Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subtrate

[Jeff the tiler]

Just wanted to see what you guys are using to fix Durabase or Ditra to a ply subtrate. Interesting for me as I have switched across to using a vinyl acrylic adhesive as it is a more economical option. It seems I am always late to the party!

 

[cliff jones]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

Ive been using the same, the mapei ultrabond stuff works well and does quite a large area for the size of the tubs!

 

[cam_low]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

55m2 from 15kg !

 

[aytiling]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

I use a primer then flexi addy mixed quite wet

 

[Mr T]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

a flexible tile addy mate?

 

[DHTiling]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

Flexi adhesive for me , not tried the acrylic dispersion type yet..

 

[Jeff the tiler]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

I have to admit only heard about it recently and checked with Schluter, it much less expensive just a vinyl acrylic floor adhesive, if you compare with Flexi addy cost.

 

[DHTiling]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

How much is a tub..?

 

[Jeff the tiler]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

There are different makes. Schluter seem to recommend Ardex or F.Ball F44 which for 5 litres is around £20 but you will get circa 15 to 20 mtrs out of a 5 litre tub with a 3 to 4 mm trowel. I have just seen on ebay 15 litre tubs of amtico's equivalent for £40 so if you are getting let's say 55 to 60 mtrs, comparing flexi addy @ an average say £12 a bag getting 6/7 sq mtr coverage would cost you circa £100/120.
The above are only a indication, and no I am not trying to flog the stuff, but it seem to financially a better bet where applicable.

 

[DHTiling]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

Cheers Jeff , what is the setting time like on these adhesives..?

 

[Jeff the tiler]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

Basically as it is such a thin layer of glue [but please check reference wet rooms] you can pretty much work on it an hour later after fitting the decoupling membrane.

 

[John Benton]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

Basically as it is such a thin layer of glue [but please check reference wet rooms] you can pretty much work on it an hour later after fitting the decoupling membrane.

I have used the F.Ball F44 to fix Polyfloor. Although you can walk on it after an hour or so, but don't forget you generally have to leave it at least an hour as well before you lay the Ditra on top. The glue has to almost go off similar to a contact adhesive before fixing.

 

[aytiling]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

a flexible tile addy mate?

Yes, whatever I am using to lay the tiles with.

 

[White Room]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

I was up at Schluters a few years ago and I'm sure they stated then that vinyl addy could be used.

 

[Mr T]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

Yes, whatever I am using to lay the tiles with.

didn't think ya could use that sound mate

 

[peteablard]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

There are different makes. Schluter seem to recommend Ardex or F.Ball F44 which for 5 litres is around £20 but you will get circa 15 to 20 mtrs out of a 5 litre tub with a 3 to 4 mm trowel. I have just seen on ebay 15 litre tubs of amtico's equivalent for £40 so if you are getting let's say 55 to 60 mtrs, comparing flexi addy @ an average say £12 a bag getting 6/7 sq mtr coverage would cost you circa £100/120.
The above are only a indication, and no I am not trying to flog the stuff, but it seem to financially a better bet where applicable.

The only way you get that sort of coverage is by using a v notched floor laying trowel, a 3 or 4 mm tiling trowel is unsuitable for this adhesive. I used F44 on the last couple of ply floors I did as I've always got a tub knocking around. If you haven't used it before it will seem strange how little you have to use but basically just spread the whole are you are fitting, leave for 20 mins or until it goes really tacky then fit. This adhesive will grab instantly and you won't get the membrane back up again so be careful. If you can lift it back up then you're trying to fit too early. You can walk on it as soon as you put it down and i'd recommend rolling it afterwards, I use one of these-

 

[Jeff the tiler]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

Where is the roller from?

 

[peteablard]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

Where is the roller from?

I got mine off ebay for about £25.

 

[Diggy]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

ooh ooh a new toy , I want one.

I use either .

Diggy 🙂

 

[ishi69]

The only way you get that sort of coverage is by using a v notched floor laying trowel, a 3 or 4 mm tiling trowel is unsuitable for this adhesive. I used F44 on the last couple of ply floors I did as I've always got a tub knocking around. If you haven't used it before it will seem strange how little you have to use but basically just spread the whole are you are fitting, leave for 20 mins or until it goes really tacky then fit. This adhesive will grab instantly and you won't get the membrane back up again so be careful. If you can lift it back up then you're trying to fit too early. You can walk on it as soon as you put it down and i'd recommend rolling it afterwards, I use one of these-

I have one of those rollers Pete it's the best thing I have bought, takes all the hard work out of fixing ditra/durabase.

 

[Dougs Third Go]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

rapid set flexy for me.

 

[cliff jones]

Re: Whats everyone using to stick down Ditra or durabase onto Ply subt

rapid set flexy for me.

How do you find it with fitting with flexy? ive pulled up a few floors that have been put down with this, and generally i can just rip the sheets up with my hands in most cases, not really going anywhere fast, but then some haven't taken at all, but that could have just been down to whoever laided it originally!