How to install Laticrete Strata_Mat

SUBSCRIBE Learn how tile the right way
Laticrete StratMat is an uncoupling membrane for use as an underlayment under porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles and natural stone tiles like marble, It is used in place of a cement backer board. The choice of thinset that should be used will be determined by the type of tile and the application where it is installed. Either a modified or unmodified thinset can be used, this is made possible by the Mortar Hydration Vents present in the mat, but also means that the membrane is not waterproof.
All tile installed by Sal DiBlasi, Elite-tile Company, in the Boston North Shore area. This video contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you click on the product link.
#tile #transformthetrade #howtotile #installingtile #howtoinstalltile #Schlutersystems #TCNA
☕ Buy me a coffee ☕
www.buymeacoffee.com/saldibs2
🙂 This is my Amazon Store 🙂 www.amazon.com/shop/saldiblasi
💲1 PDF Floor installation guidelinessowl.co/s/wWd2d 💲1
Channel Store / @saldiblasi
👍 Patreon / saldiblasi 👍
KZbin Channel / saldibs
Facebook
/ 56681633342
Website
www.elitetileco.com/
Twitter
/ saldiblasi1
Instagram
/ saldiblasi1
National Tile Contractors Association
tile-assn.site-ym.com/
👇 Some of my favorite Tools 👇
Float amzn.to/2tdEpN2
Rubbing Stone amzn.to/2QrgRfh
Notched Trowel 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/4-inch amzn.to/36bq5mQ
Notched Trowel 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2-Inch amzn.to/2Q5e90g
Notched Trowel 1/4 x 3/8 x 1/4-Inch amzn.to/39j1caB
Super Dust Collector - WaleTale amzn.to/2MDuVkK
Black Nitrile Gloves - 6 mil amzn.to/2SJQ6FZ
Margin Trowel amzn.to/352MYHx
Mortar Mixer amzn.to/2ZxYqtF
4in Sandpaper for Stone Polishing amzn.to/2ZB2skT
Polishing Rubber Backing Pad amzn.to/2srikdy
Montolit 63P3 24 Inch Tile Cutter amzn.to/2MDoFtl
DEWALT Wet Tile Saw amzn.to/2QqpO8O
Rubi Thinset mixer amzn.to/39VmNWV
Opt into NTCA’s VIP Text Messaging program for training opportunities.
Text “NTCA” to 31996 or Visit widget.smsinfo.io/v2/ae58812b...
For Industry Professionals only

[@durantweston2868]

Hi Sal, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have learned a lot from you. It's great to watch someone who takes pride in their work. I hope you're able to keep producing these awesome learning tools. Thanks again.

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Durant Weston Been at it for a very long time, not planning to stop any time soon.Thanks

[@Eayala17]

Thanks for the review Sal. I saw this online as a cheaper alternative to ditra, but i was skeptical to it being as good as ditra. Now for sure im using this. Thanks for the video, much appreciated!

[@johnmcloughlin6020]

Great video Sal. I've been doing tile work for a few years, but can still learn new things,and I have from watching yours. Do me a favor next time and take the door off! Thanks!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

I usually do take the door off, and this one did come off when I installed the tile, just trying to keep the dog out that was prowling around.

[@MrBradfordwill]

I tried the strata mat about two months ago. It was the first time I had used anything other than a backer board and it was a lot easier. Pretty nice not having to lug around all that weight. Job was approx 500sf.

[@SalDiBlasi]

+William Bradford Bingo!!

[@silvano199]

HI Sal im a tile installer also from montreal 27 yrs in the trade and i must say you know your craft and have a good teaching abilty in your videos keep up th good work

[@SalDiBlasi]

+silvano b If you are an installer, how would you like to be part of a closed Facebook group of like minded industry professionals form all aspects of the trade. Let me know i can make it happen.

[@silvano199]

sure would love to join to share and learn count me in

[@SalDiBlasi]

silvano b You can find an email address on my about page here kzbin.infoabout send me an email and i can give you the info on what the requirements are and how i can add you. The requirements are just to verify that you are somehow connected to the industry, very simple, otherwise you will not be accepted.

[@usergvhhyu1223]

Your channel is most informative. Have few questions that you may be able to answer. We are about to begin a tile installation over concrete slab. Portion of the slab is new, portion is old, meaning a home addition situation. About 2000sqft. Tile wile be LFT 48x48" rectified porcelain. Suffice to say that neither the installer nor the contractor are familiar with uncoupling membranes. It seems in the area I'm in a group of installer usually directly over the slab, and yes tiles crack. The initial plan was to install right over concrete using Type-S mortar mix (Sakrete) and Versabond mortar (Not LFT). The materials are purchased, but the project have not started and we can return. Because of local availability we are now planning to use either 1) Strata Mat uncoupling membrane 2) Ditra or 2) Red Gard Crack isolation and Waterproofing. Questions: 1) I understand that Ditra and Strata Mat are simmilar products. Now, do you envision the use of Type S Mortar mix in any of the steps of either installing the uncoupling membrane or the tile above it? 2) Both Versabond and Versabond LFT comply with TCNA ANSI recommendations. Is it really a difference between one and the other for the installation? ( I understand that for Ditra an unmodified thinset is needed). 3) For Strata Mat, do you recommend joining the ends with HydroGard Tape even in situations where waterproofing is not needed? 4) In one of your videos you talk about an additional step to waterproof Stratamat. Looked into the manufacturers specs but could not find an answer. Do you mind sharing this info? 5) In a situation like described above, would you select an uncoupling membrane or go with the RedGard product? Appreciate the answers....

