VersaBond® HP High Performance Large and Heavy Tile Mortar

Product ID: TDS-458

VersaBond® HP is a commercial-grade, high-performance, polymer-modified mortar designed for large and heavy tile applications. It offers superior bond strength for up to ¾” thick installations. Its non-slump, non-sag formula secures tiles on contact, providing a reliable solution for both horizontal and vertical applications, including floors, walls, pools, and water features. The smooth, creamy texture ensures easy handling and exceptional workability. VersaBond® HP combines high bond strength, ease of use, and durable performance, making it a true universal mortar for any large and heavy tile project.

  • Non-slump
  • Sag and slip resistant – immediately holds wall tiles in place
  • Extended open time formula
  • Smooth and creamy for ease of handling
  • Exceeds ANSI A118.15HET and A118.11 and ISO 13007 C2TES1P1 rated

Coverage Chart

SQUARE FOOT COVERAGE PER 50 LB BAG (SQUARE METER PER 22.68 KG)

Chart for estimating purposes. Coverage may vary based on installation practices and jobsite conditions. For more trowel sizes, please use the material calculator at CustomBuildingProducts.com or contact CUSTOM Technical Services at (800)282-8786.

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 60 sq. ft. (5.6 M²) 67 sq. ft. (6.2 M²)
1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" (13 x 13 x 13 mm) Square-Notch IMPORTANT NOTE BELOW 42 sq. ft. (3.9 M²) IMPORTANT NOTE BELOW 47 sq. ft. (4.4 M²)
0 3/4" × 9/16" × 3/8" (19 × 14 × 9.5 mm) U- Notch @45 angle 34 sq. ft. (3.2 M²) 38 sq. ft. (3.5 M²)
0 3/4" × 9/16" × 3/8" (19 × 14 × 9.5 mm) U- Notch @30 angle 42 sq. ft. (3.9 M²) 47 sq. ft. (4.4 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" (19mm × 14mm × 9.5 mm) U- Notch at a 30° angle provides better coverage between the tile and the substrate and the same coverage area as a ½” notched trowel.

Regardless of the trowel used, 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) or notched-back troweled to achieve proper coverage and mortar support. To meet warranty requirements, 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 back troweling, refer to The National Tile Contractors Association / Reference Manual & Flat Back & Notched Back - Troweling (TileTVS3 22 08)