When installing tile, there are a variety of bonding agents that can be used. Whether it be thinset, mastic, or epoxy, there are a number of options to consider, each with their own pros and cons.
However, when it comes to certain types of tile, it’s important to use to appropriate bonding agent, otherwise you could risk your tile not setting properly.
When it comes to thinset for porcelain tile, most people suggest using modified adhesive to achieve an optimum bond. This means if you only have non-modified thinset on hand, you’ll need to add a latex polymer admixture.
When installing porcelain tile, it’s important to note that all bonding materials have both minimum and maximum thicknesses. If your thinset is too thin it reduces bond strength. If it’s too thick it will provide inadequate compressive strength and may also cause shrinkage which can result in lippage or cracked tiles. While the thickness varies by product, the general standard is about ¼’’.
At Tile Pro Depot, we have a couple of recommendations on thinset for porcelain tile. Here they are:
Laticrete 254 PLATINUM Multipurpose Thinset Mortar
The Laticrete 254 Platinum Multipurpose Thinset Mortar is one of the best multipurpose adhesives we offer. It is a polymer-fortified thinset mortar for both interior and exterior installations that only needs to be mixed with water. It provides a long open time with amazing adhesion and workability, and it exceeds all industry strength requirements.
This adhesive is suitable for interior, exterior, and submerged applications – and it works on nearly all substrates! The outstanding bond strength and great workability of the 254 Platinum makes this thinset the ultimate adhesive for hard to bond porcelain. It also inhibits the growth of stain-causing mold and mildew in substrates with Microban® antimicrobial protection.
Laticrete GLASS TILE ADHESIVE MORTAR
One of the wonderful things about the Laticrete Glass Tile Adhesive Mortar is that it can also be used when installing porcelain tile. It has an excellent workability and produces and ultra-white finish.
This mortar can be used in interior, exterior, and submerged installations, and can be used over concrete, exterior glue plywood, and a number of other substrates.
If you find yourself installing a lot of glass or porcelain tile, this Laticrete mortar is an excellent choice for those looking to save money – you can install two types of tile with the same product!
At the end of the day, the thinset you use for your porcelain tile is your preference. You may have a loyalty to a specific brand, or like how a rapid set mortar works more so than a traditional set mortar. Do some research, experiment, and learn. Over time you’ll determine what your preferred adhesive for porcelain tile installation is.
At Tile Pro Depot, we strive to carry all the products you need to complete a quality tile installation. Whether it be thinset for porcelain tile, adhesive for other tiles, underlayment, tools, or grout – we can deliver it all.
Visit our website to place an order and to view our wide selection of tile installation products, including several options for thinset for porcelain tile. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us online or by phone at 844.751.2625.
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I’m tiling over concret slab above grade and dry slab is 40 years old family room with heat had rugs using 4 ft x5 porcelain tile no water problems at all I grinder paint off the floor just need to clean floor and make dust and dirt free my ? Is one do I need to put any kink of sealant down and two what is the best thin set to use
Hello Dennis, thanks for contacting us.
Floor Prep: No sealant will be needed for the installation you described and the concrete must be free of paint and contamination.
Product Choice: Laticrete Multimax Lite would be the best adhesive choice for that size porcelain and can be purchased through our website.
Please let us know if you need anything else.
Hi,
I am installing porcelain floor tile on top of porcelain floor tile and wonder what the correct adhesive/thinset would be to use.
Kind regards
Mike
Hi Mike,
Thanks for contatcing us! We would recommend Laticrete 254 Platinum thinset to install porcelain on porcelain tile. 254 provides a strong durable bond along with great workability.
Please let us know if you need anything else.
Customer Service
Tile Pro Depot
I am installing porcelain 12” x 24” x 8mm glazed porcelain tile over red-guard, which is over durarock. What type of thinset should I use?
Hello,
I am installing a porcelain tile 12″x24″ over a 7″ concrete floor slab in my kitchen (80 sq. ft). The Condo Board is demanding a IIC rating of 55 for the floor system.
Most sound control underlayment that I have found has a rating of 20.
I figure that my 7″ slab should be rated at IIC 30, relaying on that a 6″ floor slab is rated at 28 and a 8″ at 32.
That leaves me short by at least 5. Can you suggest a tile/thin-set combination that would get over the hurdle.
I considered Laticrete Tri Max Mortar which has combined tested IIC rating of 14. That would get me over but the Tri Max is very expensive $200. + tax and comes in a 25 lb. bag, probably more than I nee
Hello James,
Thanks for contacting us. For the sound proofing you require, we can offer you two options: Laticrete TriMax and Laticrete 170.5 Sound & Crack Mat. Of those two, we think the TriMax would be the better option. You will need 2 bags for 80sf which is far less expensive than the material and labor cost of installing a separate roll of sound matting.
Please let us know if you need anything else.
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