Schluter-DITRA is a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities, each cut in a dovetail shape, and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside. The anchoring nonwoven is embedded in thin-set mortar to ensure a mechanical bond with the substrate. Tiles are set on DITRA using the thin-bed method so that the mortar mechanically anchors into the square, dovetailed cavities of the matting. Designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installations, DITRA serves as an uncoupling layer, a waterproofing membrane, and a vapor management layer that absorbs moisture beneath the tile covering. In addition, DITRA performs all of these functions while providing adequate support and load distribution for the tile covering. The combination of these four essential functions allows for a successful tile installation over a wide range of substrates, including plywood/OSB, concrete, plaster, heated floors, etc. DITRA is 3.5 mm thick, which minimizes the thickness of the tile assembly and reduces transitions to lower surface coverings (for example, carpet, engineered wood, and vinyl). DITRA allows the application of ceramic tile over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 19.2" (488 mm) o.c. Uncoupling: For thousands of years, tiles have been successfully installed by incorporating an uncoupling layer, or a forgiving shear interface, into the tile assembly. DITRA provides uncoupling through its open-rib structure, which allows in-plane movement that effectively neutralizes the differential movement stresses between the substrate and the tile, thereby eliminating the primary cause of cracking and delamination 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 construction environment where most substrates are moisture-sensitive. Vapor management: The distinctive feature of DITRA is the free space created by the channels configured on the underside of the matting. This free space allows excess moisture and vapor to escape from the substrate, which could otherwise damage the tile layer above. Thus, DITRA effectively manages moisture beneath the tiled covering. Support/load distribution: When placed on a solid foundation, columns or pillars can support considerable loads. The same physical principle applies to DITRA installations. Column-shaped mortar structures are formed within the cavities of the matting. Loads are transferred from the tiled covering to the substrate through these column-shaped mortar structures. Because the matting is virtually incompressible within the tile assembly, the benefits 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 in applications exposed to vehicle traffic.
Provides uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management, and heavy-load distribution to ensure the durability and integrity of tile installations
Quick and easy to install over concrete, plywood, OSB, plaster, existing vinyl floors, structural boards, subfloors, and radiant-heated floors
Convenient alternative to cement backer boards or plywood for tile setting
Use DITRA for ceramic tile installations over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to a maximum of 19.2"
DITRA is only 3.5 mm thick, which achieves the thinnest possible assembly without sacrificing performance
DITRA features cutting grooves for precise cuts and air-relief vents at the corners of the cut cavities for faster filling
Use DITRA-XL for ceramic tile installations over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 24 in o.c.
DITRA-XL has a thickness of 5/16 in (7 mm) to create a uniform transition between tiles of a typical 5/16 in (7 mm) thickness and hardwood floors of 3/4 in (19 mm) thickness
DITRA-XL is ideal for installations requiring greater movement tolerance, such as applications using natural stone tiles, large-format tiles, etc.
Uniform transition between 5/16" (7 mm) thick tiles and 3/4" (19 mm) thick hardwood floors
Indoor use
Yes
Use for
Uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management, and heavy-load distribution to ensure the durability and integrity of tile installations | Ceramic tile installations over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 24" | To create a uniform transition between 7 mm thick tiles and 19 mm thick hardwood floors | Ideal for installations requiring greater movement tolerance, such as applications using natural stone tiles, large-format tiles, etc.
Trim transition typeUniform transition between 5/16" (7 mm) thick tiles and 3/4" (19 mm) thick hardwood floors
Indoor useYes
Use forUncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management, and heavy-load distribution to ensure the durability and integrity of tile installations | Ceramic tile installations over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 24" | To create a uniform transition between 7 mm thick tiles and 19 mm thick hardwood floors | Ideal for installations requiring greater movement tolerance, such as applications using natural stone tiles, large-format tiles, etc.
