Thinset is a mortar that is made of portland cement silica sand and moisture retaining agents.
Thinset for large wall tiles.
As a rule the larger the tile the larger the trowel.
When bidding a job the installer should consider the.
For example large wall tile ranges from 12 x 12 to 24 x 24 inches and stone panels used in commercial and exterior applications can be up to 7 feet long and 4 feet wide.
Thinset with large amounts of latex added are used with glass tiles which are unable to flex on their own.
Thinset tile mortar has a smooth slippery consistency similar to mud.
These mortars may be applied up to 3 4 thick and provide superior coverage and bond strength while reducing lippage between tiles.
Thinset also provides structural support so that very minor adjustments in height can be made.
Thinset mortar is your default tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications.
I ve never found it at a box store though.
For large tiles you are going to want to use an unmodified thinset that specifically says it s ok for large tiles.
A little extra thinset beneath a tile is completely acceptable not enough thinset beneath the tile is not acceptable.
The one i prefer is bostik ditraset.
Large format tile lft is 15 38 cm or greater on any side as well as heavier natural stone such as marble granite travertine slate and limestone.
Thinset is inexpensive and it fills in gaps and depressions.
Square notched is a personal preference.
Then there s yet another variation of thin set for thick bed installations.
Thinset is slow to set which leads to tile sag on vertical applications.
It can be used for any size tile and works great with schluter products.
But large format natural stone tile sizes can vary depending on the application and type of stone.
Mastic is very sticky grabs fast and is quick setting.
Thinset with small amounts of latex added are primarily used for large format tiles and stone tiles to help absorb flex from floors and walls.
This helps to prevent tiles from cracking.
Mapei large format floor tile 50 lb gray powder thinset medium bed mortar item 1103731 model 2184323 good adhesion for ceramic porcelain and natural stone tiles with one or more sides greater than 15 in.
This is used with large heavy or thick tiles.
Large tile stone mortaris a premium regular setting polymer enriched modified large and heavy tile mortar that is ideal for installing large format tile and stone on floors walls and countertops.
Walls wainscots dry backsplashes are key areas where tile mastic tends to be used.
It is always better to use a larger trowel than you might need for the installation.