Thinset Mortar, ANSI A118.???🤔 What you need to know to choose the right type.

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Thinset mortar is the glue that holds the tile to your substrate, picking the right one for your tile and substrate is of critical importance. There are several material specifications for thinset mortar from the American National Standards Institute or ANSI for short. These specifications are ANSI:
A118.1 Dry Set Unmodified Mortar
A118.4 Dry Set Modified Mortar
A118.11 Dry Set Modified EGP Mortar (Exterior Grade Plywood)
A118.15 Dry Set Improved Modified Mortar
Using a thinset for a tile or substrate that it is not designed to be used for can lead to failures, so it is critical to use a mortar that is suitable for the type of tile and substrate in your tile installation. In this video, with NTCA Trainer Mark Heinlein we give an introduction to what those standards are and what they mean. For a full understanding of all ANSI Standards and TCNA methods, Industry Technical Manuals can be purchased at the NTCA website here www.tile-assn.com/store/ListP...
Also in the video are a few minutes of video of the free NTCA Workshop that was held at:
Galleria Stone and Tile / Smethurst Tile
344 Eastern Avenue
Malden, MA 02148
781.322.3210
www.galleriastone.com/Locatio...
Industry Technical Manuals
www.tile-assn.com/store/ListP...
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.
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For Industry Professionals only

[@T.E.P.]

Thank you Sal for taking the extra time to make these videos and explaining all these important differences.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Just uploaded an updated video about thinset kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWmTeImdab5ng7c

[@MrAmalasan]

He is such a good trainer, imparts practical can-do knowledge without dumbing anything down. Very enabling of confident work.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Good friend, great teacher, and very knowledgeable.

[@johnmitchell8206]

Thanks Sal; I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge!!

[@renato_guitar2138]

Thank you so much Sal!!! This is extremely important in this job!!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes it is, the thinset used can make or break a job.

[@GaryBickford]

This motivates me to run some practice tiles before doing the actual work on my DIY projects with 12x24 tiles.

[@dezwilliamz]

Learned something new. Thanks for another great and informative video!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brois841]

I'm not even in the business, but I love learning this kind of stuff since I love to DIY. This video just goes to show, even if you have a lifetime of experience you can always learn something. There are too many people out there that just say: "Welp, that's the way I've been doing it for XX-years and never had anyone call me to complain." Anyway, thank you Sal, this is invaluable information and if I were in the business I'd 100% be taking that course!! I also like Mark's clear, concise and direct style. Obviously a great trainer. The fact that it's hands on instead of purely theoretical is also a huge plus! Thank you both! :)

[@SalDiBlasi]

There are countless opportunities for free training by manufacturers and industry organisations that there is no reason why every installer can not get up to date with industry standards.

[@stephenoneill258]

Sal . excellent video. So basic but so important

[@SalDiBlasi]

Much more in depth stuff available.

[@KingJames6306]

Excellent video

[@MrAmalasan]

would actually love to see the rest of this class, going up to the larger sizes.

[@SalDiBlasi]

That was just a small portion of the class, there is much, much more usually 3 hours with food supplied by the people hosting. They also have different topics, so it is always worth going even if you have been to one before.

[@460sw3]

Cant ever have enough information, I'm really looking forward to attending one of these someday, still waiting for one to be at least somewhat close to me! Great video as always Sal!!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, I always attend when I can, and always learn something.

[@NMranchhand]

Great idea for a video Sal! I really appreciate it. I had a wrong idea about what the ANSI numbers represented and I’m anxious to get the book. Well done, again!

[@SalDiBlasi]

I put some links to the books in the description.

[@NMranchhand]

Sal DiBlasi Oh, thanks, I didn’t think to look.

[@sonofthunder.]

Wish they got into the substrates more,I liked the coverage demonstration,and trowel choice, collapsing ridges,for greater percentage of coverage,THANKS

[@SalDiBlasi]

They do in other workshops, lots of valuable info.

