How To Make Thin Set Mortar

Footstep-by-stride DIY instructions for mixing and spreading thinset mortar for a tile installation

Whether you're tiling a flooring or a countertop, outset and foremost exist certain to use thinset mortar that is latex- or polymer-fortified. Otherwise, information technology is likely to fissure, resulting in loose tiles. You can buy "polymer-fortified" thinset mortar that you mix with water, or y'all tin buy less expensive, unfortified thinset and add liquid latex as directed.

Utilize gray thinset for ceramic and stone tiles that are dark in color. Nonetheless, many types of marble, glass, and other kinds of tiles are slightly translucent, so a gray mortar would slightly dirty them. For these tiles, use white thinset, which costs only a flake more.

Close-up view of gray thinset mortar beneath stone tiles, with cross-type spacers. — This closeup view shows tile spacers and thinset mortar used for setting tile. Adamophoto | FreeRangeStock

For virtually tile installations, a square-notched trowel with 1/4 inch notches produces grooves of the correct thickness. For thicker tiles, larger notches are recommended.

If the mortar starts to harden while y'all work-either on the surface or in the bucket-discard it and mix a new batch.

1 Mix the thinset mortar. If you are tiling a countertop or the floor of a small-scale to medium-sized room, y'all can mix the mortar by hand.

A square-notch trowel is the best tool for the job. Add a couple of inches of liquid to the bottom of a five-gallon bucket and then cascade in some powder.

Tile installation with a bucket of mixture and layer of combed mortar. — Work in minor sections that you tin consummate before the mortar sets up. Chiran Vlad / Shutterstock.com

Stir with the trowel, scraping the bottom and sides equally yous mix.

Add together the liquid slowly-it's easy to add too much. Keep mixing until you attain a consistency that holds its shape and is barely pourable.

Mixing by hand is somewhat strenuous work. Y'all must stir a heavy concoction briskly for a few minutes.

If that is daunting, or if you have a large chore, consider buying or renting a half-inch drill with a mixing paddle, which quickly and thoroughly mixes the mortar to a smooth consistency.

Hold the bucket between your feet as you spin the paddle. Work slowly at first to avert slopping mortar out of the saucepan. Then run the paddle faster until the mortar is smooth. When you pick the paddle up, the mortar should remain stuck for a few seconds before sliding off.

2 Spread the mortar. Dump or scoop the mortar onto the surface. Use the flat slide of the trowel to spread the mortar over an area virtually three feet square.

3 Comb the mortar. Using the notched side of the trowel, comb the mortar to produce an even surface. Use long strokes and hold the trowel at a consequent angle.