This post is all about the 5 necessary steps for installing Schluter Ditra over plywood. To learn some more about the prep work required for tile when installing over a wooden subfloor, check out my full YouTube Video on how to prep a wooden subfloor for tile.
Starting a new renovation project can be exciting. Are you all ready to tile but are not sure of what to do next for a plywood subfloor? I got your back! whatever you do, do not tile directly to the plywood. I assure you tiling directly to plywood is a big NO NO, ESPECIALLY if its not properly prepped. These necessary steps for a successful Schluter Ditra installation will set you up for long term success with your project.
As a tile installer myself, I understand the importance of properly prepping a space before installing tile. By the end of this post you will be well prepared to start your Schluter Ditra installation over plywood.
This post is all about Schluter Ditra installation over plywood
Schluter Ditra installation over plywood
Links to Products Mentioned:
Schluter Ditra: https://amzn.to/3PGwop4
Schluter All set: https://amzn.to/3zcOBDM
Ditra Trowel: https://amzn.to/3S8X6bq
Floor Roller: https://amzn.to/3vlRwZr
Knee Pads: https://amzn.to/3zFjiD4
Sponges: https://amzn.to/3PK8GIG
wooden float: https://amzn.to/3S6fLon
Benefits of installing Schluter Ditra (a.k.a uncoupling membrane) under tile:
If you are new to tile installation, you may be unsure of the purpose of an uncoupling membrane or installing Schluter Ditra. What does an uncoupling membrane do? It prevents any movement of the subfloor below affecting what is being installed above it. This helps mitigate any cracks or damage to your tile floors down the line. Here is how you install Schluter Ditra over plywood.
How to install Schluter Ditra over plywood:
In the following steps I will guide you through the exact process for installing Schluter Ditra over plywood. Please note, I do have a self leveler over my plywood in these photos. If you want to learn how to pour self leveler, please watch my YouTube video here.
STEP #1: Prep the plywood before installing Schluter Ditra
This step SHOULD NEVER be skipped. In fact, it is REQUIRED by the product manufacturer to prep the surface. I am not just making this stuff up. Check the data sheet and install instructions for this product.
A common mistake I see when people want to replace tile is the wooden & concrete subfloor not being prepped properly. If there is dirt, dust, or debris on your subfloor, you are compromising the install of any tile application. Tile installations will only be as strong as what its bonded to, so if there is paint overspray, drywall and dust all over your wooden subfloor, your tile will not properly adhere. We call these bond breakers for thin set so it wouldn’t matter if you were using an uncoupling membrane or not.
Full tutorials below on how to prep a wooden subfloor and a concrete subfloor:
Click here for a full tutorial on a how to prep a wooden subfloor for tile.
Click here for a full tutorial on a how to prep a concrete subfloor for tile
STEP #2: Dry lay your pieces
I would recommend cutting the pieces of your Schluter Ditra before starting the installation to create a better flow once you mix your thin set. You can cut the Schluter Ditra with a scissor or a box knife.
**We do this perpetration step to ensure timely install once the thin set is mixed. You do not want to have your thin set get too dry, it will compromise the install.
After I measure and cut the pieces of the membrane, I like to dry fit them by laying them out and use a pencil to mark where each piece ends and begins. This will save you down the line from applying thin set in a larger area than you need for each piece of the membrane. If you apply thin set past the section you are working with, it may begin to dry before you are able to apply the next section of the uncoupling membrane. I also cut out any sections like around door jams and toilet flanges while dry fitting.
After I cut the pieces of Schluter Ditra, I will then mix up the thin set.
STEP #3: Mix the thin set
For this specific project, I used the Schluter Ditra Uncoupling Membrane. I am using the recommended thin set by the manufacturer for this install. Always check with your products’ manufacturer instructions when selecting a thin set to use with the uncoupling membrane to ensure the best installation.
The thin set instructions state, I should mix on the looser side when installing the uncoupling membrane, but make sure to check the specific product that you use for the instructions that you should follow.
STEP #4: Wet section with damp sponge
***In this example, I poured self-leveler over the plywood to get the floor flat prior to the install that’s why the floor looks like cement. If you need to pour self-leveler over plywood, watch my full YouTube tutorial: HERE.
Now that our thin set is prepared, I use a sponge to lightly wet the floor before applying the thin set. This allows the floor to suck up the water instead of absorbing all the moisture from the thin set when I begin to apply it.
Step #5: Installing the Schluter Ditra membrane over plywood
Next, I start installing. To start, I always “burn” in the thin set. Burning in the thin set means using the flat side of the trowel to apply a thin layer of the thin set before applying the layer with the notches. Here I am using the Ditra Trowel.
Next, I use the flat side of the trowel to scrape a very thin later of the thin set over the area. After this is complete, I apply more thin set the notch side of the same trowel.
TIP: make sure you are using the specified trowel size from the uncoupling membrane data sheet found on the Schluter website. Each uncoupling membrane on the market is similar but different and it is always good practice to review instructions prior to installation.
As shown above, add more thin set to add the notches with the notched side.
After that, I gently lay down the Schluter Ditra into place.
Next, I use the floor roller by rolling opposite the notch direction to make sure to get out any air bubbles and collapsing all the ridges. By doing this I am ensuring I get full coverage under the membrane. My main concern is getting adequate bond and full contact without air bubbles.
I ALWAYS get thin set oozing from the seams. After that, I will clean that up with a rag or sponge. Sometimes I accidentally step in it, and I HATE having thin set on my shoes, it makes a huge mess.
If you do not have a roller, a wooden float will also work but may be harder to use as you will need to apply significantly more pressure to get the same job done as a floor roller. I have used both methods with success.
As a matter of fact, if I installed Schluter Kerdi banding at the seams I could have waterproofed the entire floor.
Check out my video where I show the process step-by-step for Schluter Ditra installation over plywood, check it out here.