Mortar beds and thinset are both used for laying tiles and bonding them to the subfloor. These products feature a slightly different consistency, resulting in differences in how they should be used and the outcomes you can count on. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of both of these mortar types to choose the most suitable one for your project.
Medium-Bed Mortar
Tile installers produce a medium bed of mortar by blending cement, water, coarse sand and other aggregate, then applying it to the subfloor at a layer quantifying 1/2 inch or greater. Even though this is a labor-intensive procedure, it offers numerous benefits. A medium-mortar bed permits you to build up the subfloor to match surrounding flooring finishes or smooth irregular surfaces. It provides more split between the subfloor and tiles, which can reduce cracking if the subfloor shifts over time. This product works well with tiles that vary in thickness or with large or heavy tiles.
Tiling With Thinset
Thinset represents a modern alternative to the traditional mortar bed. It includes cement, water and very fine sand, causing a slimmer mortar typically implemented no more than 3/16 inch thick. This product comes premixed, allowing for quick and effortless application. You can not use thinset to fix uneven or hardwood flooring or to bring the tiled area around the height of surrounding floor finishes. This material offers little buffer between the subfloor and tile, which might lead to cracks if the subfloor shifts or cracks. Ultimately, thinset generally isn’t suggested for large or heavy tiles.