Schluter®-DITRA Over Wood in a Bathroom (Part 1) - by Home Repair Tutor

Cracked bathroom tiles and grout stink...REAL BAD!!
For more home improvement tips visit www.homerepair...
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to install DITRA underlayment over your bathroom wood subfloor. Look, you might be thinking about using cement board but I'm hear to say think TWICE...just saying.
Primarily because cement board is heavy, adds height to your tile installation, and needs to be waterproofed. I've used it before and totally understand where you're coming from...it's cheap.
But that doesn't make it the best choice.
DITRA has been out for a long time and most professionals use it because it will prevent tile from cracking, it will be easier to install, and it will lessen the height between your tile adjacent flooring.
PLUS you can make your entire tile floor waterproof if you install DITRA the right way.
Today's video is a Part 1 of 2 and shows you how to install DITRA on a wood subfloor. Follow our directions but don't skip reading the DITRA instruction sheet that comes with your roll.
You'll also want to get DITRA and KERDI trowels. Find them on Amazon or your local tile store.
Part 2 of this video can be found here
• Schluter®-DITRA Over W...
If you have a question ask it down in the comments, we'd be happy to help
By the way, if you're looking for how to install Schluter KERDI-BOARD we made these two videos
How to Install Schluter KERDI-BOARD Part 1
• How to Install Schlute...
How to Install Schluter KERDI-BOARD Part 2
• How to Install Schlute...
For supplies and tools used in this video, please consider these links to our store and affiliate links:
1. Schluter Ditra (54 sft roll) - amzn.to/2iTQVZP
2. Schluter Ditra (150 sqft roll) - amzn.to/2Bqi5zo
3. Kerdi-fix sealant - amzn.to/2iUqDqr
4. Kerdi Band (for seam) - amzn.to/2hWlsWc
5. Ditra Trowel (to embed ditra) - amzn.to/2hTb4OP
6. Kerdi Trowel (to embed kerdi) - amzn.to/2zpHNCD
7. 12" grout float - amzn.to/2BqkLNs
9. Milwaukee Angle grinder - amzn.to/2iSa4vc
10. Dewalt diamond blade - amzn.to/2Bofp54
11. Bosch hole saw (1 3/8") - amzn.to/2zs1NV9

[@hamb7260]

Awesome job installing Schluter. The only suggestion I have is never push the nail back in. Take the nail out and apply wood screw ensuring that nail won't pop back up and put a hole in Ditra. Great job man!

[@andreasmiller5448]

Good video. I actually just finished a Ditra membrane installation today after watching this video in the morning. It worked perfectly!! Thanks.

[@bamarich]

Thank you very much for the explanation of why you chose to use the Ditra membrane. I have been vacillating over which route to take because my subflooring is 3/4" plywood, 16" OC. Your sound reasoning has convinced me to go this route. I am about to tile our dining room, kitchen, and master bathroom floors using 12"x24" porcelain and it makes perfect sense to use a waterproofing membrane. I will need to use a self leveling product in a spot or two, but I'm definitely going the Ditra route - appreciate it!

[@yeowzaa007]

I wouldn't take the chance with 24" tile with only 3/4" subfloor. Code requires a min of 1 1/8" thick subfloor because of deflection. Ditra doesn't add any strength just deals with expansion and contraction.

[@jstoltz6576]

Thank you, most thorough tutorial I have found. I have been searching videos for weeks trying to get a detailed tutorial. Great job.

[@InsanelyGhostly]

Buy their repair tutor videos, $99 it’s worth a $1,000,000

[@daveluke5416]

Thanks, dude! This video and part 2 really help me use the Schluter system in my bathroom remodel... the use of the kerdi band around the bathtub was indispensable!

[@dakarigregory2444]

you prolly dont care at all but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost my password. I love any tips you can offer me

[@killiankairo4176]

@Dakari Gregory Instablaster =)

[@dakarigregory2444]

@Killian Kairo i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@dakarigregory2444]

@Killian Kairo It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my ass!

