Stone tiles on anhydrite screed

Miles · Jun 2, 2009

Hi

I'm trying to compare some quotes for tiling a floor and want to make sure it's going to be done right.

The room is 7.5m x 4.5m rectangular and the substrate is an anhydrite screed with embedded wet ufh pipe. The pipe is embedded in a metal mesh within the screed. The tiles are 610mm square travertine.

I'm trying to work out if I definitely have to have a ditra mat between screed and tiles. The tiles don't have to be fixed down in a hurry at all, so I can make sure the screed is fully dry and run the ufh for a while beforehand to make sure there's no further movement/cracking. Can anyone advise?

Also, are there any alternative products that would be suitable - I hate not having a choice!!!

Thanks in advance,

Miles

Ps anyone near south London fancies quoting, let me know!

grumpygrouter · Jun 2, 2009

My personal choice with trav and UFH is a decoupling mat. The extra cost is far less than having to replace cracked tiles in the future.

Miles · Jun 2, 2009

Thanks - would you go for ditra or something else (hopefully cheaper!) I looked at PCI pecilastic which appealled as it was so thin - tiles are going in a semi-basement so headroom is an issue (not that 3mm will have a big impact on headroom)

grumpygrouter · Jun 3, 2009

Pesronally I have only ever used Ditra But Durabase form Wetdecs is similar and he will give you a good price.

For info about Pecilastic drop PJC on here a PM, he uses the stuff all the time.