Installation Guide

40 TILE SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS — Discussion of different tile types in shower applications
Natural Stone
Natural stone tiles are a product of nature and have various characteristics that provide beauty
and features not found in manufactured tile products. According to the Dimension Stone Design
Manual published by the Marble Institute of America (MIA), selection of stone for a shower is
critical since the impact of water on certain stones (e.g. polished marble, limestone, etc.) may
cause deterioration (e.g., surface dulling, warpage, etc.) over time. Selection of a dense, moisture-
resistant stone will provide the best results in a shower.
Moisture-Sensitive Stone
According to the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation, many green-
colored marbles and serpentines warp when exposed to water, including the water mixed in
cement-based setting materials. Such stones may not be suitable for use in shower applications
and/or may require special setting materials. Schluter Systems recommends consulting with the
stone supplier to help determine if a particular material is suitable for use in wet areas and that a
100% solids epoxy tile adhesive1 is used to install the stone.
Fiberglass Mesh Reinforced Stone
According to the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation, many stone
products have mesh reinforcement attached to the back surface of the tile, typically using an epoxy
or polyester-based adhesive. Cement-based setting materials will not bond to these backings and
Schluter Systems recommends using a 100% solids epoxy tile adhesive
1
to install the stone.
Mounted Mosaic Stone Tiles
Similar challenges as ceramic and porcelain mounted mosaic tiles. See mounted mosaic tiles
section under ceramic and porcelain tile.
Glass
Glass tile is available in a wide variety of types (e.g., cast, fused, sintered, etc.) and formats. Entire
tiles may be imbued with color, while in other cases layers of clear glass are combined with different
backings of different color that show through. Some backings are dusted with quartz (sand) to
provide texture to improve bonding characteristics. However, other backings are smooth and
glossy, making it difficult to achieve a bond.
Furthermore, some glass tile manufacturers do not recommend use of their clear glass tile directly
over bonded waterproofing membranes. They want the substrate to be able to wick water away
from the bond coat (e.g., CBU or mortar walls) to help maintain a uniform bond coat appearance.
Confirm with the glass tile manufacturer that the glass tile is suitable for use in wet areas and can
be installed directly over a bonded waterproofing membrane such as KERDI.
Check with the glass tile manufacturer and setting materials manufacturer for setting materials
recommendations.
Mounted Mosaic Glass Tiles
Similar challenges as ceramic and porcelain mounted mosaic tiles. See mounted mosaic tiles
section under ceramic and porcelain tile.
1
Schluter Systems' modified thin-set mortars, including Schluter ALL-SET
TM
and Schluter FAST-SET
TM
, have been specifically formulated to set
and gain strength in a timeframe that fits typical installation practice, even when sandwiched between Schluter
®
membranes or boards and
porcelain tile. The use of other manufacturer's modified thin-set mortars and epoxy setting materials to bond tile to KERDI, KERDI-DS, and
KERDI-BOARD will not void the respective product and system warranties, provided that the KERDI, KERDI-DS, and KERDI-BOARD are
installed according to Schluter Systems’ installation instructions, Schluter Systems will continue to guarantee the performance of the products.