How to Buy Mortar Thin Set

When laying tile it is imperative to buy the correct adhesive to keep your floor strong and beautiful for years to come. Mortar thin set is relatively easy to use and forgiving, making it a popular choice for many do-it-yourselfers.

Instructions

1. Know the color of grout you're using. Buy gray mortar thin set if you plan to use dark grout. If you're using light grout, buy white mortar thin set.

2. Consider the substrate. Buy sanded mortar thin set when applying tile to cement. Buy a latex-modified mortar thin set if you're applying tile to vinyl or wood substrates.

3. Calculate how much mortar thin set you should buy. You'll be able to install 75 to 100 square feet of tile with a 50-pound bag of mortar thin set.

4. Take your experience into consideration. If you've never installed tile, stay away from quick-drying or epoxy mortar thin set. This won't allow any time to make corrections once the tile is placed on the floor. Also, consider buying pre-mixed mortar thin set because the powdered variety can be difficult to mix. (Note: pre-mixed mortar thin set is expensive and using it for a large area can be costly.)

5. Buy mortar thin set you can mix in small batches. Use the small batches to familiarize yourself with the tile-laying process. You will waste less of your mortar thin set by using this method.

Tips & Warnings

• Always give your mortar thin set time to dry. Don't walk on newly-laid tile for at least 16 hours and don't apply grout for about 24 hours.

Resources

• Buy mortar thin set for your project at Ace.
• See how to apply mortar thin set at Brightcove.