[@gbtocool7541]

Hey Sal great work. Can you use this over a single layer plywood 3/4? Or it has to be a double layer?

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥Hey Sal. You’re videos are always greatly appreciated. This product goes against everything that I believe Durock to be. Most of the subfloors that I go over have slight humps and waves to them. The Durock is a rigid board so with proper troweling of Thinset I can get it flat and fill in those valleys and lay the Dorock flat. This product seems more like a very thick roll of tar paper that I put up on a roof that contours to the imperfections of the plywood. And not only that but you’re kneeling on it with the loose Thinset underneath. How are your knees not leaving impressions in it ??

[@Mogman150]

Great video. What modified thinset did (do) you use?

[@chrissimon8403]

Hi Sal, so if I have a sub floor of 5/8" I can install this directly on top of the sub floor without worrying about having 1 1/8 " of sub plus plywood?

[@bubbajomumba]

Hi Sal, thanks for all the videos. As a DIY'er you've saved me thousands with your tips. Regarding this video, could you explain the additional steps required to make this a waterproof installation. Thanks again.

[@SalDiBlasi]

If you need a waterproof floor, you are better off using a different uncoupling membrane, not that it can't be done and Laticrete is a very good company, but the added expense and work just does not make it worth while.

[@bubbajomumba]

I understand. Thanks for the prompt reply, and thanks again for all the great videos.

[@hunterries7871]

do you have to put a whole layer of thin set to fill in all the spaces and then let it dry before tiling? or can you just fill in the spaces while laying the tile? thanks man!

[@thesognatore]

Thanks for another informative video. 2 questions: why use this over Ditra if it's not waterproof? And, do you do the tub installs? I'd love to see your approach to installing a bath tub. I've learned a lot from your videos- keep it up!

[@SalDiBlasi]

+thesognatore A waterproof floor is not always needed and it can be waterproofed with some additional work. Just doing the floor on this one, tub was already there for a number of years.

[@WM-xd8zc]

Sal, have you ever tiled over a fireplace? I'm looking to tile over brick with a glass and marble. If you have any insight in this project please pass it along. Thanks!

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Liam M (oldhousediyer) yes, kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ-To4yfa7Zgba8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIaXl55qjNp6rdE kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJymlqWihM1_mZI That is all i have but done it many many times.

[@ryanb500]

Thanks Sal! Is this also acceptable for use over a slab concrete?

[@SalDiBlasi]

For sure, infact better to use it than not use it.

[@mikepov604]

What type of thinset do you recommend for this product over concrete in a basement?

[@SalDiBlasi]

To install the product on the concrete floor pretty much any good quality dry set mortar, to install the tile I would use a good quality modified thinset.

[@KnickTran]

Thank you sir for all the great detailed videos! Can you clarify something? Based on this video, it's my understanding that whatever mortar I am supposed to use to install my tiles, I can also use to install the Strata Mat, thus not having to have two different kinds of mortar?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Correct. As long as the mortar you use is suitable for the substrate which the strata mat is being installed on.

[@KnickTran]

Sal DiBlasi Thanks for the quick reply.

[@bigdaddy7670]

Sal, just curious why you are using this Laticrete Strata Mat instead of your usual Ditra?

[@mikez4132]

Hey Sal! I just purchased this product to use on two diff projects. Can't wait to try it. What size trowel did you use for this. (yes, Im asking before I read the instructions... I trust you more ;) )

[@SalDiBlasi]

Laticrete says to use a 1/4" x 3/16" V-notched trowel, be sure to read the directions first.

[@mikez4132]

@@SalDiBlasi for sure. I didnt know if a square notch would give better coverage. Thanks Sal!

[@uzbdecor]

So which one good strata mat or Fiber Cement Backer Board?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Any uncoupling membrane is better than any cement board if you ask me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pabMcoKIetKEmsU

[@billsmith9249]

nice video. I just found out that it is pronounced [ LAIT-uh-kreet ] take care!

[@ethanleggett116]

Hi Sal, would you use this product or something similar if the substrate was concrete slab?

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Ethan Leggett StrataMat is fine for concrete floors

[@RalphGrochowski]

@@SalDiBlasi So would you still use it if the substrate was a concrete slab over plywood and wooden joists? i want to avoid any cracked tiles in the future. Thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

@@RalphGrochowski Are you sure it is concrete and not Gypsum?

[@billsmith9249]

a Latricrete representative advised to use a 6mil vapor barrier for slabs.

