If you’re looking for top-quality tiles for your bathroom or kitchen renovation, you won’t get far without hearing about unmodified thinset for Kerdi. It’s a cement-based adhesive used for tiling, which is considered superior because it doesn't contain polymers, hence the name “unmodified.” This product offers many advantages, such as stronger bonding, minimizing shrinkage, and longer-lasting installations. However, before you buy, it's essential to know the factors that you need to consider.
The primary factor is the type of tile you're going to install, whether natural stone or porcelain, as each requires a particular type of thinset. Also, consider the area you will tile; if it's a wet area like a shower or splashback, you might want to opt for an unmodified thinset for Kerdi due to its waterproofing properties. Additionally, check the manufacturer's instructions regarding its application, as some thinsets may need to be mixed with water, while others need to be mixed with additives.
Are you wondering whether purchasing unmodified thinset for Kerdi is worth it? How crucial is the right thinset in ensuring long-lasting, beautiful tiling? Can unmodified thinset be used for all types of tiles and applications? Don't worry, and we’ve got you covered. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of unmodified thinset for Kerdi and its benefits, ultimately making an informed purchase decision.
10 Best Unmodified Thinset For Kerdi
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The product is ideal for installing tiles or stones on floors, walls, and countertops with a strong, long-lasting bond.
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It is ideal for creating a waterproof shower enclosure and prepping walls and floors for tiling.
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It is ideal for creating a waterproof and tiled shower system in bathrooms.
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This product is ideal for creating a leak-proof shower space with offset drain placement and easy installation.
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Ideal for installing ceramic, porcelain, and large format tiles on floors and walls, both indoors and outdoors.
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Ideal for setting ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and quarry tile on both walls and floors.
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It is ideal for setting and bonding tile or stone to various substrates, including floors, walls, and countertops.
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This product is ideal for providing anti-fracture and crack isolation, waterproofing, and underlayment for various flooring types.
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The product is ideal for setting and bonding tiles, stones, and other materials to various surfaces.
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The product is ideal for setting tiles on surfaces such as walls, floors, and countertops.
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1. Schluter Set Grey 50 Lbs Bag Unmodified Thin-Set Mortar (1)
The Schluter ALL-SET® is a high-quality, sag-resistant tile mortar that provides a smooth and creamy consistency. It is easy to handle and spread, making it an ideal choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers. This tile mortar is suitable for use with ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles, including large and heavy tiles.
To ensure long-lasting performance, it is recommended to use the Schluter ALL-SET® mortar in conjunction with Schluter-Systems' uncoupling and waterproofing membranes such as DITRA, DITRA-HEAT, and KERDI, as well as the Schluter-Shower System and KERDI-BOARD. When used with applicable Schluter products, the Schluter ALL-SET® comes with a lifetime warranty.
The Schluter ALL-SET® is a reliable and durable tile mortar that is perfect for any tile installation project. Its sag-resistant properties ensure that the tiles remain in place, while its smooth and creamy consistency makes it easy to apply and spread. With the Schluter ALL-SET®, users can achieve professional-looking results every time.
- Sag-resistant properties ensure tiles remain in place
- Suitable for use with ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles, including large and heavy tiles
- Smooth and creamy consistency makes it easy to apply and spread
- Lifetime warranty when used with applicable Schluter products
2. Schluter Systems Kerdi Board Waterproof Shower Kit, Model Kbkit
Introducing the fully waterproof and vapor-tight enclosure for tiled bathtub and acrylic shower base surrounds! This amazing product covers up to 101 sq. ft. of wall area and is quick and easy to install. With Kerdi-Board panels that are applied directly to stud framing, there is no need for cement board or gypsum wall backer.
This enclosure is designed to provide complete waterproofing and vapor-tight protection for your tiled bathtub and acrylic shower base surrounds. It is a reliable solution that ensures the longevity of your bathroom walls and prevents water damage. The installation process is straightforward and can be done in no time.
The Kerdi-Board panels are lightweight, easy to handle, and are cut to size with a utility knife. They are then attached to the studs using screws or washers. The joints are sealed with Kerdi-Band waterproofing strips and Kerdi-Fix sealant. The result is a completely waterproof and vapor-tight enclosure that will provide years of protection and durability.
Say goodbye to the hassle of dealing with cement board or gypsum wall backer. With this product, you can save time, effort and money by installing it directly to the stud framing. It is the perfect solution for homeowners who want a reliable and easy-to-install waterproofing and vapor-tight enclosure for their bathtub and shower surrounds.
