STOP USING HARDIEBACKER ON TILE FLOORS!!! THIS IS SO MUCH EASIER: LATICRETE STRATA_MAT

We used to install cement board, Wonderboard, or Hardiebacker on wood floors before laying tile. This was the common practice for prepping a floor for tile work. But in the early 2000's, a product called Schluter Ditra came out and changed the game. Ditra, Strata_Mat, and other uncoupling membranes are a replacement for Hardiebacker and other cement board underlayments for tile. Uncoupling membranes are lighter, faster, and easier to install than cement board or Hardiebacker. They also perform better, as they uncouple (separate) the tile system from the sub floor, making it the tile floor less likely to crack when there is stresses below it.

[@matthewdefer8215]

Im a tile setter in Tucson AZ. I used this product and thought it was just as good as ditra. The roll is a little wider than ditra and has little holes all over to let air escape. I will be using this product again. Thank tile coach for the best tile videos on KZbin!

[@Rexach1]

I love watching your videos we have been without a bathroom since November 2020 I’m hoping to find Someone that can do a professional job Keep up the good work And hopefully I find the honest and professional tile installer we have to redo our bathroom twice now

[@a.b.8017]

I've been doing this for 7 years. ALWAYS learn something from every video. THANK YOU!!

[@justinofboulder]

24 years here and I have probably learned more in the last year ( from this channel and social media) than I have in the previous 10

[@bdenney9443]

Figured I might be able to get a question answered here. I'm wondering how long a bathroom remodel would take. An approximate. I'll try to put the scope of detail the best I can. I just want to know what to expect. ADA bathroom thats apprx. 6ft x 12ft Curbless shower taking up half with toilet and vanity on other half Removing tile wall surround of shower to stud Removing toilet and vanity Removing tile on entire floor Removing concrete floor down to failed hot mop Pouring new floor and shower pan New concrete surround Kerdi membrane everything Tile floor with 2"x4" tile. Yes inches Tile surround with 4" or 4 and a quarter Reinstall grab bars. Toilet. Variety and sink. How long would it take 1 person to do that?

[@bdenney9443]

@@justinofboulder maybe you could give me an idea

[@justinofboulder]

@@bdenney9443 I would guess 2-3 weeks. I only install tile (no demo, framing, plumbing, etc...) so I am not sure. For the tile portion, would be about a week and a half.

[@bdenney9443]

@@justinofboulder thank you

[@Aepek]

Gotta say Isaac, you make some awesome videos, make us “think and ponder”, and challenge us to be better👍🏻 Can watch one of your vids, & then immediately wanna go back out and try a new product haven’t used, or a tip just saw ya do, just love it😊 Just wanna say, thx again, and appreciate all you do for us, and me. Have a good weekend✌🏻

[@paulremmey8268]

👍great video and great comment !

[@anewlife5977]

Man 7 years is awesome keep up the good work

[@gennadiyoukrainets8307]

I've been using strata Mat & strata heat mats ever since they came out with it. Never had a call back. Quick and easy install. Nice product. Thanks for the videos.

[@bluearcherx]

can we at least agree that you might not know there needs to be a call back for 2, 3, 5, 10 years? There is a lot more to building products than the weeks immediately following installation.

[@gennadiyoukrainets8307]

@@bluearcherx I've been working for this builder for over 10 years so when there is a call back we know about it.

[@Pri79111]

How do would waterproof this is if you had to thanks

[@markpienciaksr.5331]

Another great video Isacc, always informative

[@bradyknowzbest1149]

Get yourself a little hand roller. I use the kobalt extension handle roller and its perfect! I think they are normally used to roll over and push laminate down into the glue, but they work amazing for getting this mat membrane into thin set. It creates better bond on the mat, plus its easier to roll around then dragging a float around.

[@galenschliem4002]

Wow. Picked up a Goldblatt one on your advice. Crazy how good your suggestion is...TY!

[@joniboulware1436]

Having worked with the orange Ditra not long ago, I see a big benefit of the see through.

[@factsnotfeelingssendit5961]

Tile contractor here in Fl. Installing for 34 years. Yes I still can walk. Hardiboad or Duroc hasn't failed me and been installing since it first came out. Have done beach homes on stilts and 20 years later np.

