Hey everyone! I've got some lovely porcelain tiles (2' x 2') on the way for my electric fireplace surround, which I'll be cutting down to about 18" to 20". I've done quite a bit of tiling before, but never with anything larger than a foot square. I'm digging into the best way to set these big tiles and looking for advice on the right subsurface material. I'm considering options like 1/2" drywall or 1/4" MDF, but I want to keep thickness to a minimum. Should I prime the surface first? Also, is a 1/2" grooved trowel the right choice for this job? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
2 Answers
Check the technical data sheets (TDS) for the mortars you're considering as they'll indicate the best substrate and trowel size to use. If you’re using a bonding primer, the substrate becomes less critical. I’ve had success with 1/4" hardiebacker for wall installs, even if it's not the typical recommendation. And definitely consider using lippage control clips; I've tried spin doctors before and those worked well, though they’re a bit pricier than other options.
Lippage control clips are tools that help keep your tiles level with each other, reducing the chances of uneven surfaces.
If you're working with large format tiles, definitely go for a 1/2" backer board for the best support. Mapei makes some great mortars designed specifically for big tiles, and using a 1/2" notch trowel will be perfect. I'd also recommend using leveling clips to keep everything even while you work. Make sure to clean your joins while the mortar is still wet for a nice finish!
Good call about the TDS! What exactly are lippage control clips?