Mortar Bed Thickness For Wall Tile

As a general rule the finish thickness of thinset mortar with ceramic tile installations is around one eighth inch once the mud has been compressed under a tile.

Mortar bed thickness for wall tile. Mar 20 2019 the 2011 tile industry standards define the minimum bond layer thickness to be 3 32 after beat in but the maximum thickness has more to do with the manufacturer of the thinset mortar you are using. So a 3 8 u notched trowel leaves a 1 8 bed of thinset beneath the installed tile. This product comes premixed allowing for quick and easy application. In a floating mortar bed system a cleavage membrane is installed over the sub floor.

This membrane allows the tile system to move independently of the sub floor. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer typically not greater than 3 16th thick. Suitable sub floors for thick set tile installations include concrete slabs and properly installed wood. Using a u notched trowel and embedding the tile into the thinset leaves you with a bed of thinset beneath the tile a little over 1 3 the size of the trowel teeth.

A 3 8 x 3 8 trowel will leave a 3 16 bed of thinset beneath the tile. Then it is leveled with a comb with denticles of 6 mm. When laying on a similar base medium format tiles it is recommended to apply a layer of 3 4 mm. A thick set or mud set tile installation consists of finish tiles set over a 1 1 4 to 2 thick portland cement mortar bed.

Large format tile lft is 15 38 cm or greater on any side as well as heavier natural stone such as marble granite travertine slate and limestone. For example a 3 8 notch trowel will produce a 3 16th inch thick coating after the tiles are pressed in to the cement. Select one of custom s dry set modified mortars for large and heavy tile also called medium bed mortar to support large format tile installations. These mortars may be applied up to 3 4 thick and provide superior coverage and bond strength while reducing lippage between tiles.

The mortar can be applied to a concrete plastered base or screed with a thicker layer. The mortar bed sits over the sub floor and provides a smooth and stable base for the tile installation. It consists of cement water and very fine sand resulting in a thinner mortar generally applied no more than 3 16 inch thick.