Floor areas

The best way to avoid tile cracks is to lay an intermediate layer between the floor covering and the substrate. Attaching the ceramic or natural stone flooring directly to the underlying surface (i.e. the substrate) is generally not a good idea. This is because the substrate has different material properties than tiling or natural stone. The different materials expand and contract to varying degrees when the temperature in the room changes. The stress that builds up between these two layers can then result in unattractive cracks, especially in the case of large-format tiles.

It is therefore important to separate the movement of the substrate from the tiling with a so-called uncoupling mat. The mat is laid between the substrate and tiling to allow each layer to expand and contract independently. Schlüter-Systems invented the uncoupling of ceramic coverings – our Schlüter-DITRA has been used worldwide as a reliable uncoupling membrane for tiled floors since 1987.

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT combines electric floor heating with the functions and advantages of DITRA to enable tiling that is as warm and comfortable as it is long-lasting.

Schlüter-DITRA-DRAIN, the world's first and only capillary-passive composite drainage and uncoupling system, also ventilates the entire covering and thus enables safe installation of large-format tiles and pavers, even in outdoor areas.

Tiles and natural stone are ideal for bathrooms or wet rooms, as these floor coverings are not only durable and easy to clean, but also allow for a timeless design. However, tiles and natural stone do not in themselves constitute a waterproof surface. These materials and their associated joints are only water-repellent, which means that moisture can still penetrate over time. Inadequate waterproofing in bathrooms and wet rooms can have serious consequences not only for the rooms themselves but also for the entire building.

In order to achieve waterproofing, tiles and natural stone require an appropriately prepared substrate before they are laid. This is done in the form of waterproofing membranes which, when properly installed, prevent water from penetrating for the entire lifespan of the installation. With our Schlüter-KERDI and -DITRA product families, we offer waterproof solutions that effectively and reliably eliminate moisture when used in combination. Our tried and tested DITRA uncoupling membrane not only offers all-round protection for your tiled or natural stone floors, it is also the product of choice for waterproofing floors. In combination with our other system components, such as KERDI-KEBA for joints and transitions between the floor and wall, or KERDI-KERECK developed specifically for corners, we offer waterproofing for all difficult areas of the floor.

If you're looking to waterproof walls in particular, you can find more information about KERDI on our Wall areas page.

Tiled floors are easy to maintain, but require adequate protection to ensure durability. Our Schlüter-SCHIENE baseboards (also called profiles) are designed to prevent tile edges from chipping and cracking. They also provide a smooth, attractive transition without trip hazards between floor coverings of the same height. If the adjacent floor coverings are of different heights, we recommend using our transition profiles from the Schlüter-RENO series.

All buildings and their materials expand and contract when the temperature changes. This must be compensated for by installing movement joints to prevent tiles from cracking under the load. There are many factors to consider when deciding where to install movement joints, and we will be happy to advise you on your project. Whether connection, edge or construction joints – the Schlüter DILEX range includes various types of movement joints for different applications.

The edges of stairs are exposed to strong mechanical loads and pose a high risk of injury if not executed properly. The Schlüter-TREP range of stair edge profiles has a slip-resistant design and excellent visibility. It improves safety and also offers retrofitting options if the cladding has already been completed.

And if you are using resilient coverings such as PVC, LVT, design flooring or vinyl instead of tiles or natural stone, you can also optimally protect the edges of such coverings with our profiles from the Schlüter-VINPRO range.