[@killiankairo4176]

@Dakari Gregory you are welcome =)

[@brianattitude]

Also, recommend dampening the felt later underneath the Ditra before laying. This will help it bond to the thinset

[@typ044]

It definitely won't. The only reason you wet the substrate is to keep it from prematurely pulling moisture from the thinset. Wetting the plastic "fleece" isn't going to do anything except take extra time and labor.

[@matthewotis3594]

Its great stuff. And if you tear out a shower and theres nothing behind it (which there normslly isn't ) you can run that go board unstead oh hardy board. Love thst stuff too. Even though it eill eat you up if not careful.

[@TheJJclips]

Thanks Jeff and Steve. These videos a terrific. Really helping me out with my bathroom project that I am just starting!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thanks, got your email, too. Hope you're still getting our tips in your inbox. What all are you doing this week?

[@TheJJclips]

Have to have a drain moved from existing bath/shower combo to a shower and soaker tub so met with a plumber friend to discuss options. Will start demo this weekend.

[@salvor1]

on wood plywood, wow. this is good because I already know how to install it on other kinds of plywood.

[@michaelschnell5874]

Great video! Thanks a lot for posting you guys, I’m doin this step tonight!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

sweet, let us know if you have any questions

[@imout671]

My tile guy did 4 apartments for me 8 years ago with this and I've used it ever since. I've never had to go back and fix cracked tiles or grout. The floor was 16" centers, 16' span, 1/2" plywood with 3/4 mdf. I pulled up the 40 year old mdf and put down 3/4 plywood so my floor was 1.25" thick when he put the tile down. Other floors were just 3/4 plywood. Detra has always worked

[@katc7765]

I am about to tile my bathroom floors which are only 3/4" plywood over 16" spaced joists. Problem is that plywood has glue on it from previous vinyl. The glue is difficult to remove. (I had to remove the vinyl due to some repairs that needed to be made due to a leaking toilet.) Would it be advantageous to screw down another piece of floor to put the ditra down on or will the modified thinset stick to that 3/4" plywood in spite of the remnants of glue?

[@brandonjensen5292]

@@katc7765replace the plywood

[@josehafer6536]

It’s only for subfloors if it’s a slab, pour south level to level your floor, then lay your tile with thin set

[@anonymous4298]

According to the installation instructions use ANSI A118.11 modified thin-set over plywood All-Set or Fast-Set is good

[@roscoewhitejr5621]

Shutler all set works great

[@doyle4170]

The most important thing for professional installers is do the job fast and move on to the next job. They use this type of product for one reason only - it's fast and easy to apply. Cement board is more durable and less likely to flex with the sub-floor, but cement board is heavy and takes two to three times longer to install. Over time Ditra will break its bond with the sub-floor.

[@josephgrn2818]

There's a separation layer to allow for movement that cement board does not. Prevents tiles from cracking. Especially when installing over concrete floor (which will crack and transfer crack to tile)

[@TopNotchTile]

How the hell does it loose bond you need to try tearing some off once .. ditra has been around since 1975 if it was so bad I think ditra would have died

[@abacab87]

I've heard others say this as well, I've had a terrible time getting the mud to bond to the underside of the ditra. I ended up having to back butter the ditra to get a 100 bond. I first did everything by the directions and the first time I had near zero percent bond, it just pushed the thinset down into the shape of the individual cells of the membrane (ditra heat) I put the thinset down quick, and I put the maximum amount of water in the mix (according to the back). Not sure if the extra work is worth it vs how we did it for decades before.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

That shouldn’t be the case, I highly recommend watching this video for more details on how to properly install DITRA kzbin.info/www/bejne/jILFdpaOd9OApbc

[@butrintiny3201]

Use unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118 for bonding to plywood.

