How Do I install:
Kerdi and Ditra are another part
of Schluter Systems innovative concepts. These products can be overlaid almost any
given substrate or wall surface. The steps that follow are designed by myself to
help the D.I.Yer.Tools needed: Sharp utility knife or Scissors
Step 1
Be sure your surface is clean and as flat and level as you can get it,any deflection
in the floor or wall must be addressed prior to the install.
Step 2
Pre cut your Ditra or Kerdi to fit the install area. Ditra is for the floors or countertops.Kerdi
is for the walls or backsplashes.The Ditra can be set edge to edge.The Kerdi will
need a 2" overlap on all seams and corners. I will also overlap the shower pan about
4 inches. Kerdi offers premade corners.If you do not have the corners it is fine
I never use them anyway.Find your corner and slice or cut the Kerdi overlap it on
itself so it forms a tight corner,the compressive strenght of the fleece backing
will disallow water from escaping through the pinhole formed at the corner point.
Step 3
You are now ready to mix your thinset.Use what ever thinset
Schluter recommends for the substrate conditions. I will use a Modified Thin Set
for working on drywall.the bonding principals are greater.I will also mix the mud
slightly thinner than normal.I will start at the top and mud 1/2 of the wall.Set
the Kerdi in placeand mud the second half, confirm my overlap then start the next
piece. All the corners will be mudded well to confirm there is enough thinset behind each
layer of overlapped matierial, use a 1/4x3/16 V notched trowel.The Ditra is easier
to install than the Kerdi however when the tile settiing starts things change. This
is a blog of another concept. Stay tuned or email me for more information.
After you set your tile take a break and a vacation.You will have earned it!
