Are you looking for perfect under-tile decoupling systems for tile and natural stone installations? Strata Mat and Ditra are the top two choices you can consider for this purpose.
But which one is better: Strata Mat vs. Ditra? Though both membranes have excellent quality, some noticeable differences exist between these two options—read out this post to learn them.
Quick Comparison Between Strata Mat And Ditra
Check out this comparison table to briefly understand how Strata Mat differs from Schluter Ditra.
| Specification | Strata Mat | Schluter Ditra |
| Materials | Uncoupling membranes | Polyethylene Membrane |
| Waterproofing capacity | Not available | Excellent |
| Minimal Drying time | 16 hours | 12 hours |
| Price | More affordable | A little pricey |
| Warranty | Lifetime System Warranty | Lifetime System Warranty |
| Suitable to use | plywood/ OSB, concrete, gypsum, heated floor | wall and floor coverings |
| Durability | 20 to 30 years | 25 to 40 years |
Primary Differences Between Ditra And Strata Mat
- Materials
Strata Mat is mainly one type of Uncoupling membrane, which effectively absorbs different substrate movement.
The membrane generally prevents the transformation of stress to the tile layer.
As a result, tiles stay in a stable position without cracking or becoming loose.
On the other hand, Schluter Ditra is made of Polyethylene Membrane, which is impact and corrosion-resistant.
Additionally, they are uncomplicated to clean, so you don’t have to concern about messing up. Plus, this membrane is eco-friendly. You can easily create massive structures using this product.
- Price
Regardless of the tiling option you choose, it needs a decent budget. However, you want to consider its quality so that they don’t crack within a short time.
Compared to Schluter Ditra, Strata Mat is a more affordable option. The minimum per square feet cost for Strata Mat is around $130, and the maximum can be $200 or more.
On the contrary, Schluter Ditra has a slightly lower price. Their minimum per square feet cost can be approximately $120, and the maximum will be around $160.
So, Schluter Ditra is comparatively a budget-friendly option than the other.
- Suitable To Use
Not all membranes are suitable to use in all tiling options because they are designed for a specific purpose.
So, when to use Strata matting?
Strata Mat is mainly suitable for plywood/ OSB, concrete, gypsum, heated floor, cement mortar, backer board, etc.
Uncoupling membranes create rigid bonding. So, various substrate movements won’t cause any cracking issues in concrete.
Wondering when to use Ditra matting? You can conveniently use Schluter Ditra for wall and floor coverings. It is suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
This type of membrane is mainly used to create a barrier that will prevent moisture from going from one side to another. They also stop damaging water leakage.
- Waterproofing Capacity
Strata Mat doesn’t have any waterproofing properties, so you must cover them with tile. After all, they are designed to use a waterproofing membrane.
In contrast, Schluter Ditra has impressive waterproofing properties, which can protect your bathroom or kitchen floor from liquids. It will stop any penetration or damage.
So top of the tile won’t have issues from the direct moisture exposure.
- Drying Time
Quicker drying makes the entire task faster, but you also need to consider how effective the drying is. The membrane should perfectly adhere to the upper till perfectly so that they don’t crack easily.
Compared to Strata Mat, Schluter Ditra has a faster drying time. Schluter Ditra takes a minimum of 12 hours for drying.
However, the curing may increase if there is a lower temperature. The ideal temperature for this membrane is 70° F (21° C).
On the other hand, the minimum curing time for Strata Mat is around 16 hours, which can be extended up to 24 hours. This generally depends on the temperature fluctuation and your application method before and after grout.
- Durability
Since a membrane is a long-term investment, we want it to last several decades.
But our household lifestyle and maintenance approach will affect its durability.
Generally, Schluter Ditra can last around 25 and 40 years if you have applied it professionally.
However, continuous excessive moisture exposure may degrade its quality over time.
Just the opposite, Strata Mat can last easily 20 to 30 years. But you must install them correctly to prevent moisture from letting inside the underside areas.
Otherwise, their adhesive quality will become weaker since they aren’t waterproof.
Which One Will Be The Best Fit For Your House?
Both membranes have a decent quality. You first must decide where you want to use it. Then, it will be easy-going to choose.
Strata Mat is a great option to consider if you want to use it for plywood/ OSB/OSB, concrete, gypsum, and heated floor. It can provide impressive vapor management and Instant coverage verification without lifting and verifying.
But if you want an excellent waterproofing membrane that can withstand a more significant load, Schluter Ditra appears a better pick. You can use them for wall and floor coverings since they have incredible Adhesive Properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Strata Mat does not have waterproofing properties. You need to cover them with compatible tile to prevent any wear-out on the floor surface. So, you need to put extra effort into installing it precisely to avoid cracking issues in the future.
Schluter Ditra has excellent waterproofing properties. It is reliable to use. You can use them for both external and internal purposes. It can ensure no harm for the upper tile from moisture penetration due to its polyethylene composition.
Using Ditra over concrete will provide great insulation for the concrete slab and reduce the effect of exposure to temperature and moisture changes. But make sure you have moisture proofed to avoid the tile and grout becoming loose.
People generally use uncoupling membranes to lay tile over concrete. This will protect the concrete from temperature and humidity changes. Hence, shrinkage of concrete won’t deteriorate its tile floor over time.
Yes, Schluter Ditra has waterproof properties. This membrane includes polypropylene, making the installation task easier and simpler. You just need to ensure a proper seal for seams and floor/wall connections.
Final Thought
So, which option have you finally chosen between Strata Mat vs. Ditra? Though both items are good, they are not intended to use for the same purposes. When using a particular one, make sure it is compatible with your tiling surface.
Otherwise, they will crack and have damages within a short period.
But when you have the option to choose a tiling option, Schluter Ditra is a better option than Strata Mat. They are lightweight, easy to install, and take minimal effort for simple installation.
However, spending a little more money is necessary to install Schluter Ditra for any tile flooring.