[@dpanster19]

thanks for the video. couldn't tell if you left the 1/4 expansion gap when you installed but the second video shows it clearly.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Yes, that expansion gap is very important. Thanks for asking

[@nmlindon20]

To be honest if you have toilet overflow that membrane wont help that much you will see water downstairs.But protecting from tile cracks will work just perfectly

[@imout671]

My tile guy saves all the small left over pieces from his main job and that's what he uses on my rentals. Saves me money

[@remaxdurham]

Thanks Jeff but just a quick observation you say 1/4 of an inch reveal but in the vide your caption says 3/4 inch reveal.

[@ericdavenport269]

Great video ! I'm getting ready to do my first tile floor in a whole bathroom remodel. This was a great video very good info. Any other tricks to install the detra that wasn't shown in the video

[@edigabrieli7864]

Before Shluther we used to glue tar paper instead of Shluther in the same way and in fact I still do because it does the same work but at the fraction of the cost. Lets face it most people don't want to pay any extra money for Shluther they fight for every penny they spend.

[@nitemox]

Thanks, just what I needed.

[@rickmiller8928]

I am getting ready to tile my upstairs bath. The flooring is 2x6 tongue and groove. It previously had mortar and wire mesh. All has been removed and I have been told to put a layer of 1/4 hardy over thin set. I'm not sure I shouldn't put plywood instead. Most videos do not reference 2x6 subfloors.

[@GaRocketman]

I always remove any nails sticking up and replace them with the appropriate size screw. OCD? Maybe....

[@angie05051916]

Would applying a thin coat of PVA to your ply surface first, be helpful or detrimental to the ditra installment?

[@dbeaulieu9730]

I personally believe gluing the Ditra rather then using thinset because plywood will soak up all the moisture before the thinset is fully effective. I've used glue and it worked great

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+D Beaulieu are you referring to the Ardex adhesive? We've heard it works well. Schluter's ALL-SET is our preferred thin-set now since they formulated it for under and over DITRA

[@dbeaulieu9730]

Yes I was and one reason why I really like it is, you don't have to mix it. Its all scoop and go. The second reason is, sometimes with thinset, if you kneel on it, the thinset moves around under your knees and you form mounds. The glue doesn't do that.

[@tat-dinamica]

Im going to use Ditra for floor in my bathroom ,can you tell me please, what glu should I use ? Thank you.

[@wendellhullett7711]

Helps to prewet the subfloor with a spray bottle like what he did

[@b-rare]

its waterproof but would you want water just sitting there on that and not being able to dry? i like cement board keep it old school

[@rickkoscielniak7873]

So according to video you only half to check one side of ditra for good Thunder covering

[@21gonza21]

If you use self leveling on your subfloor will this bond to it?

[@queenofspadz]

How do you join the two sections? I never see that covered - seems like a failure point for leaks!

[@brentdreamer2025]

I am doing my cabin bathroom with in floor heating and I have the Schluter Ditra mats (2x2). I noticed the mat you put down doesn't have the little "nubs" for the wiring to attach to, is this a different style for in floor heat set up? I do really like the way you described everything to be done and the voice over helped as well. Great video guys.

[@Bluemoonredwine]

How long does it take thinset to dry

[@datheat2854]

Tape edge of bath to protect? Only takes 5 minutes

[@ronny5005]

What happens if the membrame only conects for 60-80% and leave it like that?

[@vigneshsan7976]

Is this something that can be directly installed on subfloor or do i need to add a 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch particle board/ply wood on the subfloor bathroom?

[@reneef7406]

Can thinset be used on a second floor, plywood. Or do you recommend a different product?

[@64422ar]

I have another bathroom that has an old plank subfloor, can you just thinset over it and use this or is it best to use something else?

[@Teleman01]

SO EXPENSIVE to use this stuff. But it is very nice.

[@IvanTubing]

Waterproofed with "Redgard" or "Aquadefense" Done! But years ago when Isolation paint hasn't be created yet ...everything I did remains greatly till now🤔

[@7628739]

Good vid, but I think it is wise to protect the tub, also 1/4 wood strip would help also with liteweigt cardboard.. keeps any accidents at bay. , just a suggestion. Can you use a roller on top to help it embed better?

