Bondera TileMatSet

• Distributed by W.R. Grace & Co.
• 888-862-8738; www.bonderatilematset.com
• Cost: $39 for a 1-ft. by 10-ft. roll

Few products out there offer users the best solution for every situation, but most have their place. And so it is with Bondera.

Made for the do-it-yourselfer, Bondera is a self-bonding sheet membrane that eliminates the need for thinset or mastic in tilework. The membrane is easy to use: Pull off the plastic shield on the back side of the sheet and press down; it bonds immediately to almost any substrate. To apply tile to the surface, simply peel off the protective-plastic top sheet starting from the corner. Apply tiles lightly to the tacky surface. Once a tile is in the preferred position and properly aligned, simply press harder for a stronger bond. Grouting can be done right away and should be done within eight hours of placing the tiles. Bondera can be used in light residential applications, such as on backsplashes and some counters. It’s sold through Lowe’s home-improvement stores.

For all its usefulness in the kitchen, however, I would not use Bondera in showers and tub enclosures, not only because of the direct exposure to water, but because of vapor transmission, which penetrates shower-stall materials more readily than water spray itself. Water damage can be extensive as well as expensive. To avoid job failure, setting materials used in these areas must meet ASTM standards. More information on these standards can be found in the Tile Council of North America’s Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation (www.tileusa.com).

I think Bondera is a wonderful product to use on small projects, such as decorative tables, or on sample boards for tile stores or installers. For this purpose, the mat works particularly well with mosaic tiles or other tiles that measure 6 in. or less. For art and craft projects, I’m sure its uses are limitless. Used in the right place, Bondera TileMatSet is a great product—it just takes a little creativity.