- Fully waterproof and vapor-tight enclosure
- Covers up to 101 sq. ft. of wall area
- Eliminates the need for cement board or gypsum wall backer
- Quick and easy to install
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Provides long-lasting protection and durability
- – May require professional installation for some users
- – May not be suitable for all types of bathroom designs
3. Schluter Kerdi-Shower Kit 48" X 48", Pvc Flange
The KSK1220PVC is an all-in-one solution for waterproofing your shower area. It includes all the necessary components, such as the shower tray and shower curb, to create a maintenance-free and watertight shower assembly without the need for a mortar bed. This product provides a hassle-free installation process that saves time and effort.
The KSK1220PVC is made of high-quality PVC material that ensures durability and longevity. It also features a user-friendly design that makes it easy to use and install. This product is perfect for DIY enthusiasts who want to upgrade their bathroom without the need for professional help.
Please note that the drain grate is sold separately. You can choose from a variety of options available in the market to match your style and preferences. The KSK1220PVC is a versatile product that fits most drain grates, making it a perfect addition to any bathroom renovation project.
- All-in-one solution for waterproofing your shower area
- Hassle-free installation process that saves time and effort
- Made of high-quality PVC material that ensures durability and longevity
- User-friendly design that makes it easy to use and install
- Versatile product that fits most drain grates
- – The drain grate is not included and must be purchased separately
4. Schluter Kerdi Shower Kit: Offset & Stylish.
Make your bathroom a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation with the pre sloped shower tray KST965/1525S (38 Inch x 60 Inch Offset). Designed for easy installation, this shower tray is machine-fabricated to ensure proper water drainage, keeping your shower area dry and safe.
The Schluter Kerdi Shower Kit is a one-stop solution for creating a waterproof shower assembly without the need for mortar bed. The kit is an all-inclusive package containing all the integrated components required for a maintenance-free shower. The prefabricated components, such as the shower curb and shower pan, are pre-waterproofed, saving you time and effort during installation. The package also includes valve seal, pipe seal, inside and outside corners, kerdi strainer, and Wedi Joint sealant tube (10.5 oz) to waterproof other components of your shower.
The Kerdi shower curb and tray are made of high-density polymer, which is lightweight and trimmable to achieve the desired size of your shower base. This feature ensures that the shower tray fits perfectly in any bathroom layout, making it a flexible and versatile choice for any homeowner.
The Schluter Systems provides a 15-year manufacturer's warranty on the Kerdi shower, giving you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected. Follow the manual instructions to ensure that your shower is built correctly and enjoy a luxurious shower experience for years to come.
- Pre-sloped shower tray ensures proper water drainage
- All-inclusive package containing all the required components for a maintenance-free shower
- Prefabricated components are pre-waterproofed, saving time during installation
- Kerdi shower curb and tray are made of lightweight, high-density polymer that is trimmable to fit most bathroom layouts
- 15-year manufacturer's warranty provides peace of mind
5. Schluter All-Set Grey 50 Lbs Bag Modified Thin-Set Mortar (1)
The Schluter-Systems All-Set Thinset Mortar is an exceptional, versatile and high-quality product that is designed to be used in combination with Schluter-Systems’ uncoupling and waterproofing membranes such as DITRA, DITRA-HEAT, and KERDI, the Schluter-Shower System, and KERDI-BOARD.
This product can be used with a wide range of tile materials, including heavy and large tiles, porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles. The All-Set Thinset Mortar is easy to handle, spread and apply, making it a convenient choice for both DIYers and professionals.
With its excellent bond strength and crack prevention properties, this thinset mortar ensures long-lasting and reliable results, even in high-stress areas. It also has a fast-setting time, allowing for quick tile installation and same-day grouting.
The Schluter-Systems All-Set Thinset Mortar is a reliable, high-quality product that ensures excellent results and saves time and effort for any tiling project.
- Suitable for use with a wide range of tile materials, including heavy and large tiles, porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles
- Easy to handle, spread and apply
- Excellent bond strength and crack prevention properties
- Fast-setting time for quick tile installation and same-day grouting
- Suitable for both DIYers and professionals
6. Schluter All-Set Modified Thinset Mortar
The Schluter-Systems’ unmodified thin-set mortar is designed to be used with Schluter-Systems’ uncoupling and waterproofing membranes such as DITRA, DITRA-HEAT, and KERDI, along with Schluter-Shower System and KERDI-BOARD. It is an excellent choice for a wide range of tile installations, including ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles. This mortar is sag-resistant and has a smooth and creamy texture, making it easy to handle and spread. It is also suitable for use with large and heavy tiles. The Schluter-Systems’ unmodified thin-set mortar meets ANSI A118.4T, ANSI A118.11, and ANSI A118.15T standards for quality and performance.
