Do different kinds of tile in the shower need different types of thinset?

Question

do different types of thinset have to be used if you use different kinds of tile...glass...slate...ceramin? or will one kind suffice?

Answer 1

due to the difference in pore sizes within varying natural stones, there are specialized products for laying marble, limestone, slate..etc.   As far as ceramic tiles go...there is only one difference....essentially... either latex-modified or non modified.   Modified is generally the best because of the added plasticity and regularity of curing.  It is not however, usable under any waterproof or airtight membrane like Ditra, as it has a longer drying time and under such conditions would never dry.  In summary, regular non modified thin-set is an unbelievably adaptable and vesatile bonding cement that will work well for all of the above.   modified will be slightly better for all or most. and specialized products exist for marble and such that will also be slightly better.     and theres mastic...but never on shower floors and never at all if possible.

Answer 2

I tile every day of my life, and agree in part with answer 1.

   Certainly there are various species of mortar as well as mastics, even exterior mortars that endure more abuses.

    The substrate is as important as any type of adhesive, be it thinset or mastic, and for vertical installations, I often opt for the mastics.

   IF the "TILE" is milled, as ceramic is, then the difference is negligible in what you use. All have their own properties, all react differently, situationally, but ceramic is fired at 3600 degrees F. approx, and essentially becomes glass. It should be assumed that natural slate, even milled is of a different texture, and absorbency on the side that will go against a wall or floor.

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"