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Thinset is a cement-sand based adhesive mortar used to apply tiles. It can be applied with a notched trowel and is available in powder or premixed form. It is faster and easier to use than the mortar bed method, but not suitable for leveling. Unsanded grout is used for walls and drop ceilings, while honed grout is used for floors. Both dry and premixed grouts are available at hardware stores.
Thinset is a cement-sand based adhesive mortar often used to apply tiles to floors, walls and countertops. The name comes from its ability to bond objects with a relatively thin layer of compound, typically less than 1/4 inch (about 0.5 cm). It is available in powder or premixed form and is usually applied with a notched trowel.
There are two basic methods of installing tile: mortar bed and thinset. The mortar bed involves placing a thick layer of concrete, usually about 1 cm thick. If there are unevenness in the pavement, the mortar bed can level them out. This method is time consuming and the grout needs to cure until it is “green” or nearly dry, before the tiles can be laid. It may take several days to complete.
Faster and easier to use, thinset can be applied directly to the subsoil. Installation is usually quick and resolves within hours. Fast drying thinsets can be grouted in as little as two hours. Because it dries so quickly, it’s difficult to adjust the tile after it’s been laid. Typically, only experienced tilers who work quickly and efficiently use fast-drying grouts.
Thinset is not a leveling compound. If flooring or other areas need to be corrected, this material is not thick enough to allow for adjustments. It is also a brittle compound that tends to break if the area shifts. To counter this disadvantage, many thinsets are treated to increase their flexibility. An acrylic compound additive is also available to increase flexibility and moisture resistance.
For wall, window and drop ceiling installations, unsanded grout is typically used. The honed grout, to which more sand has been added, is used for installing the floor tiles. Premixed grouts are more convenient as they are ready to use immediately, but are more expensive than dry grouts. It can be difficult to prepare dry grout to the proper consistency, so usually only experienced tilers mix and use powdered thinset. Do-it-yourself individuals doing small tiling jobs often prefer pre-mixed thinset, as it is easier to use.
Both dry and premixed grouts are readily available at hardware and home improvement stores. Thinset is also available online and through catalogs. Many home improvement stores offer demonstrations or workshops to show customers how to do remodeling projects. Tiling and using thinsets is a popular topic.
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