Schluter®-DITRA & DITRA-XL

Uncoupling and waterproofing membrane

Schluter®-DITRA and DITRA-XL are specifically designed for ceramic and stone tile installations. DITRA and DITRA-XL provide uncoupling to prevent cracked tile and grout. Made of polyethylene, DITRA and DITRA-XL serve as a waterproofing layer that protects moisture-sensitive substrates, such as plywood/OSB. Free-space on the underside of the matting provides a route for excess moisture and vapor to prevent damage to the tile layer above. DITRA and DITRA-XL perform all these functions while still providing adequate support/load distribution for the tile covering.
  • Provides uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management, and heavy load distribution to ensure the durability and integrity of tile installations
  • Quick and easy to install on top of concrete, plywood, OSB, gypsum, existing vinyl floors, structural planks, sub-floors, and radiant heated floors
  • Convenient tile underlayment alternative to cement backer board or plywood
  • Use DITRA for ceramic tile installations over single layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 19.2" o.c.
  • DITRA is only 1/8" (3.5 mm)-thick to provide the thinnest possible assembly without sacrificing performance
  • DITRA features cutting grooves for precise cuts and air release vents at the corners of the cutback cavities for faster filling
  • Use DITRA-XL for ceramic tile installations over single layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 24" o.c.
  • DITRA-XL is 5/16” (7 mm)-thick to create an even transition between typical 5/16” (7 mm)-thick tile and 3/4” (19 mm)-thick hardwood flooring
  • DITRA-XL is ideal for installations requiring greater movement accommodation, such as applications using natural stone tile, large-format tile, etc.
  • DITRA and DITRA-XL are for interior use only, dry or wet areas
 ...read more  ...show less
Load Support
Uncoupling
Waterproofing
Vapor Management

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Schluter®-DITRA is a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities, each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside. The anchoring fleece is embedded in thin-set mortar to provide a mechanical bond to the substrate. Tile is installed over DITRA using the thin-bed method in such a way that the mortar becomes mechanically anchored in the square, cutback cavities of the matting. Designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installations, DITRA serves as an uncoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, and vapor management layer that accommodates moisture from beneath the tile covering. Further, DITRA performs all these functions while still providing adequate support/load distribution for the tile covering. The combination of these four essential functions allows for the successful installation of tile over a wide range of substrates, including plywood/ OSB, concrete, gypsum, heated floors, etc. DITRA is 1/8" (3.5 mm) thick, which minimizes tile assembly thickness and reduces transitions to lower surface coverings (e.g., carpet, engineered wood, and vinyl). DITRA allows for ceramic tile application over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 19.2" (488 mm) o.c.

Uncoupling

Tile has been successfully installed for thousands of years by incorporating an uncoupling layer, or forgiving shear interface, within the tile assembly. DITRA provides uncoupling through its open rib structure, which allows for in-plane movement that effectively neutralizes the differential movement stresses between the substrate and the tile, thus eliminating the major cause of cracking and delaminating of the tiled surface

Waterproofing

DITRA provides reliable waterproofing in interior applications. Its polyethylene composition protects the substrate from moisture penetration, which is particularly important in today’s building environment where most substrates are moisture-sensitive.

Vapor management

The distinguishing feature of DITRA is the existence of free space created by the configured channels on the underside of the matting. The free space provides a route for excess moisture and vapor to escape from the substrate that could otherwise cause damage to the tile layer above. Thus, DITRA effectively manages moisture beneath the tile covering.

Support/load distribution

When placed on a solid foundation, columns or pillars can support tremendous loads. The same physical principle applies to DITRA installations. Column-like mortar structures are formed in the cutback cavities of the matting. Loads are transferred from the tile covering through these column-like mortar structures to the substrate. Since the matting is virtually incompressible within the tile assembly, the advantages of uncoupling are achieved without sacrificing point load distribution capabilities. The ability of DITRA installations to support and distribute heavy loads while preserving the integrity of the tiled surface has been verified through extensive laboratory and field testing, including applications exposed to vehicular traffic.