[@shepherdspathrev]

a rolling pin made out of wood would work well for adhering the mat to the thinset I think.

[@american_byways]

Can you apply DITRA over a surface covered by wallboard skimcoat?

[@Peterzach85]

So when you match set Schluter Detra on wood how does the Wood have the space for a contraction and expansion when the thing is mudded to the plywood and also how is mud not going to be failing because the plywood because the plywood sucks at moisture so that’s why you’d have to use a concrete board hardy board so Schluter is a fail product I’ve had to do installs of insurance claims on this product it fails every time

[@Elin-Esteem84]

Schluter makes a thin set that's goes w the membrain

[@krkabob]

This product completely wrecks your sub floor doesn't it? What happened when the homeowner wants to change out another tile? Instead of wood under a hard backer you now have thinnest on your wood and no way to get back to bear wood. Correct?

[@martindagoberto7165]

great video! most helpful

[@harryc7651]

Clarifying question, because the terms subfloor is often misinterpreted. I have a 23/32 subfloor screwed directly to the floor joists. Will I be able to lay mortar, then Ditra, mortar, then tile directly onto my 23/32 subfloor or do I need an additional layer of plywood?

[@kylebaysa7544]

What size trowel? You never said the trowel notch size

[@bsfbestshortfilmsonyoutube]

HI ✋️is there a multi purpose adhesive for sticking down decoupling waterpoof membrane and also using stick down tiles onto😢 membrane? Using the same adhesive?

[@RogerMadden-g2m]

Should you install the membrane over a wood subfloor partially covered with linoleum adhesive and backing?

[@sirramsey357]

Question: if I have a wood subfloor that is slightly out of level, should I put down a self leveling solution before adding thin-set for the Ditra??

[@deeeeeeps]

For the money I way prefer metal lath and self level. It's perfectly flat and the seams overlap making it seamless. I've never had a grout line crack doing this.

[@buddha8087]

What happened to the 1 inch distance from the wall and the bathtub? You shoved it all under the drywall and bathtub

[@davidhenner5067]

I hate to add something critical but always wet your floor a bit before laying thinset down. Helps the bonding.

[@jonathansoper3631]

did you watch the video? They did this.

[@davidhenner5067]

@@jonathansoper3631 My bad. Curious if adding the comment "did you watch the video?" was something you thought would be "nice" or helpful?

[@alejandromejia8889]

Thank you for a great video tutorial. Would you mind clarifying something for me please? The thinset recomend by the manufacturer to bond the membrane is modified or unmodified? Thank you so much. And please keep making more great videos.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Schluter recommends modified when setting Ditra over wood subfloors but you can use their ALL-SET both under and on top of Ditra and Ditra-Heat. Mix thin-set per their directions to get the right consistency, ensure 95-100% coverage to the fleece. Also, use the correct trowel and directional troweling to compress all the ridges.

[@paulleblanc7384]

Home Repair Tuto

[@ChrisCox-wv7oo]

From their FAQ : "The thin-set mortar used for bonding KERDI must be appropriate for the substrate, and it must penetrate and engage the KERDI fleece. Generally, Schluter-SET, Schluter-ALL-SET, Schluter-FAST-SET, or UNMODIFIED thin-set mortar is used." But from this video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX7diahng7eAd68), and from the installation instructions on the website it shows modified thinset below the membrane, unmodified above the membrane (below the tile) sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/h7a/h5d/9019679637534/Uncoupling%20Data%20Sheet.pdf

[@HomeRepairTutor]

@Joe Dirté use the DITRA trowel for bonding DITRA and the other trowel depends on your tile size, which is?

[@freddycugarjr]

You must have ball bearings for knees

[@williamessex3518]

Quick question: If you have to leave a 1/4" gap from the wall to allow for expansion and contraction, why are the seams butted against each other? Why is there no gap for expansion and contraction between sheets?

[@TopNotchTile]

Uncoupling is your answer ..the Gap is for tile more than anything else

[@MrMiss]

Hi mate. Awesome video. If I have wooden floorboards, do I need to apply 5mm ply Screwed down before putting the Ditra matting?