[@markme4]

Been installing as long as you out here in Cali, have always kept 2 to 3 layers of foam carpet pad in my leather kneepads, knees feel great , keep it going brother !

[@factsnotfeelingssendit5961]

@@markme4 👍

[@DrPippo1234]

Always exceptional videos. Isaac your the Best. Keep it coming.

[@SuperVPro]

How much is a role and how many ft .great video

[@eh_bailey]

Looks like a great product, my favorite part might be the Rockwool on the wall!

[@rickdunn3863]

WOW, that may be a game changer with the air holes. I used Ditra over pressure treated plywood subfloor in a remodeled bathroom with UNMODIFIED thin set, and the thin set NEVER dried. I tore everything up and use backer board with zero problems. Obviously it was the pressure treated wood, but this product may have worked with the air holes.

[@justins8004]

A modified thinset is requred to install Ditra on plywood.

[@RJ-cc1fz]

Would you use the strata mat if there’s only one 3/4” layer of plywood under it?

[@nobleroofinggeneralcontrac7961]

Back in my day we would put down felt paper, wire and mortar and if we ever had to take up one that was done like I mentioned what a ton of work. I hope this last. Thanks for the vid

[@juanalvarado371]

The real tile setters still do it that way.

[@williamsauder1823]

Good job Isac!! Looks like you've floated the shower. Nice,that mat stuff is rad

[@danielgrattan2353]

Nice job! Good information...

[@davidrobins4025]

Thanks for this instructive video. Appreciated.

[@chrisspanyer1525]

Great video. Would be nice to see a comparison in removing tile on floor and see which would be better for remodel. Can you reuse a properly installed hardi 1/2” or will it all have to be removed (so many screws) would this product your installing be easier to pull up and relay every time. Thanks.

[@arnieselectric007]

That's pretty slick... Nice job brother...

[@deanconti4326]

if your working with a tile size and wet saw that will allow it, can you make those miter cuts with the saw instead of the grinder? or is there a benefit to the grinder? say to allow for a 47 or 48 degree cut so none of the short point of the tile interferes with the trim? thank you for all the helpful advice too!!!

[@tommyy123tn]

Permat, hands down best underlayment on planet earth

[@soybomber]

would it support a 1inch mosaic on it?

[@nony350]

Question so what do you put under your bathtub to make sure the floor stay dry in case of a water leak?

[@TinnonFamilyFarm]

So whats the most economical but best way to put tile on a conventional foundation house hardie backer or uncoupling membrane? What is considered the right/ longest lasting way

[@BZ1340]

Luv’in the Laticrete vids and products you’ve shown. I’m going to get to the local supplier and try a few you’ve shown, That clear membrane is sweet and I can see the advantages. Any chance you can go thru their Thinset line and show the application use for each. Great job as always.

[@number6396]

Going through the Thinset line of products and applications for them would be very helpful. Agree.

[@markaegyssus5192]

This product is good if you have a height problem, I'm talking about if you're limited to raising the floor ( if the cabinets are installed, and you need the toe kick measurements).. hardy///durock are the best steady avoids movement,etc. 35 years experience it's enough.

[@PeterYurkins]

i use gray thinset when i install strata to see the coverage better, ty for the videos

[@bobcougar77]

Congratulations on the laticrete sponsorship.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

Absolutely

[@bigbikerjohn64]

Those “air-vents” also allow the thin set to breath allowing you to use a modified thin set. Unlike the Ditra which does not breath and normally set with unmodified thinset(or Schluter’s Allset).

[@grahamd.8713]

Is that true according to Laticrete?

[@eskilover]

You can use a modified thinset with Ditra. It’s the substrate that dictates what type of thinset you use.

[@bigbikerjohn64]

@@eskilover actually you are correct; thank you for correcting me. I was thinking of the next layer between Ditra and tile.

[@Rexach1]

I have a question can you use this type of tile for the Shower bathroom floor---> Butterfly Bay Pinwheel Basket Weave 9.25 in. x 13.75 in. x 8 mm Honed Travertine Mosaic Wall/Floor Tile

[@ronh9384]

Thanks for sharing! Can this be used over OSB? Or do I need to use backer board first? Thanks for your time.