Note: DITRA and DITRA-XL are for interior use only, dry or wet areas.

DITRA and DITRA-XL membranes do not require any special maintenance.

1. Using a thin-set mortar that is suitable for the substrate, apply the thin-set mortar (mixed to a fairly fluid consistency, but still able to hold a notch).


For DITRA use a 1/4" x 3/16" (6 mm x 5 mm) V-notched trowel, 5/16" x 5/16" (8 mm x 8 mm) V-notched trowel, or the DITRA trowel, which features a 11/64" x 11/64" (4.5 mm x 4.5 mm) square-notched design.
 

For DITRA-XL use a 1/4" x 1/4" (6 mm x 6 mm) square-notched trowel or the DITRA-XL trowel, which features a 1/4" x 1/4" (6 mm x 6 mm) square-notched design.

2. Apply DITRA or DITRA-XL to the floor, fleece side down. Solidly embed the matting into the mortar using a float, screed trowel, or DITRA-ROLLER*, making sure to observe the open time of the bonding mortar. If the mortar skins over prior to matting installation, remove and reapply.

*When using the DITRA-ROLLER, place a weight (e.g., bag(s) of mortar/grout or box of tile) not to exceed 75 lbs on the DITRA-ROLLER shelf. Slowly move the roller from one end of the matting to the other, slightly overlapping successive passes.

3. Lift up a corner of the matting to check coverage. Proper installation results in full contact between the fleece webbing and the thin-set mortar. Simply abut end and side sections of adjacent sheets. Note: Coverage may vary with mortar consistency, angle at which the trowel is held, substrate flatness, etc. If full coverage is not achieved, remove and reapply, making sure to verify proper mortar consistency and application.

4. Tile can be installed over DITRA and DITRA-XL immediately; no need to wait for the mortar to cure. Fill the cut-back cavities with Schluter SET, Schluter ALL-SET, Schluter FAST-SET, or unmodified thin-set mortar and comb additional mortar over the matting using a trowel that is appropriate for the size of the tile. Solidly embed the tiles in the setting material. Periodically remove and check a tile to ensure that full coverage is being attained. Back-buttering is a useful way to help ensure proper coverage, particularly when installing large-format tiles (e.g., 12" x 12" (305 mm x 305 mm) and larger).

Note:  To bond DITRA to the substrate, using the DITRA trowel: Use one 50 lb. (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 150 ft2 (10.7 m2). To bond DITRA-XL to the substrate, using the DITRA-XL trowel: Use one 50 lb. (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 100 ft2 (9.3 m2). To bond the tile to the DITRA, using a 1/4" x 3/8" (6 mm x 10 mm) square- or U-notched trowel: Use one 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 40 - 50 ft2 (3.7 - 4.6 m2). To bond the tile to the DITRA-XL, using a 1/4" x 3/8" (6 mm x 10 mm) square- or U-notched trowel: Use one 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 35 - 45 ft2 (3.3 - 4.2 m2).

Waterproofing

The following steps are required for waterproofing only:

1. At the joints, fill the cut-back cavities with Schluter SET, Schluter ALL-SET, Schluter FAST-SET, or unmodified thin-set mortar, approximately 8" (203 mm) wide, centered over the joint.

 2. Comb additional Schluter SET, Schluter ALL-SET, Schluter FAST-SET, or unmodified thin-set mortar over the joint using a 1/4" x 3/16" (6 mm x 5 mm) V-notched trowel or the Schluter®-KERDI trowel, which features a 1/8" x 1/8" (3 mm x 3 mm) square-notched design.

 3. Using the flat side of the trowel, firmly press the 5" (127 mm)-wide Schluter®-KERDI-BAND into the mortar to ensure 100% coverage and to remove excess mortar and air pockets.

