OSB boards have been used since 1963. Therefore, do not be surprised when you find this material used as the subfloor of your home.
OSB, known as Oriented Strand Board, is made of several layers of wood strands bonded using adhesives. On the surface, OSB may look fragile. But it’s pretty strong, which is why it is commonly used on floors.
There are different types of OSB, from OSB1 to OSB3. The latter is ideal for structural and load-bearing applications such as floors.
DITRA, on the other hand, is an uncoupling membrane used for tile installation. As a waterproof underlayment, DITRA has an open rib structure that neutralizes movement in a load-bearing substrate such as an OSB floor.
Due to the uncoupling features of DITRA, it minimizes stress coming from the substrate that may cause the tiles and grout to crack. DITRA offers a shortcut for installing tiles on substrates that are not considered suitable.
Is It Okay to Install DITRA Over OSB?
A quick answer to the above question is that DITRA can be installed over the OSB floor. Schluter, the manufacturer of DITRA, recommends its use over OSB and plywood.
So, it is safe to install DITRA over OSB. Besides Schluter’s recommendation, several experts have used DITRA as an uncoupling membrane for tile installation over OSB.
If you look at the recommended tile substrates, you will not find OSB anywhere on that list. Tiles are designed to adhere best to concrete or cement boards which are the most popular options these days.
Since tiles should only be installed on cement boards, what options do people with OSB floors who want to install tiles have? That is where the DITRA uncoupling membrane comes in.
OSB, though slightly different from plywood, it is still a wood product. That means it will expand and shrink when exposed to water or moisture.
Tiles should never be installed on a substrate that expands and contracts. This movement is what causes the tiles and grout to crack.
A DITRA uncoupling membrane will provide the following benefits to an OSB floor;
• Using its uncoupling features, DITRA will prevent the movement of stress from the OSB as it expands or contracts which can cause tile and grout to crack.
• DITRA will prevent OSB from water damage. Even though OSB3 can be used in humid areas. It can still feel the effects of excess moisture exposure. That can be mitigated by using DITRA’s waterproofing capabilities.
• DITRA will also support load distribution. This is very important for OSB boards that are used as floors.
Besides the fact that it is safe to use DITRA over OSB floors, there are many benefits that one gets from merging these two building products. Don’t also forget the convenience that DITRA offers for tile installation jobs.
Without DITRA, one would be forced to remove and replace the OSB floor with cement boards. Something which would consume a lot of time and money.
How to Install DITRA Over OSB?
Now that you know DITRA can be used over OSB, it’s time to learn how to do it. Below is a quick guide on the installation of DITRA over OSB.
Step 1 – Clean Up the OSB Floor
The first and most obvious step is to clean the OSB floor. This includes dirt and dust. You can use a vacuum for that job. To ensure the floor is clean, wipe it with a wet sponge.
Step 2 – Cut the DITRA Into Smaller Sizes
On the clean OSB floor, measure and cut the DITRA, ensuring that it fits perfectly. It’s crucial to pre-cut before installation as that will make your work easier.
You only need a pair of scissors to cut the DITRA uncoupling membrane. Ensure the pieces are big enough to fit the entire OSB subfloor.
Step 3 – Mix Up the Thinset
The thinset will help bond the DITRA to the OSB. It’s now time to get messy. Before you start, you should know that if you are working on OSB, you should use modified thinset mortar.
It’s essential to use the recommended products to avoid disasters. Mix up the thinset with water until you get your desired consistency. It shouldn’t be too thin or too thick.
Step 4 – Grab Your Trowel and Install the Modified Thinset
When assembling products for this project, you should look for a V-notched trowel. I will explain why you should use the V-notched trowel. Schluter recommends different sizes. Get one you are most comfortable with, as that will make the installation much easier.
Using the flat side of the trowel, work the thinset on the OSB floor. Once it’s flat, please turn to the V-notched side and trowel it so that you see grooves on the surface. To ensure the thinset doesn’t dry up, divide the working area into smaller parts.
Step 5 – Install the DITRA Over the Thinset
You can now lay the DITRA over the thinset. A rubber float can make your work much easier. You can use one to work the DITRA into the thinset.
Repeat until you are sure the DITRA has adhered to the thinset. You can slightly lift one of the edges to check on the progress. As for the seams, they can be sealed with Kerdi Band.
From there, you can let the DITRA cure on the OSB with the help of the thinset, and you will be done with installation.
In Which Areas Should DITRA Be Installed Over OSB?
DITRA should be used over OSB floors in areas where you wish to tile. Because of the benefits mentioned above, DITRA is perfect for surfaces about to be tiled over.
In that case, you can use DITRA in kitchens and showers with OSB floors. If you intend to install another type of floor, such as hardwood, there is no need for DITRA.
Will OSB Suck Moisture from the Mortar Used to Install DITRA?
OSB boards are good at sucking in moisture. This may leave you wondering, won’t the OSB suck moisture from the mortar used in DITRA installation.
Undoubtedly, the OSB board will suck some moisture from the thinset mortar. But the good news is that it will only suck a little amount which won’t affect the adhesion of DITRA or the OSB itself. That’s because the thinset, once applied, cures very quickly.
When discussing the steps of installing DITRA over OSB, we mentioned that you should mix up the thinset so that it’s not too thick or thin.
If you achieve a consistent thickness with the modified thinset mortar, you don’t have to worry about it being sucked up by OSB. This doesn’t have to be a cause for concern.
Won’t DITRA Raise the Height of the OSB Floor?
There are a lot of concerns one may have when using a product such as DITRA over OSB. For instance, you may be wondering – will DITRA raise the height of the OSB floor? If it will, that can complicate issues such as opening doors.
DITRA has a thickness of 1/8”. It’s relatively thin. Therefore, it really won’t raise the OSB floor very high.
DITRA Alternatives that Can Be Used on OSB Floor
A bunch of products can be used over an OSB floor. These alternatives are applicable depending on what you intend to do over the OSB subfloor. Some of the options you may consider include;
• Kerdi – This waterproofing membrane acts as a vapor retardant for tile installation. Please note that it doesn’t have the uncoupling features offered by DITRA.
• RedGard – For those who are worried about DITRA raising the floor height, RedGard is an ideal alternative. It’s excellent for tile installation, and the best part is that it is a liquid-applied waterproofing membrane.