Setting time for thinset?

Question

I will be laying a new tile floor in my kitchen as part of a lager renovation project. I see that the recommendations are to let the tile set for a bare minimum of 12 hours (24 hours preferred). I need to get back in the kitchen to do other work ASAP - hanging cabinets, finishing drywall, etc. Is the 24 hours sufficient time to permit real use? Thanks.

Answer 1

Walking on thinset before it is cured will cause the tiles to come loose and not stick to the floor.



You must wait until the thinset is dried before walking on it. If yours says 24 hrs. then give it 24 hrs.

Answer 2

I have been setting tile for over 11 years and in the flooring industry for over 30 years. Initial cure time is 8 hours. Full cure in 24 hours. Like any concrete or mortar material, the longer it sits without being interrupted the better and stronger the bond. I would recommend though doing the rest of your renovation first and then tackling the tile. Replacing a tile after it has been busted is a pain in the butt.

Answer 3

Give it the day, don't mess with it.



Is there a particular reason of why you are doing the tile first? In all the years I remodeled kitchens I always tiled last. I find it much easier to cut tile than to scribe the bottom of cabinets to make them sit perfectly on the tile.



Maybe that's just me though.

Answer 4

If the recommendations state 24-hours .... then you MUST wait 24-hours!

Answer 5

yes