 4. At all wall junctions, apply KERDI-BAND as described in steps 1-3, ensuring a minimum of 2" overlap on to DITRA/DITRA-XL.

Notes: KERDI-BAND must overlap DITRA and DITRA-XL at seams and at floor/wall transitions by a minimum of 2" (50 mm) in order to maintain waterproof integrity. In some applications the vertical section of the floor/wall transition will not accept a bond to Schluter SET, Schluter ALL-SET, Schluter FAST-SET, or unmodified thin-set mortar. Connections to such elements can be achieved using Schluter®-KERDI-FIX or suitable trowel-applied waterproofing materials, such as those that require atmospheric moisture to cure (e.g., urethane sealant).

 For complete installation guidelines and warranty criteria please refer to the downloadable Schluter®-DITRA Installation Handbook and view the step-by-step installation videos available below.

Data sheets

Uncoupling Data Sheet
536.25 KB
Pdf

Product Table

11218-preview
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Uncoupling_Membranes
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Handbooks

DITRA Installation Handbook
949.92 KB
Pdf

Warranties

DITRA-Warranty
57.23 KB
Pdf

Brochures and Pamphlets

DITRA Pamphlet
4.55 MB
Pdf

Articles

cs-tile-uncoupled-installation-methods
1.49 MB
Pdf
tileletter-tiling-entryways-foyers-kerdi
4.35 MB
Pdf
tileletter-tile-over-young-concrete
501.45 KB
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fhb-tile-floor-wont-crack
5.82 MB
Pdf
Q:

Can Schluter®-DITRA be used as a sound control membrane?

A:

DITRA is not intended to be barrier sound control system. DITRA does, however, provide a degree of sound attenuation similar...

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Q:

Can mosaic tile be used with Schluter®-DITRA or Schluter®-DITRA-XL?

A:

The minimum required tile format for use with DITRA is 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm). Please call Schluter®-Systems...

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Q:

Is it required to waterproof Schluter®-DITRA and Schluter®-DITRA-XL?

A:

Waterproofing the floor is not required, but can be beneficial in some cases. Today’s construction methods, which include the use of lightweight...

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Q:

Can Schluter®-DITRA or Schluter®-DITRA-XL be installed over hardwood flooring?

A:

We don't recommend or warranty DITRA or DITRA-XL installation over existing hardwood flooring as it is very unstable and difficult to bond...

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Q:

Can I use self-leveling compounds over Schluter®-DITRA or Schluter®-DITRA-XL?

A:

DITRA and DITRA-XL were designed and tested for thin-bed ceramic tile and natural stone applications...

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Q:

If I use a self-leveler on my plywood subfloor, which type of thin-set mortar do I used to install Schluter®-DITRA or DITRA-XL?

A:

We recommend Schluter SET™ , ALL-SET™ , FAST-SET™, or unmodified thin-set mortar on a floor that has been leveled with a self-leveling product.

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Q:

How much thin-set mortar will be used with Schluter®-DITRA or Schluter®-DITRA-XL?

A:

The estimated thin-set mortar coverage for each membrane is shown below. Coverage may vary with mortar consistency, angle...

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Q:

What size notched trowel should I use to install Schluter-DITRA and Schluter®-DITRA-XL?

A:

For DITRA use a 1/4" x 3/16" (6 mm x 5 mm) V-notched trowel, 5/16" x 5/16"...

Read more
Q:

What is the proper thin-set mortar consistency for installing Schluter-DITRA and Schluter®-DITRA-XL?

A:

Using a thin-set mortar that is suitable for the substrate, apply the thin-set mortar (mixed to a fairly fluid consistency, but still able to hold a notch)...

Read more
Q:

How long do I have to wait before I can install tile on the Schluter®-DITRA membrane?

A:

Once DITRA has been installed on the substrate, tile can be installed right away. No need to wait for the mortar to cure...

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Q:

What type of thin-set mortar should I use when setting tile over Schluter®-DITRA and Schluter®-DITRA-XL?

