Using different types of tile mortar

Tilers and home renovators have to consider the range of mortar products available to them and let the type of tiling job decide which product to use

Whether you are a professional tiler or a home renovator, the job of tiling will usually arise along with the question: which mortar product should I use? There are many mortar tiling products available with their own range of benefits or appropriateness for different types of jobs. In fact, choosing the right mortar is essential to the success of a tiling job.

For example you would not use the same tiling mortar for bathroom tiles as you would for exterior tiles as the mortar on the exterior will require stronger mortar as it is exposed to weather conditions and great wear and tear.

The first choice will usually be between using powdered mortar or pre-mixed thin-set mortar. There are pros and cons of both methods with powdered mortar being cheaper for larger tiling areas on the whole as you get more product from mixing it yourself. Yet in the cases of bathrooms or kitchens you will probably find the cost difference minimal and the benefits of not having to mix it yourself highly advantageous. While powdered mortar will often be the best choice for large tiling jobs or jobs that require extra resistance in the mortar, pre-mix mortar is ideal as it is already mixed to the right consistency and ready to use.  What’s more, premixed mortar comes with latex additive which you will have to mix in with the powdered mortar.

Both premix and powdered mortar are part of the thin-set tile mortar style, which is used for flooring and outdoor tiling and is the most commonly used form of mortar when it comes to tilers and home renovators. This is because thin-set tile mortar is quite resistant against moisture (ideal for bathrooms and kitchens) while also being an extremely strong adhesive. However it should be noted that this mortar can crack if not enough special latex additive is used.

Benefits of thin-set tile mortar:

•  Inexpensive
•  Takes some time to dry meaning tiles can be rearranged
•  Good consistency for easy application

There is another branch of the thin-set mortar style which is ideal for tiles that requires extra strength and is completely resistant to moisture. Known as Epoxy Thin Set Mortar, this style will dry within hours and doesn’t require any latex additives. It is available in three separate components of resin, hardener, and powder.

There is also a range of mortars that use a solvent or water as their basis therefore allowing them to dry through evaporation, making them ideal for walls and areas that need to have the tiles stick immediately. These tiles cannot be used in areas where they will be exposed to heat as this will damage the mortar.  This form of mortar is usually referred to as organic mastic.

Of course there is also brick mortar which is more suited for bricks, obviously, and is much coarser due to the high level of sand used. Best for outdoor areas, there are many different levels of brick mortar based on the amount of sand or pebbles used within the mix. This sand component will impact on the colour of the mortar and its strength.