[@glenniceburns4794]

Hi. Thanks for the video. You answered in a previous question that this technique and product can be used on linoleum. Do you still use unmodified thinset?

[@guillemarin8387]

Another great video! Steve, knee pads Steve!!! :)

[@HomeRepairTutor]

lol, funny thing is we had them but didn't use em

[@jessedaniel6040]

Hi p

[@kathypellegrino9459]

My bathroom has been completely gutted. Can I lay Ditra under my bathtub?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

You can but it’s not totally necessary

[@tracyshaw5169]

If I am removing my linoleum and laying this over the wood sub floor, do I need to remove ALL of the old glue used to install the original linoleum? Or is there an “acceptable percentage?”

[@Greg_Chase]

You could try a belt sander to remove as much as possible but the risk is creating low spots in the wood. Another option is to lay down 1/4" plywood or another wood veneer layer to cover the glue. A third (of many possible) options is do what I do: experiment. Over the years I've learned a lot by trying things, and taking note of what works. The risk of leaving a bit of old glue seems like a small risk. The label of the product would warn about it, and you can read the label by looking up the product on Amazon and hovering the computer mouse over the container label.

[@paulblancaflor9171]

If your subfloor is not level should I get it level first before installing the Schluter?

[@teakamccarthy4943]

I wonder if the direction of the Ditra matters in a bathroom? Is it better to lay it with the joints in certain direction?

[@kapepper6426]

informative! Thanks.

[@sean550]

Can you just put it on flooring boards upstairs without using ply first...I thought it was to replace using ply.

[@steverhodes3555]

I have 3/4" plywood with linoleum over it. Want to tile over. Can I use the dirt over this existing linoleum??

[@alderaz7049]

absolutely NOT

[@Romulan112]

Wait, first you tell us to stay at least a 1/4" away from the wall and tub. Then, you apply thinset right up to the wall. I am lost. What happened to that buffer zone?

[@taylorbenson1948]

The 1/4" "buffer zone" he is talking about is for expansion and contraction of the floor. When the floor moves and it will, the ditra then will not hit the wall and buckle up a tile or crack a grout line. The thin set he applies in between the ditra and the wall does not interfere with that expansion joint, it actually just helps fill that void the wall and subfloor creates, making it "water proof". Hope that helps!

[@emilelafargue]

i thought you use unmodified thinnest under ditra??

[@richardbishop5784]

Unmodified thinset between ditra and tile.

[@markanderson5619]

What if you want to install porcelain tile into connecting rooms. Their is 3/4 plywood in first room and tongue &groove oak in second room. Both are flush.

[@deboracahoonmusic5629]

So after I finish prepping the floor with all the steps shown in the video, what mortar would I use to put bigger porcelain tiles on the floor? Modified or unmodified?

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

I always got full cover very easy when I apply underlayment sealer over the plywood before thin set and Ditra, let me know is it the right way doing it or not but seem working fine, no call back.

[@AMERICANA-BOOMSTICK]

Thanks for this

[@randalunderhill831]

Is it a no go to apply the thin set onto a painted substrate? I had a small mold issue and put a coat of a special mold control paint where I had cleaned it up

[@rgarcia8567]

Would you recommend removing the primer overspray from the subfloor before applying the thin set?

[@giuseppemare]

I used a trowel to embed and next time I have to say it's better to roll it. The trowel is way to hard. And yes mix it with the maximum amount of water allowed.

[@paguliukas]

Can u out mating over the woodplanks

[@NoName-hw8ty]

I find it funny that I just came from HD to purchase this. They didn't carry it. Nor did they carry modified thinset or the additives to make regular mortar more flexible. HD get your crap together.

[@gsxrgirl2007]

Idk we’re you are but we had to get all our schultter at Floor and Decor, though we found a VERY small schlutter selection at both HD and Lowe’s. Our HomeDepot only carries modified. We needed unmodified for the raw edges of the kerdi board and it was almost impossible to find. Lowe’s had like one 50lb bag selection of non-modified.

