Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Need tires? Check out the Terra Grappler G3's! bit.ly/4jUSeV1
For Cost Info, check out my Blog! atimprovements.com/how-to-install-a-schluter-ditra-heat-heated-tile-flooring-system-from-start-to-finish-diy
Below are the tools and materials I used to Installed the Heated Tile Floor in my Kitchen:
Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT membrane: amzn.to/3YKBk2O
Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT Membrane Primer (for plywood subfloor): amzn.to/4mfnKOU
Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT heating cables: amzn.to/4mdmvji
Thermostat for DITRA-HEAT system: amzn.to/3H63Plm
Modified thin-set mortar (ANSI A118.11 for plywood, A118.1 for DITRA): amzn.to/3F04K6p
12"x24" porcelain tiles: allen + roth Earthy Natural Beige 12-in x 24-in Matte Porcelain
Tile leveling spacers: amzn.to/42UO1KT
Grout (sanded or unsanded, depending on joint width): amzn.to/42WeGH9
Grout and Tile Sealer (optional, depending on plywood condition): amzn.to/458lAdP
Digital multimeter (to test cable resistance): amzn.to/43f23po
Trowels (1/2"x1/2” square notch trowel): amzn.to/4iY0hPl
Utility knife (to cut the membrane): amzn.to/4klaZRb
Mixing bucket(s) - Just grab these at your local big box store.
Drill with Mixer: amzn.to/43fMRsq
Tile Snap Cutter: amzn.to/3F7Nooa
Angle Grinder and Tile Cutting Wheel: amzn.to/3GMPoTo & amzn.to/3GRKAvY
Grout float: amzn.to/45avYSm
Rubber mallet: amzn.to/4dfr4Wh
This is Episode 1 in my "Dream Kitchen Remodel" Series and in this video, I am going to be installing the Kitchen Tile Flooring. But this is not just any tile floor. I am going to be installing the Schluter Ditra Heat flooring system which is going to add a touch of comfort and luxury to this job.
Now heated floors like this are typically used in bathrooms. However, my home has a heat pump (not super efficient) and the temperatures drop into the teens in the winter. So I mainly installed this heated flooring system to help heat the main area of my home in the winter. Hopefully, that makes sense.
To Install a Ditra Heat Tile Flooring System, you will want to follow these general steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor
In my kitchen, I had a plywood subfloor that had some thinset mortar stuck to it from the previous kitchen tile removal. Be sure to remove all, mortar, dirt, dust, etc. from your subfloor. Apply a primer (if applicable) for your subfloor for optimal adhesion.
Step 2: Install the Uncoupling Membrane
Schluter makes a bunch of different uncoupling membrane types, but I went with the Peel and Stick Sheets (since that seemed to be the easiest to install). Simply peel off the plastic and then press the adhesive backing into the subfloor.
Step 3: Ditra Heat Electrical and Cable Installation.
I had the electrical work for my heated flooring system installed by a licensed electrician. Essentially, you will want a dedicated circuit run from your electrical panel to your thermostat location. Additionally, you will want to run a conduit from the thermostat box to the base of the floor so that you can run the heating cables and temperture sensor wires up to the thermostat from the floor. To install the heating cable, simply press it within the "knobs" in the membrane being sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for grid spacing, etc. Lastly, install the temperature sensors within the grid.
Step 4: Install the Tiles
With the heating cables installed, mix up your thinset mortar and apply it to the membrane with a trowel. I used 12"x24" tile for my kitchen, so I used a 1/2" square notch trowel. Apply the trowel lines perpendicular to the tiles longest side and then press the tile into the mortar. Don't forget to "back-butter" the back of the tile. Install spacers, leveling clips, etc. as needed. Cut the tiles using an angle grinder or a tile saw / snap cutter.
Step 5: Grout and Seal the Tiles
After the tiles have been installed apply grout to the gaps and seal the grout to prevent staining in the future.
Step 6: Test the System and Enjoy
Finally, adjust the floor temperature on the thermostat and test everything out.
Overall, a heated tile kitchen floor is an awesome luxury feature that be a huge upgrade for any home!
Schluter Resources:
Installing Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT-PS/-DUO-PS Peel and Stick Membrane: youtube.com/watch?v=22gUUs0x60M&t=2s
Installing Schluter®-PRIMER-PS: Primer for Peel and Stick Membranes: youtube.com/watch?v=_5YwOwAAZi0
Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/atimprovements
Check out my Blog: Atimprovements.com
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel ⬇️ youtube.com/c/AndrewThronImprovements?sub_confirmation=1
*All content on the Andrew Thron Improvements YouTube channel reflects my own opinions. Please seek out guidance of professionally trained and licensed individuals before making any decisions. Links in the description may be affiliate links.