The Schluter-Systems’ unmodified thin-set mortar has a sag-resistant formula that ensures that your tiles will stay in place during installation. Its smooth and creamy texture makes it easy to apply and spread, saving you time and effort. Additionally, it can be used with a variety of tile types, including ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles, and is capable of supporting large and heavy tiles.
If you want to ensure a flawless tile installation, the Schluter-Systems’ unmodified thin-set mortar is an excellent choice. It has been designed to meet the highest quality and performance standards, including ANSI A118.4T, ANSI A118.11, and ANSI A118.15T, and can be used with a wide range of Schluter-Systems products such as uncoupling and waterproofing membranes, the Schluter-Shower System, and KERDI-BOARD.
- Sag-resistant formula ensures tiles stay in place during installation
- Smooth and creamy texture makes it easy to apply and spread
- Suitable for use with a variety of tile types, including large and heavy tiles
- Meets ANSI A118.4T, ANSI A118.11, and ANSI A118.15T standards for quality and performance
7. Schluter Systems Thinset (All Set Modified White (50lb))
The Schluter ALL-SET Modified Thin-set Mortar is a versatile product that can be used both under and over DITRA and KERDI products. It is designed to be sag-resistant, smooth, and creamy, making it easy to handle and spread. This product meets ANSI A118.4T, ANSI A118.11, and ANSI A118.15T standards, ensuring that it is a high-quality and reliable option for your tiling needs.
This thin-set mortar is suitable for use with ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile, including large and heavy tile. It is specially engineered to be used in conjunction with Schluter-Systems’ uncoupling and waterproofing membranes (DITRA, DITRA-HEAT, and KERDI), the Schluter-Shower System, and KERDI-BOARD. This ensures that your tiling project is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.
The Schluter ALL-SET Modified Thin-set Mortar is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and versatile product that will help them achieve professional-looking tiling results.
- Versatile – can be used both under and over DITRA and KERDI products
- Sag-resistant, smooth, and creamy for easy handling and spreading
- Meets ANSI standards for high quality and reliability
- Suitable for use with ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile, including large and heavy tile
- Engineered to be used with Schluter-Systems’ uncoupling and waterproofing membranes (DITRA, DITRA-HEAT, and KERDI), the Schluter-Shower System, and KERDI-BOARD for long-lasting results
8. Proshield Crack-Proof Flooring Membrane.
This tile underlayment membrane is a must-have for ceramic tile or stone tile installation. It serves as an uncoupling membrane underlayment, preventing the tiles from cracks and fractures. This membrane keeps the stress or movement from reaching the tiles and serves as an excellent moisture barrier underlayment, preventing water and moisture from seeping through the substrates.
The uncoupling membrane underlayment tile is designed to absorb the movement of the substrates, stop the transfer of stress, pressure and movement to your tiles, preventing tiling problems like cracking, expansion, shrinkage & water-sensitive substrates. With this membrane, some substrates like plaster or plasterboard that lose their cohesive strength when wet, and wood substrates that expand, will not result in cracked tiles and grout.
This waterproofing membrane floor underlayment provides an excellent waterproofing layer that protects moisture-sensitive substrates like concrete, wood, metal, or asphalt. It is ideal sub flooring for wet rooms and kitchens, basement flooring, bathroom tile and shower floors, even for your sauna or steam rooms.
The waterproofing membrane floor underlayment roll is lightweight and easy to carry, making it easy to install using standard tools. Its grid structure and anchoring fleece laminated on the underside bonds well to a modified thin-set mortar. Tiles can be immediately installed over the waterproof membrane underlayment. There is no need to wait for the mortar to cure. It is fast, simple and hassle-free.
By using uncoupling membranes, you can protect your home investment. This membrane provides crack bridging & isolation, waterproofing, uncoupling, and vapor barrier for that perfect tile and stone installations. You can now install tiles over any substrate with peace of mind.
- Acts as an uncoupling membrane underlayment, preventing cracks and fractures on tiles
- Serves as an excellent moisture barrier underlayment, preventing water and moisture from seeping through the substrates
- Designed to absorb the movement of the substrates, preventing tiling problems like cracking, expansion, shrinkage & water-sensitive substrates
- Provides an excellent waterproofing layer that protects moisture-sensitive substrates like concrete, wood, metal, or asphalt
- Easy to install using standard tools
- Fast, simple and hassle-free installation
- Provides crack bridging & isolation, waterproofing, uncoupling, and vapor barrier for that perfect tile and stone installations
Best Unmodified Thinset For Kerdi FAQs
Are there any specific brands or types of unmodified thinset that are recommended for use with Kerdi?
