Custom VersaBond LHT Mortar - 50 lb

Overview

CUSTOM VersaBond-LHT Large and Heavy Tile Mortar - 50 lb., formerly known as VersaBond LFT, is a high-performance, polymer-modified tile setting mortar designed for large-format porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tile installations. Its non-sag, non-slump formulation provides excellent support for large and heavy tile (LHT), helping minimize tile movement and maintain consistent mortar coverage on floors and walls.

Designed for most interior and exterior tile installations, VersaBond-LHT allows for a thicker mortar bed than conventional thin-set mortars, making it ideal for setting large-format tile and suitable natural stone. The mortar supports an embedded bed thickness ranging from 3/32" to 3/4", subject to application requirements.

Exceeding ANSI A118.4HT and A118.11 standards without additional additives, VersaBond-LHT delivers dependable bonding performance over a wide range of approved substrates, including concrete, cement backerboards, compatible waterproofing membranes, and properly prepared exterior-grade plywood in approved interior applications.

Available in Gray and White, this 50 lb. large-format tile mortar is an excellent choice for professional tile installers, contractors, and residential or commercial flooring projects.

Features

• Polymer-modified large and heavy tile (LHT) mortar
• Formerly known as VersaBond LFT
• Designed for large-format porcelain, ceramic, and suitable natural stone tile
• Non-sag, non-slump formulation helps prevent tile movement during installation
• Supports large and heavy tile for flatter, more consistent installations
• Allows thicker mortar beds than conventional thin-set applications
• Suitable for most interior and exterior floor and wall installations
• Exceeds ANSI A118.4HT and A118.11 without additional additives
• Suitable for approved in-floor heating assemblies
• Compatible with a wide variety of properly prepared substrates
• Ideal for professional tile installation and remodeling
• Available in Gray and White

Specifications

• Brand: CUSTOM Building Products
• Product: VersaBond-LHT
• Former Name: VersaBond LFT
• Product Type: Polymer-Modified Large and Heavy Tile Mortar
• Package Size: 50 lb.
• Mortar Classification: ANSI A118.4HT and A118.11
• Embedded Mortar Bed Thickness: 3/32" to 3/4", subject to application limitations
• Application Areas: Interior and Exterior Floors and Walls
• Tile Compatibility: Porcelain, Ceramic, Quarry Tile, Cement Tile, and Suitable Natural Stone
• Available Colors: Gray and White

Approximate Coverage

Coverage is based on a 50 lb. bag and varies depending on trowel size, tile dimensions, substrate condition, and installation technique.

• 1/4" Square-Notch Trowel: 90–100 sq. ft.
• 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" Square-Notch Trowel: 60–67 sq. ft.
• 1/2" Square-Notch Trowel: 42–47 sq. ft. (not recommended by manufacturer)
• 3/4" x 9/16" x 3/8" U-Notch at 45°: 34–38 sq. ft.
• 3/4" x 9/16" x 3/8" U-Notch at 30°: 42–47 sq. ft.

Note: CUSTOM does not recommend using a 1/2" square-notch trowel because its ridge spacing can make full mortar coverage more difficult. A suitable slanted, U-notch, V-notch, or large-format tile trowel that promotes proper ridge collapse is preferred.

Suitable Tile Types

• Porcelain tile
• Ceramic tile
• Quarry tile
• Cement body tile
• Pavers
• Brick and stone veneer
• Cement-based precast terrazzo
• Gauged natural stone tile
• Ungauged natural stone tile
• Vitreous, semi-vitreous, and non-vitreous tile

Suitable Substrates

• Concrete
• Mortar beds
• Masonry
• Portland cement plaster
• WonderBoard Lite and compatible cement backerboards
• RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane
• CUSTOM 9240 Waterproofing and Anti-Fracture Membrane
• RedGard SpeedCoat
• Crack Buster Pro Crack Isolation Membrane
• RedGard Uncoupling Mat
• Substrates treated with MBP Multi-Surface Bonding Primer
• Exterior-grade plywood in approved interior dry applications
• Gypsum wallboard in interior dry areas
• Existing ceramic tile (properly scarified)
• Fully bonded sheet vinyl flooring (properly scarified)
• Plastic laminates (properly scarified)
• Properly prepared cutback adhesive residue

Downloads

Data Sheet
Safety Data Sheet

Applications

Use CUSTOM VersaBond-LHT Large and Heavy Tile Mortar for installing large-format porcelain, ceramic, and suitable natural stone tile over properly prepared, compatible substrates.

Ideal applications include:

• Large-format tile installation
• Large and heavy tile (LHT) installation
• Porcelain floor and wall tile
• Ceramic tile installation
• Natural stone tile installation
• Interior flooring projects
• Exterior tile installations
• Residential and commercial tile work
• Approved heated floor assemblies
• Tile installation over compatible waterproofing and uncoupling membranes

Installation Guidelines

• Select the appropriate trowel size based on tile dimensions, tile warpage, substrate conditions, and required mortar coverage.
• Maintain a continuous embedded mortar bed within the manufacturer's specified thickness limits.
• Achieve a minimum of 80% mortar contact in dry areas and 95% in wet or exterior applications, with all tile edges adequately supported.
• Periodically lift installed tiles to verify proper mortar transfer and coverage.
• Large-format, deeply patterned, or ungauged tile may require additional back-troweling to achieve adequate coverage.
• A non-slump mortar does not replace proper substrate preparation or floor flattening.
• Allow approximately 24 hours before grouting or light foot traffic.
• Allow approximately 7–10 days before heavy traffic, depending on installation conditions and assembly requirements.

Important Installation Notes

• Not recommended for pools or water features.
• Moisture-sensitive or resin-backed natural stone may require a specified epoxy mortar.
• Clear glass tile requires a suitable glass tile mortar.
• Follow all current CUSTOM Building Products installation instructions, substrate preparation requirements, and applicable industry standards.

CUSTOM VersaBond-LHT Large and Heavy Tile Mortar - 50 lb. provides the bonding strength, non-slump support, and versatility required for demanding large-format tile installations. Its polymer-modified formulation makes it a dependable choice for professional contractors installing porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tile in residential and commercial applications.