Whether wall or floor tile, that tile needs to thoroughly stick to its base surface. Demands placed on tile adhesive are both extensive and steep. Tile adhesive is expected to hold the tile in place not just for years but for decades—without fail. It must be easy to work with, and it must adequately fill in gaps between the tile and the substrate. It cannot cure too fast: Otherwise, you do not have adequate working time. But if it cures too slowly, it takes forever to get to the grouting stage.
Fortunately, tile adhesives have evolved to the point where all of those demands can be successfully handled. Choosing the right tile mortar can be a lot simpler than you might think. In most cases, the tile application—where the tile is installed—clearly determines the best mortar option. And sometimes the type of tile itself is a determining factor.
Thinset Tile Mortar
Standard and Pre-Mixed Thinset
Standard thinset comes as a bagged powder that is mixed with water. The mortar begins setting once it is mixed, so you have to use up the entire batch or discard any excess.
Premixed thinset comes in big tubs and is ready to apply right out of the package. Even though it is heavy to carry and more expensive than dry mortar mix, the ease and convenience of premixed thinset mortar makes it ideal for do-it-yourselfers.
Use premixed mortar for spaces such as small bathrooms, mudrooms, or utility rooms. If you are dealing with multiple spaces, then you may want to consider a dry mix to save money
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Thinset Mortar Pros and Cons
Another advantage of thinset is that it allows you to level uneven surfaces to some degree. You cannot level wildly out-of-level surfaces, but you can bridge gaps and compensate for slight level changes.
Because thinset is not affected by moisture, it is best for floor tile and any tile in wet areas, including shower floors, walls, and ceilings and tub surrounds.
Since thinset tile mortar may crack, you may wish to mix it with a special latex additive to increase its strength.
Epoxy Tile Mortar
Epoxy Tile Mortar Pros and Cons
Temperatures must range between 60 and 90 F for proper installation. Warmer temperatures speed up curing time; cooler temperatures slow it down. Installation can be made on a damp surface, but new concrete must cure for at least 28 days before adhering tile.
On the downside, epoxy mortar is more expensive than thinset and has a strong smell while it cures. Additionally, epoxy mortar sets quickly. This can be a deficit because it provides only a short window of time to make changes. Pot life for most epoxy tile mortars is about 45 minutes. After pot life expires, the product is considered to be unusable.
Due to the difficulty in mixing and working with epoxy mortars, they tend to be used by professional tile installers more than by do-it-yourselfers.