Product ID: TDS-120
A premium one part formula with the high, fast bond strengths and flexibility to withstand horizontal movement to isolate substrate cracks. For time-critical commercial and residential installations under the most demanding requirements, capable of thin-set or medium bed application up to 3/4″ (19 mm) thick on horizontal surfaces after beat in. Non-slump, medium-bed features provide the ultimate support for large format tile and stone. No need for two part additives to meet high bond and flexibility or compressive strength requirements. The rapid setting formula allows grouting in less than 3 hours, traffic in 4 hours. A 30 lb (13.6 kg) bag covers the same area as a 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of traditional mortar. Use for interior or exterior floors, countertops and walls. Formulated with recycled material contributes to LEED® certification. Exceeds ANSI A118.4, A118.15 and A118.11 without the need for additives.
SQUARE FOOT COVERAGE PER 30 LB BAG (SQUARE METER PER 13.6 KG)
| Trowel Size | Min Coverage | Max Coverage |
| 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" (6 x 6 x 6 mm) Square-Notch | 90 sq. ft. (8.4 M²) | 100 sq. ft. (9.3 M²) |
| 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" (6 x 9.5 x 6 mm) Square-Notch | 63 sq. ft. (5.8 M²) | 70 sq. ft. (6.5 M²) |
| 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" (13 x 13 x 13 mm) Square-Notch | IMPORTANT NOTE BELOW | IMPORTANT NOTE BELOW |
| 3/4" × 9/16" × 3/8" (19 × 14 × 9.5 mm) U-Notch | 36 sq. ft. (3.3 M²) | 40 sq. ft. (3.7 M²) |
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Custom Building Products does not recommend the use of a 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" (13 x 13 x 13 mm) Square-Notched trowel as the ½” spacing between each square notch has been shown to make it more difficult to bed tiles and achieve proper mortar coverage. CUSTOM recommends the use of a trowel design that promotes mortar ridge collapse such as either a deeper, slanted, U-notch, V-notch, or ridged large format trowel when applying thicker amounts of mortar to accommodate tile warpage and back pattern recesses. Applying mortar using a 3/4" × 9/16" × 3/8" (19 × 14 × 9.5 mm) U- Notch at a 300 angle provides better coverage with the same coverage as the ½” notched trowel.
Mortar coverage between the substrate and tile underside is required to be ≥80% for dry areas and ≥95% for wet areas and exteriors with all tile edges properly supported with mortar and in a minimum of 3/32” (2.38 mm) and a maximum of ¾” (19mm) continuous thickness. Note: Larger tiles, tiles with deep underside patterns and ungauged natural stone tiles may require larger notch sizes and may need to be flat back-troweled (formerly back buttered) to achieve proper coverage and mortar support. CUSTOM recommends testing to confirm adequate bonding mortar coverage. CUSTOM recommends testing to confirm adequate bonding mortar coverage.
When back troweling, consider the tile’s underside pattern and depth to estimate thickness and usage to add to your estimate. For achieving proper mortar coverage see the following video: Trowel & Error. (Also available in Spanish and Russian.) For information regarding flat back troweling, refer to The National Tile Contractors Association / Reference Manual Flat & Notch Back-Troweling.
Chart for estimating purposes. Coverage may vary based on installation practices and jobsite conditions. For more sizes, use the material calculator at CustomBuildingProducts.com or contact CUSTOM Technical Services at 800-282-8786.