[@jamesschmid3282]

That man was teaching my class. I thought he was excellent

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@tccoggs]

Lots of good advice here. I will say that box stores carry good product when it comes to thinset. Custom versabond is good gen purpose modfied mortar, then they have the specialty mortars as well, like LFT, prolite, flexbond and speedset. Lowes around me flipped from Tec to Mapei.

[@Heb101922]

I have found that I get the best results when I back butter the substrate and notch the back of the tile with the thin set. This gives close to 100% coverage to the tiles and a very strong bond to the substrate and it speeds me up because it keeps the grout lines clean, which also saves me time when I grout. Of course this technique is limited to 12 by 12 or larger tiles and doesn't work so well with plank tile because the length of the trowel is larger than the width of the tile.

[@askthisoldtileman5401]

Great video sal.

[@josephmasini6488]

I am currently using the Schluter all set. I like it on the initial mix, it works well. What I don’t like is the pot life, takes off too quick and becomes unusable. So I make smaller batches but at 15-18 minutes to mix it kills my production. .

[@kurtbilinski1723]

I've watched and learned a ton from all your videos, and this is the first time I've seen you laugh :)

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@TrimJazz]

great video sal

[@tomwilliams6156]

2 legends right thar!

[@Pgcmoore]

thank you

[@Louthemailman]

i work with a lot of superflex to me thats some of the best mortar to work with.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes it is an ANSI A 118.15 mortar, there are many great mortars made by all the manufacturers.

[@dedwards0117]

Mark, please get a class together for homeowners!

[@MoneyManHolmes]

Hey it’s that guy from the Question Mark videos.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes it is, go to a NTCA workshop he presents and meet him in person.

[@matthewlall4277]

Good morning Sal. Is there any way to get this gentleman's schedule? I'm near Chicago and would be interested in attending a workshop. Thank you for keeping up with your videos Sal. Nicely done

[@krehbein]

Argh. I was just starting to really adopt back buttering for tile 12x12 and larger and now I learn I can shift the tile back and forth and get similar results. Also, isn’t a 1/2” trowel too deep for 12” tiles?

[@keithowens9242]

What is the best thinset to use on cement board joints with mesh tape?

[@7628739]

SAL, so I can save time by just shifting front to back in the opposite direction of the trowel grooves? I ha e been back buttering.. is 1/2 x 1/2 trowel notched, or pointed trowel best?

[@johnwhite2576]

Ok to set tile on a mud formed pan on top of plywood, correct ? Just not directly to plywood

[@jasonl7937]

I wonder what he recommended. For 12 by 24 tile?

[@jpbiscaro8694]

Ardex mortar is an excellent mortar

[@SalDiBlasi]

No argument from me. 😀

[@antoniopecora9837]

Can the PremiumPlus Standard Thin-Set Mortar product be used to set mosaic ceramic tiles on an outdoor pizza oven? What's the maximum heat tolerance of the Thin-set Mortar once the tiles are set?

[@dustinscroggins3382]

Hey sal, What is the average cost of schluter thinset in your area

[@ds61821]

GREAT video. I'm laying 12x24" tile and using 1/2 x 1/2 inch trowel, but I have 1 QUESTION--When using the wedge leveling system, how do I best slide the tile so it ends up next to the wedge? That's a technique I need to learn. I'm laying the floor tile this week. THANKS.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Place the tile next to the clip, slide away from the clip then back.

[@ds61821]

That makes sense. I saw this QEP official video on how to use the LASH wedges. Watch this clip cued to the right time and notice they do NOT flatten the ridges. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ_Weamoh6eSo8km12s. I returned the Curved spacers--those don't seem to allow flattening the ridges--and bought the Flat spacers instead that will let me do what you say to do. THANKS.

[@SalDiBlasi]

T-Lock is a much better system, that is why I use it and sell it on my store

[@PlumbNutz]

I m o, ordinary thinset works perfectly well and has for decades on most jobs if you have a flat solid substrate with no deflection.

