Best thinset for 18x18 Porcelain tiles in shower

[bradyc5562]

No problem I'm sure they will, thanks! I think what I'll do is regular Versabond for the pebble floor and versabond LFT for the 18x18 on the walls unless that's a dumb idea...

[cx]

I would personally use the regular VersaBond for everything in the shower, but there will be disagreement about that.

I would not care about the thixotropic properties because I would be using spacers, probably wedge-type, with the wall tiles, anyway. And if the tiles were reasonably flat and my walls were flat, I would not be concerned with the extra thickness capabilities.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[bradyc5562]

hmmm that's a good point also...

[Tiger Mountain Tile Inc]

You can use the LFT for everything, including the shower floor.

[bradyc5562]

Thanks. hmmm Versabond or versabond LFT for the whole shower... not sure what to go with....

[bradyc5562]

Hey guys another question. I'm doing 18x18 porcelain tiles on the wall with a 1/8 inch gap and semi-flat pebbles on the floor (as seen above). Am I right to assume I need to use sanded grout? What's a great grout (using a gray color, buying at home depot)? and last I've heard I need to seal the pebbles after they are adhered to the shower floor but before grout. is this correct? Thanks in advance!

[cx]

With 1/8th or greater grout joints, you'd want a sanded grout, Brady. Actually, I prefer a sanded grout until the joints are so small I just can't force it in there.

Lots to choose from and knowing what brands are available to you would help. A great grout? Well....... In the Custom line, available at Homer's, Prism gets good reviews here.

I would not recommend sealing the shower floor at all. If you're concerned with grout staining the stones during grouting, I'd recommend a grout release before grouting.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[bradyc5562]

Thanks. Looks like I have the choice of Polyblend Plus and Prism..

[Kman]

I would say "not Polyblend".

[bradyc5562]

Is Prism hard to work with? Its sounds like it hardens super fast.

[Davy]

I used Prism as my go to grout for a couple years before I realized it's (supposed to be) a fast setting grout. Mix a small batch at first and see how it works for you. I find it very easy to work with.

Let the grout acclimate and mix with cool water. Have everything ready before mixing.

[cx]

I've used a lot of Polyblend (dunno what the Plus might be) over the years. Certainly possible to have color consistency problems sometimes, 'specially with the darker browns and grays. Other times it comes out just fine. Bit of a crapshoot, even when using distilled water and being very, very careful with your mixing. But it is easy to use.

I've not used the Prism, but those who are regular users do say it's pretty quick to set. This can be either a good thing or a not-so-good thing, depending upon your application and your capabilities, which would improve with experience with the product. I need to try that stuff sometime so I can be better informed.

[Edit] I see Davy slipped in there while I was typing. He could be described as a heavy user of the stuff and reports good results.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[CaliGrown]

Vera bond LFT is a good blend. I also like Prolite, my current go to for most everything I set now.

Prism is a good grout, you can break the each bag down to a third or less depending on what you can cover in a given time. Humidity, Heat, Water and Tile all come into play with any cement product kicking off. I manage with Prism and Mapei’s FA with our uncovered pools in CA. Batch size and temp. management go a long way. Shaded bag storage, ice cold water buckets and bucket lids. Also if you keep agitating the grout as it hardens it’ll bring it back before becoming a rock

[Davy]

A few years ago we grouted a patio in the middle of July and it was partially in the sun. It set up faster than usual of course but we were still able to get it cleaned up without a problem. Seems like we spread about 50-60 sq ft at a time.

[bradyc5562]

Thanks guys. I'm doing the Prism grout tonight. I'm thinking one bag will do the walls and one bag for the pebble floor knowing the floor will take much more grout. That sound about right? ..I'm concerned about the time constraint so I think I'll mix up only half or maybe even a third of one bag first and see how it goes...