local home store has two bags of 50lb. thinset mix. one is called a
"contractor's blend" at 5 bucks a bag, the other said premium blend, at 15
bucks a bag.
I wonder what the big difference is? I need to lay a 1/4" of thinset down
under the hardi-board for a tile project and I'm thinking I can go with the
cheaper stuff??

On Sat, 05 Nov 2005 13:13:51 GMT, "Gntry" wrote:

local home store has two bags of 50lb. thinset mix. one is called a
"contractor's blend" at 5 bucks a bag, the other said premium blend, at 15
bucks a bag.
I wonder what the big difference is? I need to lay a 1/4" of thinset down
under the hardi-board for a tile project and I'm thinking I can go with the
cheaper stuff??

Cheap stuff should be fine. You'll probably find the more expensive
stuff has additives to improve adhesion and workability for tough
materials like porcelain tile. Sticking backer board down on the
floor doesn't call for anything special unless you are going over a
tough substrate like old tile or vinyl.

I wonder why the manufacture says to lay a 1/4 troweled bead of thin set. I
know it fills minor voids but I agree, my floor is stripped down to the 3/4"
plywood. I understand the recomended method because if you don't you void
the warranty. but after 15 years, I won't care!
"Paul Franklin" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 05 Nov 2005 13:13:51 GMT, "Gntry" wrote:

local home store has two bags of 50lb. thinset mix. one is called a
"contractor's blend" at 5 bucks a bag, the other said premium blend, at 15
bucks a bag.
I wonder what the big difference is? I need to lay a 1/4" of thinset down
under the hardi-board for a tile project and I'm thinking I can go with
the
cheaper stuff??

Cheap stuff should be fine. You'll probably find the more expensive
stuff has additives to improve adhesion and workability for tough
materials like porcelain tile. Sticking backer board down on the
floor doesn't call for anything special unless you are going over a
tough substrate like old tile or vinyl.

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 02:28:12 GMT, "Gntry" wrote:

I wonder why the manufacture says to lay a 1/4 troweled bead of thin set. I
know it fills minor voids but I agree, my floor is stripped down to the 3/4"
plywood. I understand the recomended method because if you don't you void
the warranty. but after 15 years, I won't care!
"Paul Franklin" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 05 Nov 2005 13:13:51 GMT, "Gntry" wrote:

local home store has two bags of 50lb. thinset mix. one is called a
"contractor's blend" at 5 bucks a bag, the other said premium blend, at 15
bucks a bag.
I wonder what the big difference is? I need to lay a 1/4" of thinset down
under the hardi-board for a tile project and I'm thinking I can go with
the
cheaper stuff??

Cheap stuff should be fine. You'll probably find the more expensive
stuff has additives to improve adhesion and workability for tough
materials like porcelain tile. Sticking backer board down on the
floor doesn't call for anything special unless you are going over a
tough substrate like old tile or vinyl.

The aim is a very flat very stiff floor so there is no movement that
can crack the tile or joints between. By using thinset under the
backer board, the underlayment (plywood) and backer board become one
solid assembly that is stiffer than it would be if you just screwed
the backerboard down. Tile is pretty unforgiving in terms of movement
of the subfloor; the stiffer the better. The thinset may be overkill
for one situation and not for another, depending on the floor framing,
whether or not the plywood is glued to the joists, etc. I assume they
recommend a notched trowel, so you don't end up with 1/4 of thinset
under the board, more like 1/8 once it spreads out. This is enought to
bond the board and fill minor irregularities. Given the cost and
amount of time it takes to do a nice tile job, it's pretty cheap
insurance.

Good luck,

Paul