[@dwayneh372]

Same here I thought you had to use unmodified mortar , that’s what I use when I did my bathroom

[@dwayneh372]

jimjd1969 no use ceramic tile and my floor is great, it’s been little over a year and it’s great so far .

[@yaboi8640]

What if it's not wood plywood?

[@karlhockless771]

What happens if 1. Ply delaminates 2. Adhesive doesn't stick to the ply? And, he has put down 18mm ply? This is a big step up compared to 6mm NoMore Ply.

[@dg7438]

Is this also meant for hardwood floors over plywood, or is this overkill?

[@justanotherchannel6097]

With the ditra, thinset and tile what’s the final thickness you achieve ? Trying to match thickness or 3/4 engineer flooring with no transition piece

[@markbrown4827]

When do you use the Kerdi versus Ditra? Also, for either do you use the kerdi band at all seams and against the wall?

[@ianmurphy1261]

What are you trying to achieve? Thats for lateral movement not deflection, cement board all day long

[@HomeRepairTutor]

cement board does not provide structural strength

[@WilliamSymionow]

Thanks for the video. Your coverage was not great when you peeled back to show. You should get much better coverage if you mix just a tad thinner and don't put too much pressure on the trowel!

[@peterc3228]

Yeah Ditra recommended 30lbs pressure on the trowel, that's not very much. Great video, keep up the good work. Pete (Scotland UK) 👍

[@francisco_ElTigre_sosa21]

FYI !! If you use this and thin set it in I hope you plan on never changing your tile again cause this stuff is a nightmare to take off and may also ruin your subfloor

[@sediqullahmohmand1337]

Thanks for the video, do I have to screw the ditra for more fastening?

[@Soberpayup]

should ditra be installed if doing floating floors

[@iq6840]

I install it before I put my tub in.. so it's under the tub..

[@kevinfreund5943]

What if I'm applying that to Wood slatted 3/4 inch subfloor or does it need some sort of Luan down 1st

[@bryancassidy4100]

Hopefully you've already figured out that yes, you do. I put down 1/2" to beef up the substrate and allow that to be the sacrificial layer for when the next homeowner wants to remodel, and the house's sub-floor can be left alone, integral and not chawed by mortar that either won't come up, or takes chunks with it.

[@supermanreturns23]

I am laying down 24x24 italian porcelain tile. The mortar for this is for heavier tiles, can I use the same mortar for tile to unite the ditre to the 3/4 plywood?

[@nunofyourbizness5975]

No tar paper on plywood?

[@benjamess3194]

Question. If my subfloor is 5/8"thick can I put 1/4" laun board down over it for the tile job?

[@ericwhitelock7250]

if the subfloor is tong and grove 3/4" material will this require any different prep say for nots or cracks in the subfloor its self

[@genesavarino6673]

DYI here. Completely redoing our 8x8 (not exact) hall bathroom. walls are dwn to the studs and just redid the plumbing to accommodate the new layout. New subfloor is 3/4" Advantech. It is not perfectly level (not terrible) and some joints are 1/8" higher/lower. Using 1/4" Ditra (16" off center joist). to accommodate the transition height. My question is. Does the subfloor need to be perfectly level and do the joint heights need to meet perfectly? Thank you. Great videos.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

as long as the subfloor is flat and mostly level you should be fine. Under the tub or shower tray it needs to be level so the water will drain properly. You want the DITRA joints to meet evenly with each other. Otherwise the tile setting will be problematic

[@genesavarino6673]

@@HomeRepairTutor ..Thank you for your time.

[@Blackdog4818]

Why do you use this over Prova-Flex? It's $34 bucks cheaper, and has the same idea.

[@quinnhooper5103]

Thank you great vid

[@pattypatlan8821]

*******Question******* I bought a roll to redo my guest bathroom and have a ton left over. Could I use this as underlayment for my kitchen floor laminate wood flooring??