General Tile Discussion

Some of the thinsets we use a lot:

Laticrete 253 Gold:

Pros: Good price point, modified thinset good with a 1/2”x1/2” or 3/8”x1/4” or 1/4”x1/4” notch for 2x2 mosaics up to 12x24.

Trowels easy and cleans up easily. comes in plastic bag. Cures good between porcelain and membrane, but not too fast. Floors and Shower walls. Good beginner thinset to use and mix. Good availability (floor and decor). Cons: Sags a little more than we like when using larger tiles over 12x24. Wouldnt use on 24x48, as it takes too long to cure.

Schluter All-Set:

Pros: High quality, modified faster setting thinset. Creamy consistency, easy to apply. 1/2”x1/2”, 3/8”x1/4”, 1/4”x1/4”, 3/16” v-notch. Qualifies for lifetime warranty with Schluter Shower Systems. Cures quickly under large tiles and membrane. Good for 24x48 tiles. Cons: expensive, long mixing/slake times.

Laticrete Multimax Lite:

We only use for installing sheet membrane. The best thinset for sheet membrane applications. Pros: No sand, almost no wicking when used for sheet membrane. Very smooth and creamy. Very little build up. Cons: Very expensive. very messy when using. Messy if used to install tile. Hard to clean off tools.

Laticrete LHT Plus:

Pros: Inexpensive, good build up. 1/2”x1/2” or 3/4”x3/4” trowel. Good for installing 12x24 and 24x48 tiles on walls and floors. Cons: not good on small or mosaic tiles or to install sheet membranes.

Ardex X-5:

lightweight thinset good for mosaics and wall tile up to 1/2”x1/2” notch. Pros: Decent price point for a modified, lightweight thinset. Good for installing wall tile, and floor tile as long as you don’t build it up. Mixes and applies easy. Good consistency and doesn’t sag on walls and floor. Good beginner thinset and it sets up fast under porcelain tiles. Cons: Shrinks when build up too thick (over 1/4” total thickness) and can cause delamination or cracks behind clear glass tiles. It is very porous and does not work well under sheet membrane because it wicks rapidly.