What can I use to bridge up the difference , when installing thin mosaic glass tiles rows of 4 or 5 between porcelain tiles. Specially in the shower area. Currently I try to get the same thickness. But, it becomes increasingly challenging when the glass tiles are way thinner than the porcelain tile. I build it up with the thin set , but it is too time consuming. I am at the point, when I have to politely refuse the jobs. Any help in this matter would greatly be appreciated .

Thinset is what I use to build up the difference in underlayment heights. I make a screed for the correct thickness of thinset required to set the thinner glass. I set all the feild tile and then set the inserts next day so that I can run the screed over the tile that's already firmed up.
I'm also very fortunate to have access to a very high quality no-sag thinset that works for glass.

Sorry there's no easy answer or faster way to do that type of work. You just need to charge accordingly.

Is there a specific reason why you would refuse that type of install other than some extra labour?

Thanks for your reply. I do about the same. It is that extra labor but, its my fault . I always overlook this factor when providing estimates, and I never adjust my price , once the job is underway.
So I thought there may be a short cut or easier way .Thanks again.

I have found that sometimes you can use strips of Ditra to space thinner mosaics out to the thickness of a thicker porcelain when doing an accent band. Mind you, you may still need to fill in the cavities in the Ditra and let it set-up before you can put the mosaics in, but I find it helps to keep the thickness consistent so it's easier to get the mosaics flat.

Thanks J&D , Never crossed my mind ,thought of everything else but the Ditra . I'll give it a try and post my results.

Well, at last I got to use Ditra to bridge the gap - it worked perfect. Thanks for your advise

What I usually do is spread on a layer of thinset with a 1/4 inch notch. Then I let that set up for 4 hours or so and then set over that. No matter what you do, you can only go up to the glass one day and then continue the next. Non sag helps a lot.

glad to join.










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RC is right, we always use an appropriate screed board to build up the difference between the field tile and in this case glass mosaic tiles to flush out even mwith your walls, no short cuts.

Better late than? I use the the same method as Pistol pete, using a screed and thinset to get the thickness reqired to insure flush installation, If you use ditra,in this case it worked, so next time you might have to use ditra xl, nothing like adjusting your screed board and thin set to fix solve this issue