[@tomhahn8624]

Can I use the hardibacker with hydro guard on a wood subfloor if so which side should go up ? Red or grey … thx !

[@kevind398]

Hi Isaac! Will this strata mat installation work on pressure-treated plywood?

[@jefflemaster2850]

Red Guard has the same thing- has been available for years.

[@typ044]

The ditra style membranes have the added benefit of being waterproof. I do like the strata better if all you want is crack isolation though.

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

would you recommend using this on concrete floor or not necessary?

[@tomjeffries58]

I worked for a tile guy in the 70's and 80's. We would thinset and screw 1/2" plywood to the subfloor and then thinset the tile to the plywood. It was incredibly strong but removing it was almost impossible. How do you retile the floor in the future with Laticrete? I've never use Schluter or Kerdi. The last shower I ever did was about 12 years ago and I used the vinyl membrane that we always used. I broke a lot of leaking lead pans up back then. :)

[@wisho-ro4305]

This is how I do it on my jobs when there is no concrete I use cement between the backer board and the wood then cement on top again and has never failed me

[@windpusher]

I'm a DIY and I subscribe. Great video. If I use white Strata-Mat instead of a backer board can I install the Ditra peel and sick orange over this for a heated floor ? thanks

[@aptpupil]

So it's not waterproof?

[@jgkrus]

I have 4XLT leftover and was going to.use that to fill in the holes on the mat but I won't be able to tile today. Can I just put my 4XLT thinset over dried 4XLT thinset?

[@philipkim6812]

can you use this on walls, use a green drywall board with this strat mat???

[@maryfrazier8699]

My thinking what if the floor shift over time, the screws in the wonder board help control that and it add protection to the subfloor where this does those tiles can lift or move should that soft thin mortar doesn't hold. No I will continue to use the wonder board or cement floor.

[@Aepek]

Curious to know, ever try/use Laticrete 125 Tri Max at all?

[@davidisaacson5993]

I always just staple wire lath down and use a 1/2 inch notch trowel. Some of my floors are still known to be in service nearly 20 years later.

[@LHAGYALO258]

Got it!!! Thank you sir

[@joseballesteros3535]

Great tips and at the perfect time. Just demolished my second bathroom yesterday, one is upstairs, the other one is downstairs on a slab. Question, what should I use for wall to cover the studs? Durock, wonderboard, wonderboard lite, hardibacker, ? I bought Durock but can exchange it if need be. Better yet, how about a setup recommendation.... Like for walls, and then for deck mud pan and liner. People like me, DIYers, would love a setup recommendation. Buying the X-flow drain because of the detailed video you posted, so thanks for that.

[@justinofboulder]

Any of the concrete boards will do. Hardie board has cellulose in it and will break down in water

[@teslamark3305]

I’m doing the same for walls. Just watched one of Isaac’s videos of Hydroban vs Schluter foam board, great video BTW. I felt compelled to go with the Hydroban after watching.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Hardiebacker on the walls work good especially if you apply Maipei Aqua defense or Red Guard to it.

[@lrc87290]

Wedi if you can find it

[@joeschneider8025]

Makes transitions to Hardwood tough best to have combination of the two to reach 3/4 of an inch

[@chapothakid5080]

I've used it b4 and idk how I feel about it... how much does that cost

[@PSM5787]

What did you use to glue the strat- mat to the sub- flooring ? Can I use regular Mortar ?

[@matthewdefer8215]

In modified thinset.

[@bubunelu7027]

What size trowel do you need to use for the Strata Mat?

[@nycyaofan]

I did a bathroom for the first time in my house with this ditra replacing hardiboard, there is one negative to it, it’s not as sound proof as before.

[@joefowler3106]

I've been using Mapeguard UM lately and really like it, doesn't eat up near as much thinset as Ditra. If I never have to cut and screw Hardi again in my life I'd be okay with that. 😎

[@twoserve2449]

I can install hardy backer in 2 hours, and start tiling the floor!, on the other hand, you have to wait one day for the thin set to dry, 🤭

[@RandomNumber141]

@@twoserve2449 Does hardibacker get thinset underneath of it?

