What is the thickness range for a moderate mortar bed?

The thickness range for a moderate mortar bed is accurately represented by the range of 1 3/4 inches to 2 1/2 inches. This thickness is typically specified to ensure proper support and stability for tile installations, as well as to allow for adequate drainage. Moderately thick mortar beds provide a good balance of durability and workability, which is essential in applications where tiles need to withstand significant loads or where slight irregularities in the substrate exist.

In contrast, values outside the specified range might not meet the criteria for a moderate mortar bed. For instance, thicknesses falling below this range may not provide sufficient strength or could lead to cracking, while significantly thicker beds could introduce issues with weight distribution and drying times. Therefore, the choice of a 1 3/4-inch to 2 1/2-inch thickness aligns with industry standards for moderate mortar beds within the context of ANSI tiling standards.