[@timothydecelle3201]

I’m installing the Schluter water proof membrane and was told to use unmodified thin set mortar exceeding ANSI 118.1. My question is, instead of mixing mortar which is a pain, can I safely use a Pre mixed bucket of AcrylPro tile adhesive exceeding ANSI 136.1 type 1. I don’t want to use it and regret it later. Thank you Sal!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Absolutely not, use the Dry set Mortar recommended by Schluter. The stuff in a bucket has very limited uses.

[@chrislowe357]

i have a question. i'm totally new to doing tile. i been watching your videos and i learned a lot, but i have a long way to go still. my question is about my project. i bought a 6 inch by 24 inch porcelyn tile. i installed it over ditra. I used unmodified thinset to install the ditra over a concrete floor. then, i used the same thinset to install the tile on the ditra. my thinset is not for porcelain tile. i did half a bedroom and stopped. the thinset i used is CUSTOM BLEND economical non-modified thinset mortar - white . it was $10 a bag at home depot. i would have bought a better thinset to install the tile, but my understanding is that i can only use non-modified thinset on ditra. shluter's thinset i can't find anywhere locally and having it shipped to las vegas is super expensive. i stopped my project out of fear that i'm going to have to demolish it and start over. i figured i might as well quit while i'm ahead and seek guidance. please tell me where i'm at? do i tear it all out or do i continue on?

[@SalDiBlasi]

The $10 thinset you bought is unmodified, but it is never a good idea to buy cheap mortar, you need to buy a premium Unmodified dry set mortar, SchluterSet is the best for Schluter products, Bostik DitraSet, Tec Uncoupling Membrane Mortar, Mapei Kerabond, LATICRETE 317 and 272 MORTAR are a few excellent alternatives here is a link to the 317 amzn.to/31rhPfJ There are few modified thinset that will work with ditra as well however you will void any warranty you might have with Schluter, look for those that have. Stay away from the box stores and go to a tile store. The one thing you don't want to save money on, is the glue that holds everything together.

[@richardmckrell4899]

The guy with the marker is hilarious.

[@farisasmith7109]

Have a problem with ceramic tile floor buckling like there was an earthquake. The whole floor has to be replaced. I'm in a tropical environment that is very hot and humid with concrete base floor. Any advice to lookout for when next tile job is done ? What questions should I ask the contractor ? Do I need to see if they use expansion joints?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes Look up ANSI EJ171 www.tcnatile.com/faqs/52-ej171.html

[@hiddenman6564]

Hey Sal, love your Videos and instals. I want to do a Curbless shower with Linear drain. I have to lower the floor joist in order to do this for the 2” P Trap. What is the Minimum thickness of Mortar I can use for the build up on 3/4” ply wood? I would like to know what is the least amount I can use so I do not have to take that much away from the joist and still get my pitch soo I can take in to fact how much I would need to take away the floor Joists, (Any suggestion what type of Mortar or Thinest should I use for my Porcelain tile)

[@SalDiBlasi]

I have a solution for you that will save you a lot of headaches, look into the Arc Shower system, they are great for situations just like yours. arcfirst.net/shower-systems/

[@hiddenman6564]

Sal DiBlasi Thank you Soo Much! Checking it out Now. Just curious is there ever a rule of thumb with keeping motor at least 1/2” thick for a shower? or any particular thickness to keep from cracking?

[@mattc5185]

What thin set do you recommend for KBRS ShowerSlope & Curb to the plywood sub-floor?

[@SalDiBlasi]

One that complies with ANSI A118.11 or better.

[@mattcook2572]

Hi Sal, what thinset do you recommend for stone in a shower floor over a liquid membrane?

[@SalDiBlasi]

White thinset for sure, use a modified mortar same brand as the membrane, size of tile matters. LFT for large format tiles. Look in the description for specifics.

