The floor tile mortar, as one of the key factors determining the quality and durability of ceramic flooring, plays a very important role in the construction industry. Accurately calculating the required thickness of the mortar for installing floor tiles can not only increase the lifespan and strength of the flooring but also improve the final appearance and reduce maintenance costs.
In this article, we will attempt to provide you with practical solutions and useful information by reviewing technical and practical points related to calculating the thickness of floor tile mortar.
Types of Mortar
Mortars or grouts are among the essential materials in the installation of tiles and ceramics that enhance the beauty, cleanliness, and functionality of these materials. There are various types of grouts, each with its unique features, advantages, and disadvantages, making them suitable for different locations and conditions:
Sand-Cement Mortar
This type of mortar has significant advantages, making it suitable for areas prone to heavy wetting. One of the benefits of sand-cement mortar is its resistance to slipping, which helps create a secure surface in moist environments.
Additionally, this type of grout is highly durable due to its resistance to cracking and is suitable for joints with a width of 3 millimeters. However, besides paying attention to the thickness of the floor tile mortar, it should be noted that sand-cement mortar needs to be sealed to perform better.
Non-Sand Cement Mortar
Non-sand cement mortar is highly adhesive, making it very suitable for use on walls and smaller joints. However, due to its lack of strong bonding properties, it is prone to cracking in larger joints, making it unsuitable for such applications. This type of grout is suitable for 1.5 and 3 millimeter joints and, like sand-cement grout, needs sealing.
Epoxy Mortar
Epoxy mortar is a new but very durable option that has high resistance to stains and moisture and performs better than cement mortars.
One of the significant advantages of epoxy grout is its permeability to water without erosion. However, this grout must be applied quickly to maintain its properties, requiring high skill and precision in determining the thickness of the floor tile mortar.
White and natural-colored (gray or bronze) grouts offer excellent coverage, but to maintain their beauty and functionality, they need care and cleaning using professional tiling tools.
Black grout is also considered a unique and economical choice, but to prevent damage and discoloration, it must be cleaned regularly with appropriate cleaning agents.
Important Tips for Using Mortar
To create a uniform and durable cover between the floor tiles, it is essential to use suitable mortar and maintain the correct thickness. The amount of mortar required to fill the spaces between the tiles depends on the size, dimensions, and thickness of the porcelain tiles. Be sure to consider the following points when preparing the necessary mortar:
- Usage Time : Grout that has been prepared for more than two hours should not be used. This timing is crucial to maintain the quality and adhesive properties of the grout.
- Use of Stone Powder : In grouts used to fill joints, stone powder is also employed to increase resistance and reduce the likelihood of cracking.
- Best Grout Combination : In the best grout combinations, thoroughly washed sand and Portland cement are typically used. This mixture creates a strong and durable mortar, helping to extend the useful life of the tile.
- Amount of Grout Required : For the application of sand-cement grout, approximately 33 liters of grout is needed for every square meter of tiles. When using stone powder grout, about 0.75 liters are required per square meter.
Methods for Determining Floor Tile Mortar Thickness
Just as calculating the number of tiles is necessary before installation, calculating the required amount and then purchasing the floor tile mortar is also essential. Several methods can be used to estimate the amount of mortar needed:
Consulting the Installer
The experience and knowledge of the installers can assist you in calculating the floor tile mortar. Installers, based on their experience, know how much mortar is needed per square meter of tile and can provide you with relevant information.
Reading Product Label Descriptions
Mortar manufacturers are well aware of how much mortar each package typically covers. Therefore, the advice and information these companies provide to determine the thickness of the floor tile mortar can be very useful in estimating the required amount of mortar.
Difference in Mortar Ratio for Floor and Wall Tiles
When calculating the floor tile mortar, we must remember that the mortar required for floor tiles differs from that for wall tiles. Mortar used for floor tiles usually needs to be more resistant due to heavier traffic and the need to withstand higher weight.
In contrast, the mortar used for wall tiles should dry faster and have a higher adhesive quality to prevent issues during installation. Therefore, more cement is used in wall mortar to provide better adhesion and faster drying.
Use of Industrial Design Software
In today’s world, advanced software is designed to accurately calculate the required amount of mortar based on the area of the floor or wall. By entering information such as the area and thickness of the mortar layer, these programs can give you an accurate estimate of the floor tile mortar thickness.
Relative Amount of Mortar for Installing Tiles
Generally, for installing each square meter of regular tiles, 11 kilograms of cement, 33 kilograms of sand (in equal proportions), and 2 kilograms of lime paste are needed. This mortar combination is widely used due to its suitable adhesion and durability.
In addition to traditional mixtures, the use of specialized tile adhesives (powdered or paste) is very common today. Approximately 4 kilograms of porcelain tile adhesive is needed for each square meter of tile installation, increasing adhesion and durability. This general information will be useful for estimating the floor tile mortar thickness.