Floor City USA is proud to stock Thinset Mortars from Merkrete
Thinset mortar is a blend of cement, very finely graded sand, and a water retention compound that allows the cement to properly hydrate. Tile set by the thinset method is adhered to the substrate with a thin layer of "thinset" cement. The terms thinset cement, thinset mortar, dryset mortar, and drybond mortar are synonymous. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick. For example, a 3/8" notch trowel will produce a 3/16th inch thick coating after the tiles are pressed in to the cement. While very minor adjustments in height can be made, this method is not appropriate for adjusting the level or flatness of a surface - rather the tile will follow the plane of the substrate.
Thinset applications are less expensive and typically faster to install than mortar bed applications. However, as the tile is bonded directly to the substrate, any variation or movement in the substrate can affect the tile. Also, there are many types of polymer-modified thinsets on the market allowing the specifier the opportunity to match the thinset properties with the project requirements. In many mortar bed installations, the mortar bed will be allowed to cure and then polymer-modified thinset will be used to bond the tile.