[@twoserve2449]

@@RandomNumber141 , No, never!, just screws where all the markings for, and start from the middle towards the edges, to keep air out!

[@marshaldowns8957]

I like the strata mat so much more than ditra since you can see through it to make sure its imbedded, and you can use modified!

[@number6396]

I agree, but it doesn't seem to be waterproof. Big downside, in my opinion.

[@marshaldowns8957]

I never understood why a person would want a waterproof underlayment anyways, unless you are installing a curbless shower with no door or something like that. Anyways Ditra is only waterproof when you add joint tape, sealants, and details like that. Most people just use it as underlayment.

[@scotttullis7084]

Just use grey thinset and you can see the coverage much easier even through ditra.

[@mgwitcher6]

Did you add additional wood subfloor to the existing subfloor? I have a second floor bathroom I need to tile but really don’t want to add additional hight. The current subfloor appears to be 3/4”.

[@RandomNumber141]

You can check the installation instructions for the membrane. I think 3/4" was fine with 16" joist spacing.

[@freewillchoice8052]

I was taught that you want the strokes of your mortar to go all the same direction and in the shortest distance to allow all for the air to exit from under the material being laid down which may cause issues later on.

[@GJLCreativeStudios]

there are air holes on the mat that release the air, bruh we know you're a pro

[@SomeDumUsrName]

Weep holes for the air..........YES! Sold! Thanks man.

[@webcrawler3332]

I thought with a wood subfloor home you needed durock or hardibacker on the floor to prevent movement and the tiles don’t crack or pop up? How does this work?

[@Utopia915]

Can this be used for kitchen floors, 18x18 tiles?

[@mtnguyen1696]

is it going to be a pain to remove it and all the thinset on the wood subfloor for another style tiles? i would thiink hardiebacker would be much easier to remove then thinset.

[@paulstephens9274]

Can I utilize on shower walls too

[@raulvega7429]

how does this compare price wise to hardibacker?

[@DrunkenJinger]

Woa. Did you just wipe adhesive down an open toilet flange?

[@matthewwalters8504]

Is this okay to be used like that in a wet location? StrataMat has air vents which negate the waterproofing aspect

[@jwd215]

This is great for plywood. Most of my work is in 80 year old homes that have 2 1/4 w x 3/4 thick tongue in groove subflooring. I would only use hardie backer.

[@pauljohnson4559]

Hi, i ve been using decoupling membrane like what youre using for ageas now. Always used to be tile straight onto ply, but things change for the better.. Mostly!!!

[@michaellalanae7228]

Always trying to reinvent the wheel .this is fine if you never want to change the look in your home which is fine in china

[@abdal-haqq1688]

Ditto

[@whitneybrown9354]

If you use this how thick doe’s subfloor have to be?

[@sylvaindastous9822]

So direct on your 3/4 plywood? Or it was on your other plywood cause I hears it need minimum 1and 1/4 so deflection don't cause damage to tile( jeff renovision)

[@johnridley1656]

maybe we can re-visit this job in 5 years time, to see if this flexible backer, has been reliable over the period,

[@robbob4872]

why wait 5 years? it will fail within 5 months..

[@themilkman271]

@@robbob4872 What makes you so sure?

[@garrettbreech728]

These products have been out for well over a decade and have proven themselves as reliable, even superior with their uncoupling characteristics. Just try it, you'll be impressed.

[@Stevesbe]

As long as the sub floor strong it shouldn't have any problem. Ther problem is? Most houses are built with 1/2" ply sub floor

[@marcfavell]

Why cement board doesn't have no structural properties to it why would it matter if it's flexible 🤷

[@MrTooTechnical]

Great vid. Megalite????

[@jerzeedivr]

I like the idea but, by using hardibacker your adding thickness to the floor and removing some potential flex in the floor that can cause cracking of tile and joints.

[@triggeredtroll6466]

I also wonder how many of these products are more for the installer, than for the customer. The showers especially, the foam board has a 10 to 15 year warranty, I can not fathom that 90% of those installs will make it to 20 years. No one wants to redo their shower to begin with. My house is 50 years old, they did cement board and hot mop, upstairs is still going strong, never leaked, I redid downstairs because I moved the bathroom, and there was no sign of failure anywhere. I just can't imagine the foam board stuff will last like that. I maybe wrong, but I assume its slightly better than green board

[@richardkooyman5244]

If you look at the research Hardibacker or any cement board product does NOT add rigidity or additional flexing protection. The whole purpose of an uncoupling membrane is that the floor is going to flex a little over time. cement board just transfer that flex to the tile.