[@scotthansen679]

Great video! I was given a roll of the Strata Mat by my employer for my new home. I'm going to be laying the Strata Mat over our subfloor just like in this video. I noticed that Laticrete recommends their special order Laticrete 254 Platinum thinset mortar to lay the Strata Mat down over the subfloor. Would any other type of thinset mortar work? What did you use? I'd like to use something that I can buy off the shelf at Home Depot or Lowes and not wait up to a couple of weeks for a special order of 254 Platinum to come in. Thanks!

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Scott Hansen Any good quality modified thinset that is rated for plywood will work, however I never buy any tile related supplies at the box stores. A tile supplier will have an appropriate Thinset without the wait.

[@scotthansen679]

I was looking at Porcelain Tile White 50lb Fortified Thinset Mortar by Custom Building Products from Home Depot. Would that not be appropriate to adhere the Strata Mat to the subfloor? Thanks for your help Sal!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

There are many kinds of modified thinsets, and the are not equal, I never use Custom products so I am not familiar with them.

[@scotthansen679]

Thanks Sal. I think I'll hit up the tile store downtown this weekend and tell them what I'm working with and see what they recommend. Floor tiling is very new to me and the last thing I want to do is get the wrong thing or try and rush it!

[@outonthetiles599]

If you didn't have any thinset left over at the end wouldn't you have had to mix up some more anyway to fill the dimples? Don't the dimples have to be filled before you tile?

[@SalDiBlasi]

No they don't, but you can if you want to. I usually just fill as I install the tile.

[@outonthetiles599]

Thanks, sir.

[@brandiatl21]

Have you ever installed Strata Mat over plywood/OSB on an upper level floor where waterproofing is required? It would be nice to gain insight into how you chose to handle waterproofing. If there’s already a video, please respond with a link.

[@SalDiBlasi]

If you need waterproofing, best to use another uncoupling membrane that does not have hydration vents, like Schluter Ditra. With Ditra you just need to use Kerdi banding at all the seams and at the floor wall junction. kzbin.info/www/bejne/raGQiqeDZ6yeic0

[@brandiatl21]

@@SalDiBlasi Thanks for the recommendation! I plan to use Hydro Ban Board for my tub/shower surround meaning there would be two (one for 2.5” or 4.5” from tub to outside corner depending if I buy a 32” w or 30” w tub and the other 2.5”) wall to floor transitions where Hydro Ban Board and Ditra would be joined by Kerdi Band. The Kerdi Band would also overlap the bottom 2” of the vertical seams/inside corners between the Hydro Ban Board and tub that I plan to waterproof with Hydro Ban sealant or Hydro Ban and Waterproofing/Anti Fracture fabric. Wouldn’t butting the two manufacturers against one another affect both warranties?

[@ryantaylor8303]

Hi Sal! I hear you should never adhere mortar to your subfloor. If the home owner were to rip it out it's a nightmare to demo. I was thinking a liquid membrane would be worth the effort prior to thinset. 1 it would make it waterproof and 2 it will be easier if you ever have to tear it out. What are your thoughts on this?

[@SalDiBlasi]

I have heard that as well from people that really don't have a clue what they are talking about and should not be installing tile.

[@ryantaylor8303]

@@SalDiBlasi ok thanks for clearing that up.

[@maxim264]

Is it better than Schluter Ditra?

[@SalDiBlasi]

+MAXIM К Equivalent. both have there positives and negatives, but either is better than a backer board.

[@maxim264]

+Sal DiBlasi Agree. Thank you

[@tonycunha1578]

would you say that this is better than ditra?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Laticrete is a great company and makes great products, better is a relative term, If it is what you want to use, it will do the job it was designed to do.

[@georgeEPC]

What if the question was which do you prefer having used both?

[@davidkilpatrick3689]

Stratsmat

[@leeedwards3783]

So many different kinds of decoupling g membranes these days. I saw s video of yours a while a go where you used the ditra mat to fill a dip in the wall. Now I have a 6mm deep in a floor over 1.5 metres and was looking for some ditra to fill it in. I can only buy 30 metre lengths here at £254 which I don't really want to pay. Any other options out there you would recommend? Thanks again Sal. I am excited to get tiling!

[@ginoasci2876]

some jackass installed water-board in that bathroom where it doesn’t belong, and i’m wondering what are you going to do with that area in front of the shower that’s all rotted and wet ready to fall thru in between the joists?

[@erichutchinson4831]

that osb look wet. Watchout for mold. its hell for the home owner to deal with if it doesnt literally kill them.

[@carriep7812]

Mr. DIBlasi, your videos are very informative. You obviously have a lot of tile knowledge, and have taught me much about a tiling job I have coming up. However, you can really edit some of your videos - especially this one. Minute 6:00 - 9:22 were completely not necessary. Get to the point faster, and don't be so repetitive. Many of us, thanks exactly to KZbin, have very short attention spans! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@SalDiBlasi]

You know you can skip through it, for every email I get that like yours I get just as many that say they love those parts, and yet more that say I should include more, so what am I to do, who do I listen to?

[@petemclinc]

This doesn't make any sense, first you say you're going to tile right after installing the membrane, then you say, not to waste remaining thin set, you'll fill all the depressions and tomorrow when its dry you'll just tile over it.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Giving the options you can use.