[@erickbad2000]

Problem is, a lot of the cuts you need the most coverage on are done in tight areas where you dont get the luxury of shifting a piece half an inch, or even an 1/8 inch, thats how things work in the real world rather than fantasy land - where every single tile you place has 100% coverage. Nonsense. But good video none the less.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I install tile in the real world every day, getting proper coverage is not that difficult. 80% in dry areas and 95% in wet, exposed areas or natural Stone. Not fantasy land, just experience and a willingness to do it correctly without making excuses.

[@erickbad2000]

@@SalDiBlasi true, and you do, but you arent shifting the pieces around a half an inch back and forth when theres no room to move it

[@dimplezdimples8451]

Was this filmed with a cucumber? 😄 Good info!

[@Jeziorski7]

what mortar do you recommend for on top of dietra? any different for Kerdi? I know all set works, any others? I normally use Laticrete but 317, not really a fan

[@SalDiBlasi]

Today there are many modified alternatives, however the only modified thinset allowed by Schluter that will preserve the warranty is AllSet

[@scottulm7209]

Sal, ran into a job with a 12x24 epoxy or resin backed marble tile with a mesh on it. Talked to my outside sales rep and he suggests coat the back of the tile with Bostik Ezpoxy let it set over night then set with a single flex. Any thoughts on the tiles with a mesh backed tile and proper thinset?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Resin back tiles are always a problem install, best to contact the tile maker and get their recommendation on what adhesive to use. Usually the only safe option is epoxy to set the tiles. I have heard of people using Mapei Eco Prim Grip to coat the back of the tile and then set with a good modified thinset. Just installing the tile with thinset is always risky if you don't know it ok for sure.

[@scottulm7209]

Sal DiBlasi thanks for the videos and your time as always

[@E39M5SPEED]

More confused now then when I was before this video. Which ANSI rating has the strongest bond? How much polymer is in each bag exactly? All you guys did was read the labels but no explanation. How much more Polymer does LFT have over UltraFlor plus? Ultra Flor Plus is $17 / LFT is $30. What’s the difference in the chemistry?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Maybe this one will help kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWmTeImdab5ng7c

[@jeffsutton2806]

Why does mine come out all soupy when I follow the directions? Is it supposed to be that way? It falls right off the trowel and wouldn't hold a notch on a wall

[@SalDiBlasi]

If you mix according to direction it should be exactly right.

[@FromThe3PointLine]

Some one recommended me a thin set for Ditra a118.1. I can't get the Schulter brand thinset where I'm at. Is CustomBlend from HD give any good results?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Couldn't say, I don't use many Custom products. An A118.1 thinset is an unmodified mortar, however you want to get a premium unmodified mortar, I don't think that one is. Look for *Mapei* Kerabond, or *Mapei* uncoupling membrrane mortar, *Tec* uncoupling membrrane, *Laticrete* 317, or 272, *Bostik* Ditraset.

[@orlandor2784]

Hi sal, what do you think about keedeRoll membrane thank you

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sheet membranes are a whole different thing than paint on, much more reliable and less permeable.

[@LaGrasa617]

Hi Sal, is there a charge for this course? If so, how much. Your channel is very good.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Workshops are free for contractors, not available for people not connected to the trade.

[@BlueTurfer]

I'm a DIY guy and I'm starting a Kerdi shower project shortly. The Schluter thinset is hard to come by where I live. Is there anything you can buy at a Lowes or HomeDepot that would be OK for that application?

[@SalDiBlasi]

I never shop at box stores for tile stuff, but look for an unmodified premium thinset ANSI A 118.1 price matters, only buy the good stuff.

[@BlueTurfer]

Thanks for the reply Sal. Great videos, learning a lot! So if price matters, what would be reasonable? I see that the MAPEI 118.1 is only $16 for a 50 lb bag.

[@SalDiBlasi]

If it is Kerabond, it is a good choice. unmodified thinsets are not expensive. stay away from the really cheap stuff.

[@sonofthunder.]

Amazon,ebay,can deliver to door

[@BlueTurfer]

Is it worth being 2 1/2 times the price of other thinsets when you buy it on Amazon (or wherever) ?