[@lazomota]

Question ? The area where you are kneeling and standing , when was that done ? Can you immediately kneel on it ?? Or if not how long until you can kneel and contribute the work ??

[@markme4]

Yes you can get on it right away

[@ibocnet]

Sal says this is not waterproof because of the holes. Along the edge of my curbless shower I intend to extend the waterproofing from the pan for 6" or so.

[@whitephoenixfire88]

I'm looking at that huge crack where the curb meets the floor that you didn't waterproof over plywood and I'm thinking this is certain to soften and fail with water exposure at the curb. Also your camera guy is doing his best, bless his heart. 🤣

[@Imwright720]

My original floor in the master bathroom was laid in 87. It was straight over plywood. There was no water damage under it when I pulled the tile. Multiple owners and 25 years later.

[@alexpolcyn6360]

🙄 relax weirdo

[@UltimoLegado209]

nice work bro what licence do you have

[@Sacramento1908]

Price comparison which one is more expensive

[@rileysnushall2184]

don't really understand why so many different methods over in the states, here in australia standard practice for anything wet area is lay fibre cement board first, water proof over the top then direct stick your tile or shower pan. seems practical enough

[@pinkyhotmessx69]

Wow that's amazing!!!

[@anthonyl8018]

Would this also help for slightly uneven floors or on top of "bouncy" plywood underlayment that a hardiebacker would have eliminated?

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Well. Maybe. Maybe not. You can use this over a layer of thinset bedded hardiboard. Bouncy subfloor needs to be corrected.

[@davidblaine223]

I've done a lot of tile work, but have never used Ditra or the Strata Mat. I definitely like what I see and want to try it. One thing I wonder about though is remodeling in future years. I've taken up old tile in properties I've bought and taken up the old backer board and gotten back to a smooth, clean subfloor. What happens with this years from now? How would you ever be able to update it without a tremendous amount of work after putting mortar directly on the subfloor? If you have any experience with this let me know. Thanks!

[@number6396]

I don't know the answer, but that's a very valuable question. Wish these guys would answer some of the questions here.

[@ToddAndelin]

thats why i like hardie w as few screws as possible... easy demo

[@reddbeard2030]

Great vid. How would this system do if you are doing small pattern mosaic tile on the floor. Seems like it would be hard to keep that and penny tiles level.

[@marshaldowns8957]

Id do a skim coat of thinset and let it dry overnight, then tile on top

[@B11video]

Use a self leveling floor product for very small tile. It saves a lot of headaches.

[@markme4]

@@B11video You speak the truth

[@jayc4715]

Damn thats alot of work and material..maybe ill just go with stick on vinyl plank

[@abdal-haqq1688]

Ha 😂

[@ThielTube]

I am fine with the mats as long as your subfloor is strong. working in a lot of early 20 century homes i prefer putting down the cement board in a bed of thin set as it will always help with strengthening the floor that much more . We have yet to give these mats real world time to see how they hold up..

[@nsudatta-roy8154]

You have echoed my sentiment.

[@eskilover]

The cement board wouldn’t add anything to the structural strength of the floor, it actually might make a weak floor system deflect more because of the weight added to the system,

[@ThielTube]

@@eskilover it actually would and does add alot of strength in early 20th century homes that had small 1×4 T&G subfloor. Helps lock and fill all the gaps from being 75+ years old forming a solid surface. You don't tile over a weak surface ever

[@nsudatta-roy8154]

@@eskilover You do realize that Hardie Backer is also a cement board, right?

[@queenofthecastle6916]

I literally just saw the guy and started watching 😯

[@queenofthecastle6916]

@Mark Oliver he is so handsome dont you think??💗

[@franciscocazares109]

Whats the material cost?

[@skliros9235]

Hello Isaac. Can you do a video on how you would lay large tiles on a wood floor? And how would you ensure there isn't too much bounce in the floor, to cause cracks.