Need tires? Check out the Terra Grappler G3's! bit.ly/4jUSeV1
For Cost Info, check out my Blog! atimprovements.com/how-to-install-a-schluter-ditra-heat-heated-tile-flooring-system-from-start-to-finish-diy
Below are the tools and materials I used to Installed the Heated Tile Floor in my Kitchen:
Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT membrane: amzn.to/3YKBk2O
Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT Membrane Primer (for plywood subfloor): amzn.to/4mfnKOU
Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT heating cables: amzn.to/4mdmvji
Thermostat for DITRA-HEAT system: amzn.to/3H63Plm
Modified thin-set mortar (ANSI A118.11 for plywood, A118.1 for DITRA): amzn.to/3F04K6p
12"x24" porcelain tiles: allen + roth Earthy Natural Beige 12-in x 24-in Matte Porcelain
Tile leveling spacers: amzn.to/42UO1KT
Grout (sanded or unsanded, depending on joint width): amzn.to/42WeGH9
Grout and Tile Sealer (optional, depending on plywood condition): amzn.to/458lAdP
Digital multimeter (to test cable resistance): amzn.to/43f23po
Trowels (1/2"x1/2” square notch trowel): amzn.to/4iY0hPl
Utility knife (to cut the membrane): amzn.to/4klaZRb
Mixing bucket(s) - Just grab these at your local big box store.
Drill with Mixer: amzn.to/43fMRsq
Tile Snap Cutter: amzn.to/3F7Nooa
Angle Grinder and Tile Cutting Wheel: amzn.to/3GMPoTo & amzn.to/3GRKAvY
Grout float: amzn.to/45avYSm
Rubber mallet: amzn.to/4dfr4Wh
This is Episode 1 in my "Dream Kitchen Remodel" Series and in this video, I am going to be installing the Kitchen Tile Flooring. But this is not just any tile floor. I am going to be installing the Schluter Ditra Heat flooring system which is going to add a touch of comfort and luxury to this job.
Now heated floors like this are typically used in bathrooms. However, my home has a heat pump (not super efficient) and the temperatures drop into the teens in the winter. So I mainly installed this heated flooring system to help heat the main area of my home in the winter. Hopefully, that makes sense.
To Install a Ditra Heat Tile Flooring System, you will want to follow these general steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor
In my kitchen, I had a plywood subfloor that had some thinset mortar stuck to it from the previous kitchen tile removal. Be sure to remove all, mortar, dirt, dust, etc. from your subfloor. Apply a primer (if applicable) for your subfloor for optimal adhesion.
Step 2: Install the Uncoupling Membrane
Schluter makes a bunch of different uncoupling membrane types, but I went with the Peel and Stick Sheets (since that seemed to be the easiest to install). Simply peel off the plastic and then press the adhesive backing into the subfloor.
Step 3: Ditra Heat Electrical and Cable Installation.
I had the electrical work for my heated flooring system installed by a licensed electrician. Essentially, you will want a dedicated circuit run from your electrical panel to your thermostat location. Additionally, you will want to run a conduit from the thermostat box to the base of the floor so that you can run the heating cables and temperture sensor wires up to the thermostat from the floor. To install the heating cable, simply press it within the "knobs" in the membrane being sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for grid spacing, etc. Lastly, install the temperature sensors within the grid.
Step 4: Install the Tiles
With the heating cables installed, mix up your thinset mortar and apply it to the membrane with a trowel. I used 12"x24" tile for my kitchen, so I used a 1/2" square notch trowel. Apply the trowel lines perpendicular to the tiles longest side and then press the tile into the mortar. Don't forget to "back-butter" the back of the tile. Install spacers, leveling clips, etc. as needed. Cut the tiles using an angle grinder or a tile saw / snap cutter.
Step 5: Grout and Seal the Tiles
After the tiles have been installed apply grout to the gaps and seal the grout to prevent staining in the future.
Step 6: Test the System and Enjoy
Finally, adjust the floor temperature on the thermostat and test everything out.
Overall, a heated tile kitchen floor is an awesome luxury feature that be a huge upgrade for any home!
Schluter Resources:
Installing Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT-PS/-DUO-PS Peel and Stick Membrane: youtube.com/watch?v=22gUUs0x60M&t=2s
Installing Schluter®-PRIMER-PS: Primer for Peel and Stick Membranes: youtube.com/watch?v=_5YwOwAAZi0
Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/atimprovements
Check out my Blog: Atimprovements.com
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel ⬇️ youtube.com/c/AndrewThronImprovements?sub_confirmation=1
*All content on the Andrew Thron Improvements YouTube channel reflects my own opinions. Please seek out guidance of professionally trained and licensed individuals before making any decisions. Links in the description may be affiliate links.