[@matthewpotratz2653]

Is there a specific mortar that you recommend for ceramic tile? I'm laying 4x16 ceramic tile and in another bathroom, I'm laying mosaic tile over cement board.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Buy the best mortar you can afford,which is appropriate for the substrate you are going over, can't be specific because there are just to many to choose from and the substrate can vary. If you need to adhere to a plywood, then an ANSI A118.11 mortar is required, if you are going over something else a lower grade thinset might work. Read the video description for a bit more info.

[@krehbein]

Make sure it’s modified. I like mapei thinsets personally. Generally, you should be spending at least $15 to $20 a bag. Don’t forget to backbutter your tiles!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Kevr, not necessarily modified, Mapei makes great products I use them all the time, however depending on the underlayment used and brand of underlayment, Unmodified might be required. For example, Schluter Ditra, or Kerdi, require unmodified to set the tile if a brand other than Schluters thinset is used, if Schluter thinset is used then they have a modified thinset which they warranty. If you use another manufacturer's modified thinset, then you void the warranty, but keep it if you use an unmodified.

[@fixit9888]

Hi, i am planning to use a cement backer board in a bathroom shower wall with a aquadefense membrane. What type of mortar you recomment i use with a ceramic tile? Thanks

[@CyndiLH]

Talk to the manufacturer of the mortar or use a mortar that's developed by the same company as aquadefense. I installed Red Guard on Hardiebacker cement board and I contacted Custom Building to find the right mortar to use on the Red Guard for my 12 x 24 in porcelain tile (wall)

[@pietrosammarco6225]

As usual, another very informative video--Thanks Sal! I'm now trying to figure out, when do I need the enhanced performance of A118.15? Only when tiling something outdoors? Only with large format tiles? I mean, will I ever use A118.15 if I'm tiling above my bathtub (indoors) using 4" x 8" ceramic subway tiles? This is an old house that shifts a bit, but A118.4 will do just great anyway--won't it?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Usually you will need a better mortar when you are installing tiles that are difficult to bond to, like glass or a substrate that requires a better mortar, plenty of reasons to use them. There are also reasons not to use A118.4, which is not suitable for bonding to Plywood, you would need an A118.11 or better for that. This is why it is important to know which mortar to use for bothe the substrate and the tile.

[@pietrosammarco6225]

Thanks for the quick reply, Sal! So I should be more than alright with A118.4 if I'm looking to bond 4" x 8" ceramic tile to the bathtub wall -- the surface being Durock painted with a membrane (redguard, aquadefense, etc) -- right? A118.15 or A118.11 would be overkill in my specific case, do you agree?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Here is my take, use the best mortar you can afford. It is the stuff that holds everything together. Will your choice work? I will assume so, will a superior mortar be better? Absolutely.

[@fernandodegracia8371]

Es necesario que éste en Español

[@catherinecrowley2720]

In person these students are seeing the result. But online we need to be told the result because we can’t SEE the result. So better description each tile of the result would be more helpful.

[@chozen_juan]

Maaaahk Hymline

[@serenadarling4100]

Hi Sal, what thinset should I use for a bath shower that will have a cement backerboard and ceramic tiles? Thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

Any quality modified thinset will work for cement board.

[@tinle7369]

How old are you? pls !

[@FriendM2010]

Ah shoot, I am about to set porcelain 12 x 24 and your video stopped... 🥴

[@davidkilpatrick3689]

Always back butter tiles,30 yrs in business

[@nekkidfiddler5861]

I know less than i did . try again please

[@snowballandcocopuff5465]

Some people binge watch Netflix, I binge watch Sal Diblasi

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@heidiwilliams2730]

Is Prolite mortar okay for 12x24 lft on floor over concrete with a laticrete primer rolled on top of the black stuff that peels off old laminate floors?

[@SalDiBlasi]

When you have a difficult floor to bond to, always talk to a rep to get advice.