Schluter Ditra-XL Membrane 7mm (5/16″) 3’3″ x 53’3″ = 175 SF

Schluter DITRA-XL is a 5/16″ (7 mm) thick uncoupling, waterproofing and vapor management membrane made for ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tile floors. This is the full DITRA-XL/175 roll: 3’3″ x 53’3″ (1 m x 16.25 m), covering 175 sq. ft. It is the thicker version of standard DITRA, built for wider joist spacing, greater movement accommodation and even transitions to 3/4″ hardwood.

How it’s sold

• Full roll: $419.00. One uncut roll, 53.25 linear feet long and 3’3″ wide, for 175 sq. ft. of coverage.
• By the linear foot: $7.88 per linear ft. Cut to your length in store from a 3’3″ wide roll. Each linear foot covers about 3.25 sq. ft.

This item is an in-store purchase only and cannot be bought online.

Specifications

• Brand: Schluter
• Item number: DITRA-XL/175
• Roll size: 3’3″ x 53’3″ (1 m x 16.25 m)
• Coverage: 175 sq. ft. (16.25 m²) per roll
• Thickness: 5/16″ (7 mm)
• Material: polyethylene with square, dovetail-cut cavities and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside
• Use: interior only, dry or wet areas
• Minimum tile format: 2″ x 2″

What it does

• Uncoupling: the open rib structure allows in-plane movement, neutralizing differential movement between the substrate and the tile, the major cause of cracked tile and grout.
• Waterproofing: the polyethylene sheet protects moisture-sensitive substrates such as plywood and OSB. For a waterproof assembly, seams and floor/wall junctions are covered with Schluter KERDI-BAND.
• Vapor management: free space under the matting gives excess moisture and vapor a route to escape.
• Load distribution: column-like mortar structures form in the cavities and transfer loads from the tile to the substrate.

Where to use it

According to Schluter, DITRA-XL allows ceramic or porcelain tile over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 24″ o.c. At 5/16″ thick, it creates an even transition between typical 5/16″ tile and 3/4″ hardwood flooring. It is also suited to installations that need greater movement accommodation, such as natural stone and large-format tile. It can go over concrete, plywood, OSB, gypsum, existing vinyl floors, structural planks and radiant heated floors. For natural stone over wood framing, Schluter’s handbook recommends adding a plywood or OSB underlayment layer.

Installation overview

1. Start with a clean, even, load-bearing substrate. Apply a thin-set mortar suitable for the substrate with a 1/4″ x 1/4″ square-notched trowel or the DITRA-XL trowel.
2. Lay DITRA-XL fleece side down and embed it with a float, screed trowel or DITRA-ROLLER. Butt adjacent sheets together.
3. Lift a corner to confirm full contact between the fleece and the mortar.
4. Tile right away. Fill the cavities with Schluter SET, ALL-SET, FAST-SET or unmodified thin-set mortar, then set the tile.

Schluter estimates one 50 lb bag of mortar per 100 sq. ft. to bond DITRA-XL to the substrate. Movement joints, including perimeter joints, are still required. Follow the Schluter DITRA Installation Handbook for complete details.

Care

Once installed, DITRA-XL needs no special maintenance. Care for the tile and grout surface as the tile manufacturer recommends.

FAQ

How is DITRA-XL different from standard DITRA?
DITRA-XL is 5/16″ (7 mm) thick versus 1/8″ for DITRA. It allows ceramic tile over single-layer wood subfloors on joists up to 24″ o.c. (DITRA is rated to 19.2″ o.c.) and offers more movement accommodation.

Do I have to wait for the mortar to cure before tiling?
No. Schluter says tile can be installed over DITRA-XL immediately.

What thin-set should I use over DITRA-XL?
Schluter specifies Schluter SET, ALL-SET, FAST-SET or an unmodified thin-set mortar for setting tile over the membrane.

Can I buy less than a full roll?
Yes. We sell DITRA-XL by the linear foot at $7.88 per linear ft., cut to your length in store.

Can DITRA-XL be used outdoors?
No. Schluter lists DITRA-XL for interior use only, in dry or wet areas.

Visit Builders Surplus in Louisville or Florence, KY, or call ahead to check current availability and have your length cut.