[@MrOpinionCantSignIn]

Yeah, I'd love to see a large floor with large tiles after a year with this 'flex' underlayment 😂😂

[@20somthingrealestate]

If you have flex in your subfloor and you're expecting your underlayment to take it up you shouldn't be tiling it. Add perpendicular laid layer of subfloor or address the framing issues. I've used 3/8 ply over dimensional lumber subfloors and it was solid. You may need thicker. Assess each situation independently.

[@georgekirby5992]

@@20somthingrealestate Did you use 1/2" cement board on top of this? From what I have researched, the results say that you need at least 1 1/8" subfloor thickness under tile. I honestly can't find if this is code or just a best practice. Any insight ?

[@20somthingrealestate]

@@georgekirby5992 3/4 +3/8 is 1 1/8 although it's not ply it was stiff. It's best practice as 3/4 is going to surpass standard load requirements on traditional framing so that's what you're going to find in most residential construction. The framing will also make a difference. If I had an issue with a floor I'd add perpendicular sheets of ply and use an uncoupling membrane. Using cement board just to hope that it adds enough stability to the floor? No. The subfloor should already be stable.

[@georgekirby5992]

@@20somthingrealestate I misunderstood your first post. When you said you used 3/8 ply over dimensional lumber subfloor, I assumed you meant 3/8 ply over dimensional joists. I know cement board doesn't really add strength, but I just am trying to find code that dictates the overall thickness requirement. I used 23/32 ply on 16" center 2x12" joists that span 12' so my calculated flex is ok. My only question would be why I am required (if I am) to use 1/2 cement board instead of 1/4 inch just to reach the 1 1/8 thickness "requirement".

[@mattsawesomeshow]

Isaac, wondering what your preferred grout line size choice is on large format tile like 12 x 24? ...what looks the best in your opinion.

[@CarlosDiaz-uz4lb]

1/6 or 1/8

[@mattsawesomeshow]

@@CarlosDiaz-uz4lb Thanks Carlos for responding! I think I'll be using 1/8"

[@CarlosDiaz-uz4lb]

@@mattsawesomeshow Anytime brother and just for a heads up I do have 18 of tile installation experience

[@jefferyholland]

I am usually a little skeptical when someone rips off someone else design but I like what Laticrete did with the strata mat.

[@bluearcherx]

I can't speak to strata mat, but incremental improvements on other designs is how the world works. When you see deficiencies in a competing product, you design yours similar but better and use the marketing advantage. does it always work? no. but this is the nature of any competitive industry. everyone follows the market leader and adds their own tweaks.

[@Jtondalo]

@tilecoach I am Jeffrey J. Tondalo, LATICRETE’s Sr Technical Services Rep (Bethany, CT HQ). Awesome video, glad to see these videos in the field. I came across your videos randomly.. well done sir!

[@Jtondalo]

I literally just had a guy email me and say “I was watching Tilecoach, and he recommended your products” social media is powerful man.

[@bobcougar77]

This is silly. He's clearly sponsored by laticrete. If nothing else, the number of awkward times he inserts the name of the product is a dead giveaway. Nothing wrong with that and I've always been a fan of laticrete products. No need to tank our chain

[@Jtondalo]

@@bobcougar77 definitely not by me.. but I’d throw him a bone for putting his trust in our products. Even if the materials were donated, it’s the cost of doing business sometimes…and social media is power.

[@immortalfruits311]

Are you moving away from using Shluter products? I recently bought one of their systems. Now I'm afraid to use it. Lol. I had thought about Laticrete or Wedi. It's just so hard to get where I live and it's pricier to buy online and have it delivered.

[@number6396]

Really? Laticrete and Wedi are more expensive than Schluter? I find that hard to believe.

[@mwrcrft]

Have you laid the the strata heat to see if it is similar in seeing the thin set under the mat. Great info.

[@TileCoach]

Not yet! Soon

[@darby427]

strata heat works the same.. you can see the thinset.. great product

[@mwrcrft]

@@darby427 Thanks

[@tavv2775]

wait you still put roll onwater proofing after having the aquabar in the back of the float?

[@markme4]

Absolutely, prevents mouldy grout for one of many reasons.