A:

Schluter-Systems requires the use of Schluter SET™ , ALL-SET™ , FAST-SET™, or an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.1 to install ...

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Q:

Why should I use Schluter®-DITRA in my tile installation?

A:

Ceramic and stone tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and hygienic, representing the ideal surface coverings...

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Q:

I’m planning to install my tile using Schluter®-DITRA. Where do I begin?

A:

The first thing to do is plan out the installation according to the Schluter-DITRA Installation Handbook...

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Q:

What type of thin-set mortar should I use when installing Schluter-DITRA?

A:

The type of thin-set mortar used to install DITRA depends on the substrate material. For example, to set DITRA over plywood...

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Q:

Can I use a premixed thin-set mortar to install Schluter-DITRA and tile?

A:

No. Schluter-Systems does not recommend the use of premixed thin-set mortars (mastics/adhesives) in any DITRA installation.

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Q:

How do I know if the thin-set mortar is modified or unmodified?

A:

In general, unmodified thin-set mortar is a blend of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents that is mixed with...

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Q:

Do I need to provide movement joints when I use Schluter-DITRA in my tile installation?

A:

Yes. DITRA does not eliminate the need for movement joints. Movement joints are essential in any tile installation to prevent...

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Q:

Can I install glass tile over Schluter®-DITRA?

A:

Schluter-Systems does not recommend the use of glass tile over DITRA

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Q:

I tried to snap chalk lines on Schluter-DITRA before setting my tile, but the chalk rubs off the plastic easily while I am working. What can I do?

A:

One option is to apply hair spray over the chalk lines. You don’t have to worry about the hair spray acting as a bond breaker because...

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Q:

I need to remove and reinstall a tile on Schluter-DITRA. How can I do this safely?

A:

If you are in the process of setting the tile and the thin-set mortar is still fresh, simply run your margin trowel under the surface...

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Q:

What is the difference between Schluter®-DITRA and Schluter®-DITRA-XL?

A:

Schluter uncoupling membranes provide the four essential functions for successful tile installation over a wide range of substrates...

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Q:

Can I install electric floor warming systems on top of Schluter®-DITRA and Schluter®-DITRA-XL?

A:

Schluter®-Systems does not recommend the installation of floor warming systems over DITRA or DITRA-XL...

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CAD drawings

schlueter_cad_ditra_metr
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Pdf
schlueter_cad_ditra_xl_metr
4.17 KB
Pdf
schlueter_cad_ditra_xl_imp
4.14 KB
Pdf
schlueter_cad_ditra_xl_inst
21.63 KB
Pdf
schlueter_cad_ditra_inst
38.06 KB
DWG
schlueter_cad_ditra_imp
43.41 KB
DWG
schlueter_cad_ditra_xl_imp
41.57 KB
DWG
schlueter_cad_ditra_metr
32.36 KB
DWG
schlueter_cad_ditra_xl_inst
64.65 KB
DWG
schlueter_cad_ditra_xl_metr
41.86 KB
DWG
schlueter_cad_ditra_imp
4.28 KB
Pdf
schlueter_cad_ditra_inst
13.24 KB
Pdf

Spec. Guides

Product Spec Guide 2019
1.25 MB
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Watch & Learn
About the product

How to install the Schluter®-DITRA Uncoupling and Waterproofing Membrane

How to install the Schluter®-DITRA Uncoupling and Waterproofing Membrane

09:31
Schluter®-DITRA: Four Essential Functions

Schluter®-DITRA: Four Essential Functions

03:36

Find some existing tutorials and project documentation videos to learn how-to get the best out of our products - for more fun in your life, start now!

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Uncoupling (DITRA)

Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT

Waterproofing (KERDI)

Schluter®-KERDI-BAND

Schluter ALL-SET®

Schluter®-TROWEL

Schluter SET®

Schluter FAST-SET®

Schluter®-DITRA Roller