Yes, there are specific brands and types of unmodified thinset that are recommended for use with Kerdi. Schluter, the manufacturer of Kerdi, recommends the use of unmodified thinset from their own brand, Schluter-Systems, or from other reputable brands such as Laticrete, Mapei, and Custom Building Products. It is important to use an unmodified thinset as opposed to a modified thinset because modified thinsets contain polymers that can affect the performance of the waterproofing membrane. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and applying the thinset to ensure proper adhesion and waterproofing. In summary, using a specific brand or type of unmodified thinset is crucial for the success of a Kerdi installation and it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for best results.
Can unmodified thinset be used with Kerdi waterproofing membrane?
No, unmodified thinset cannot be used with Kerdi waterproofing membrane. This is because unmodified thinset is not flexible enough to accommodate the movement of the waterproofing membrane. Kerdi waterproofing membrane is designed to be used with modified thinset, which is a type of thinset that contains additives to improve its flexibility and bond strength. Using unmodified thinset with Kerdi waterproofing membrane can result in cracks and leaks, compromising the effectiveness of the waterproofing system. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the recommended materials when installing Kerdi waterproofing membrane to ensure a durable and effective waterproofing solution. It might be tempting to use unmodified thinset because it is less expensive and easier to find, but it is not worth the risk of compromising the integrity of the waterproofing system.
How do you properly mix and apply unmodified thinset for Kerdi installation?
When it comes to installing Kerdi waterproofing membrane, using unmodified thinset is crucial. Here are the steps to properly mix and apply unmodified thinset for Kerdi installation:
1. Begin by mixing the unmodified thinset according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep in mind that the mixture should have the consistency of peanut butter.
2. Apply a thin layer of the thinset to the substrate using a notched trowel. Make sure that the layer is even and covers the entire surface.
3. Press the Kerdi membrane firmly into the thinset, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Make sure there are no air pockets or wrinkles in the membrane.
4. Use a flat trowel or roller to press the Kerdi membrane into the thinset, ensuring full coverage and adhesion.
5. Apply a second layer of unmodified thinset over the Kerdi membrane, using the flat side of the trowel to smooth it out.
6. Use a notched trowel to apply the final layer of thinset, making sure to use the correct size notch for the tile being installed.
7. Install the tiles over the Kerdi membrane, pressing them firmly into the thinset.
By following these steps, you can ensure a proper and successful Kerdi installation.
What are the advantages of using unmodified thinset with Kerdi?
Using unmodified thinset with Kerdi has several advantages. First and foremost, unmodified thinset is designed to be used with uncoupling membranes like Kerdi. This means that it will provide a strong bond between the membrane and the substrate, ensuring that the membrane stays firmly in place.
Additionally, unmodified thinset is highly resistant to water, making it an ideal choice for use in wet areas such as showers and bathrooms. It is also highly durable, meaning that it will stand up to regular wear and tear without cracking or breaking.
Another advantage of using unmodified thinset with Kerdi is that it is easy to work with. It can be mixed to the desired consistency without the need for additional additives, and it can be applied quickly and easily with a trowel.
Overall, using unmodified thinset with Kerdi provides a reliable, durable, and easy-to-use solution for waterproofing and tiling in wet areas. With its strong bond, water resistance, and ease of use, it is a popular choice among contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike.
What is unmodified thinset and how is it different from modified thinset?
Unmodified thinset is a type of adhesive used in tile installations that is made up of cement, sand, and a water-retaining agent such as cellulose. It is often referred to as dry-set mortar and it requires the addition of water before use. Unmodified thinset is typically used for bonding tiles to surfaces that do not require any flexibility or movement, such as concrete or cement backer board. It is also recommended for installations that involve natural stone and other moisture-sensitive materials.
On the other hand, modified thinset is a type of adhesive that contains additional polymers and additives that enhance its performance. It is also referred to as latex-modified mortar and is available in both pre-mixed and powdered form. Modified thinset is more flexible than unmodified thinset and can be used for installations over surfaces that are subject to slight movement or expansion, such as plywood or gypsum board. It is also recommended for installations over existing tiles and for wet areas such as showers and bathrooms.
In summary, the main difference between unmodified and modified thinset is their flexibility and suitability for different types of tile installations. Unmodified thinset is best for rigid surfaces and moisture-sensitive materials, while modified thinset is better for areas that require more flexibility and movement.