide on your KZbin channel.

[@herbsilva7936]

Hi Sal, been watching your videos for quite a while. Love the info. Great videos. Got a question, how can I get a one on one with you and discuss some of my current situations that I’ve encountered with my walls and floor before I get the tile on.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sorry, don't do any consulting, I have no time as it is.

[@sierraden57]

Sal you're one of my favorites...how much bow is acceptable before you would resort to this technique?...1/16, 1/8 inch?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Maybe 1/16

[@sierraden57]

@@SalDiBlasi Thank you Sal!...I'm going to install ditra heat today. Along with the Home Repair Tutor guys, I'm going to watch your excellent videos on the topic again before I start.

[@sierraden57]

@@SalDiBlasi such valuable information. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@ryangunderson5064]

why not just fill the low spot with a thin-set that is speced for for a thicker mortarbed? what is the point of the membrane?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Can't use thinset as a fill, it is an adhesive, it will shrink.

[@ryangunderson5064]

@@SalDiBlasi ok. In theory wet shimming bowed studs wouldn't be a good idea either ? I've seen a lot of videos on that here on the tube.

[@jeffsmith1223]

I thought using thinset to build up a wall was a No-No.

[@grahamloft263]

Hi Sal, I used this method to get the bows out horizontally. It worked pretty good . But now they’re out of plumb vertically. I knew my studs were a bit out of wack when I installed the Kerdi board but now it’s just getting crazy adding more and more membrane and new bows appearing. I would rip it all down but I’m 2k into these walls already , what can I do ? And how far is too much applying membrane over membrane over membrane? Cheers

[@SalDiBlasi]

Any method can be taken to the extreme, that is why it is best to address all issues at the framing and not have to fix it after. Some problems just can't be fixed by trying to patch them, it can introduce other problems as you found out. This method is great for fixing small valleys in the wall but if your wall is too far out of whack to begin with, it will not help much.

[@grahamloft263]

@@SalDiBlasi thanks for the reply ! Yeah I know I totally F’ed up. I guess just wondering In Your pro opinion if I continue thinsetting Membranes on and actually achieve flat and plumb will I pay a price later with cracking tile or some other issue? I may be able to fix it this way for another $200. Where Starting over will cost me thousands, but if it ultimately cost me more over time by over doing membranes , biting the bullet with a full tear down might be better? Cheers for the advice .

[@number6396]

@@grahamloft263 I have this same problem but not nearly as extreme. What did you end up doing??

[@sayfeeyousef9025]

Love the videos Sal! I laid down some Kerdi band on top of the shower floor. After it dries, I noticed there was a small air bubble - I don’t think there was sufficient coverage there. Is there an easy way to fix this or is it not a big concern?

[@SalDiBlasi]

You need a two inch overlap for seams to be water tight, so cut out the air bubble, and overlay with a new piece and you should be good, just be sure to get your two inches over the well bonded sheet.

[@lisabarrerasandoval8055]

Hi Sal, can I apply this method over Redgard with cement board underneath?

[@bigowenzy3397]

Is that a wet environment? If not there is a lot of money on that wall

[@SalDiBlasi]

Shower stall

[@apex007]

some sales guy at kerdi wasnt meeting his target and had to come up with a way to sell more product.

[@SalDiBlasi]

If you one day need an easy method to fix a wall, you might go looking for that sales guy.

[@erwinwalker1810]

The 6 ps proper preparation prevents piss poor performance

[@dillonterry2507]

Sal is a tile savant

[@TheLantran]

Durock seems like an easier option

[@SalDiBlasi]

Durock is a more difficult product to work with in every respect.

[@KevinDiaz-kz9lt]

Amen to that....Silica for me has been a huge concern, can pick up hierro with 2 fingers, no dust, cuts with razor blade, can wet set. Durock is an injury/health condition waiting to happen

[@ThomasAlban-o9h]

I would check the dip before it sets. So you can add thinset if you need more. Yes? No? IDK. Just spit balling here. I'm learning here too!🙏👌