Thinset for 12×24 Porcelain Tiles: Is It the Right Choice for Your Tile Installation?

Everyone is aware that thinset is used to install tiles. What about porcelain tiles that measure 12×24? Since this kind of tile is substantially larger, it’s reasonable to question whether thinset will offer enough adherence.

I’ll be discussing if thinset is the best adhesive to use on porcelain tiles that measure 12×24 inches today. Along with a few suggestions, I’ll also cover a few other things you should know about 12×24 porcelain tile installation.

Is Thinset Compatible with 12×24 Porcelain Tile?

No, you shouldn’t! Thinset is designed to stick to tiles of standard size. The adhesive strength of thinset will be weak when used on porcelain tiles measuring 12×24.

The bigger size of 12×24 tiles indicates that they weigh more. Therefore, some of your tiles may come loose in specific places if you use a standard thinset.

You will eventually have loose 12×24 porcelain tiles, which will result in total failure. Additionally, having loose tiles in your house is dangerous since you never know when they will come free.

Which Thinset Works Best for 12×24 Porcelain Tiles?

Use mastic, a type of mortar, for laying porcelain tiles that measure 12×24. Thinset, mastic, and epoxy mortar are the three primary varieties of mortars. Both are employed in various applications and possess varying degrees of adhesive strength.

Standard-sized tiles are installed with thinset, but 12×24 porcelain tile adheres best to mastic. The majority of people are unaware that mastic has a stronger adhesive than thinset.

As a result, it can carry larger tiles, such as 12×24 tiles, better. Mastic will not separate from 12×24 tiles when it dries, in contrast to thinset. It will not separate from your tiles due to its stronger holding consistency.

In addition to having improved adherence, 12×24 porcelain tiles come in premixed formulae. Because of this, application and preparation are comparatively simple.

What Dangers Come with Using a Thinset on 12 x 24 Porcelain?

Here are some of the risks you can face if you use thinset, which will help you understand why it isn’t appropriate for 12×24 tiles.

• Poor tile leveling: It may be more challenging to get a good level with larger tiles, such as 12×24 tiles, when using a thinset. Your looks may suffer if you wind up with an uneven tile surface.
• Inadequate Coverage: Another issue you can encounter due to the larger size of these tiles is inadequate thinset coverage. Both adhesion and tile loosening may be impacted by the existence of voids behind the tile. Additionally, you can experience issues like tile cracking.
• Slipping tiles during and after installation: The 12×24 porcelain tiles may slip during and after installation due to thinset’s weaker adhesive than mastic. This is unsafe in addition to being a waste of product.

It is advisable to use mastic instead of thinset for 12×24 porcelain tiles due to the numerous hazards involved. This glue adheres firmly to tiles measuring 12×24. As a result, the large size and hefty weight won’t be an issue.

For 12×24 tiles, is modified or unmodified thinset mortar better?

For 12×24 tiles, I would suggest modified thinset mortar for the following reasons.

Modified thinset mortar is rich in additives that improve the mortar’s workability, flexibility, and adhesive strength, in contrast to the unmodified version. Because they are larger and heavier, they are ideal for 12×24 tiles.

It’s a good idea to use a product that is recommended for large porcelain tiles when considering the use of modified or unmodified thinset mortar.

This guarantees that the cement you use will be strong enough to hold onto porcelain tiles measuring 12×24. If not, you can wind up with a thinset that isn’t strong enough for these large tiles.

Does Selecting Thinset for 12×24 Porcelain Tiles Require Expert Assistance?

No. There is absolutely no need to seek expert assistance unless you have already engaged a tiler to install the 12×24 porcelain tiles for you.

According to what I’ve said above, all you have to do is ask for mastic mortar when you stroll into the closest hardware store.

Everything should function flawlessly if you get it home and install your 12 x 24 porcelain tiles. Therefore, there is no need to pay more for professional assistance.

In any case, if you were previously dealing with a certain contractor, they will typically install larger tiles using mastic. However, most do-it-yourselfers make the mistake of asking store employees for advice.

The employee at a Lowe’s or Home Depot store is not an expert in tiling. All they are are salesman. Therefore, they might recommend a standard thinset if you ask them what the best thinset is for porcelain tiles measuring 12×24. Never put all your trust in them.

What are the guidelines for making thinset mortar for porcelain tiles measuring 12×24?

Mastic comes in a premixed bucket if you plan to use it. No preparations are necessary. Simply open it, then begin applying the mastic to the rear of your 12×24 porcelain tiles.

If you have chosen to use thinset, though, your only choice is to take a bucket of water and mix it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Mastic requires no preparation and has superior adhesive strength. Are there any further justifications for using thinset for porcelain tiles measuring 12×24?

How Thick Should 12×24 Porcelain Tile Mastic/Thinset Be?

The recommended thickness for both thinset and mastic is no more than a quarter of an inch. When installing porcelain tile, it’s not a good idea to use too much mortar.

It is also not advised to do the opposite. You can be confident of adequate adherence and coverage as long as the thickness is less than a quarter inch.

Does Thinset Offer Any Other Options for 12×24 Porcelain Tiles?

The dangers of installing larger tiles with a thinset have previously been thoroughly discussed. Additionally, I’ve said that the best mortar for 12×24 tiles is mastic. But are there other options?

The good news is that you don’t have to use thinset and mastic for 12×24; there are plenty of other options. Among them are

• The third type of building mortar that is available on the market is epoxy mortar. Epoxy mortars provide unparalleled adherence, much like mastic. As a result, they will adhere your tiles to their substrates with a strong glue.

Epoxy mortars have the advantage of being moisture-resistant. Therefore, this is the ideal cement to use for laying 12×24 tiles in a high-moisture environment, such as a bathroom. Prior to use, epoxy must be prepared and blended.

• Latex-Modified Mortar: As I previously stated, 12×24 tiles can also be used with modified mortar. Here, however, I am referring to modified mortars that contain latex additives.

Additionally, these mortars forge a solid connection between substrates and bigger tiles. Additionally, this adhesive is incredibly flexible and water-resistant.

• Adhesives Made of Cement for Bigger Tiles: Cement adhesives are made to lay tiny tiles, just like thinset.

For larger tiles, however, some unique cement-based adhesives are designed. These will do wonders for your 12×24 tiles if you can obtain them.

• Adhesives based on polyurethane are ideal for 12×24 tiles that might be subjected to severe loads or significant traffic. Adhesives made of polyurethane are quite durable and can hold tiles together for many years.

Additionally, they can withstand dampness and do well in outdoor spaces or commercial structures that are subjected to large weights and frequent moves.