[@kindnessmakesushappy]

Makes me wonder if there is a "clear" kerdi like waterproofing so you can actually see if there are air pockets behind while doing the walls..

[@whitephoenixfire88]

Idk why you'd ever need Kerdi to be clear. Liquid membrane (hydroban alt) in yellow which is pretty clear and is typically applied over fiberglass fabric imbed.... but can't imagine why you'd need to see behind it because you're rolling it on and placing the fgf into the wet film and then going over it with more membrane before mortar. Kerdi fabric that's imbeded into mortar has such a thin layer behind it you would see/feel any pockets or bubbles in the fabric easily so there would be no need for transparency. The fiberglass fabric and Liquid membrane are both fairly clear comparatively

[@davidreynolds4684]

Can strata mat be used atop of a shower pan to increase the height to avoid a thin row of tiles on the shower walls?

[@marcgambone4240]

Absolutely not

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Could you use this to float walls [sheathed with ply]?

[@RidgelineJames]

Absolutely not. That’s a terrible idea. It’s not designed to permanently attach itself to plywood. It’s designed to let go of there is movement.

[@bryanhudson1322]

No waterproofing on the floor?

[@user-is8oz6vy5r]

Depends on the subfloor deflection amount. Plastic adds no additional strength to the installation. I use 1/2-inch wonderboard when deflection is a problem.

[@user-is8oz6vy5r]

Always screw down subfloor for strength.

[@irvl7786]

I went into a house with shelter and had to patch alot of grout threat was cracking out everywhere.

[@ajmueller5871]

Hi! I am doing penny tile on a bathroom floor. What kind of substrate do i need to use?

[@athabascastonetile3771]

pklywood directional staple min 1 inch subfloor

[@kellyross4801]

Hmmm. Here in TX, after the catastrophic freeze in Feb. 2021, a lot of people realized the value of a decoupling membrane, which isn't really standard on our usual concrete slab on grade foundations. I wonder if this could be used on a slab?

[@gabrielo8922]

Yes, it absolutely can be applied directly onto concrete slab substrate (with thinset in between, of course). The uncoupling benefits are actually greater when using it on concrete rather than wood. Laticrete Strata, Schluter Ditra, and other similar products all detail in there instructions that it can be applied to concrete. I also live in Texas and have been researching this. One additional thing to consider is thermal transfer from the concrete slab foundation to the tile. Assuming that your concrete slab is not insulated from the earth (most homes in Texas are not), you can expect your floors to get cold in the winter. You can mitigate this by installing a thermal barrier first. Ditra Heat Duo has a built in thermal barrier, but it is just a 1/8” fleece sheet material bonded to the bottom side, which only offers an insulation R-value of 0.35. Laticrete recommends installing their 1/4” thick Hydro Ban Board on the floor as a thermal break before installing the uncoupling membrane. Their 1/4” thick Hydro Ban Board offers about 1.125 R-value (4.5 per inch). The thermal barrier with concrete slab is even more important if you are considering heated floors, because you will lose heat directly to the earth without it (inefficient wasted energy). You can use Strata Heat Mat instead of Strata Mat for heated floors.

[@kellyross4801]

@@gabrielo8922 Thanks for this! Appreciate hearing from someone else here in TX. Building codes and specs are so localized... naturally. What works in Amarillo might not work in Kingsville. 👍😁

[@Ms2Chill]

Is that waterproof?

[@scorpio6587]

That is SO COOL! Would you also use this on a slab, or only a subfloor? Does it also accept heating wire?

[@timv4554]

They have another version called Strata Heat that is slightly thicker to accept the wires. The regular isn’t meant for wires.

[@scorpio6587]

@@timv4554 Thank you

[@NO-GAMES]

There are applications where the hardbacker can be a better choice, where it resolves issue's in a poor conditioned subfloor. That said, it's all about achieving the best end result for durability as well as eye appeal, in a cost-effective manner.

[@michaelamaral3081]

saw demonstration from the Hardy backer manufacture at a trade show in LV Nevada, been using it for the last 15 years never had one tile crack or grout lineThere is a proper spec to install it yes it’s a little more work ,in my opinion for my jobs I’ll stick with hardy backer.