Tile Floor Installation in Terre Haute, IN (800 Sq Ft Wood-Look Plank Tile + Schluter Ditra)

We completed an approximately 800 sq ft tile floor installation in Terre Haute, Indiana using a Schluter underlayment system designed to help tile floors perform over time. The homeowner wanted a clean, modern “wood floor” look with the durability and water resistance of tile, installed throughout the main living areas for a consistent finish.

This case study covers the scope, substrate prep, Schluter Primer U + Ditra installation, layout strategy for 48” x 9” plank tile, and the quality checks we use to reduce lippage and improve long-term performance.

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Quick Answer

If you want a durable, low-maintenance floor that looks like hardwood, wood-look plank tile installed over Schluter Ditra is a strong option, especially when the floor is properly prepped and the underlayment is installed to Schluter specs. For this Terre Haute project, we installed around 800 sq ft of 48” x 9” wood-effect tile over Schluter Primer U + Ditra to help manage minor movement and support a flatter, longer-lasting tile surface.

If you’re comparing quotes for tile floor installation in Terre Haute, the biggest cost drivers are subfloor prep/flattening, demo, underlayment choice (like Ditra), and the amount of cutting around doorways and transitions. We can give a clear estimate after a quick walkthrough and a few photos. For help planning your project, see our tile installation services page and request a quote for your home in Terre Haute.

Project Overview

Location: Terre Haute, IN
Project type: Whole-home/continuous flooring (main areas)
Total area: ~800 sq ft
Tile selected: 48” x 9” wood-look plank tile
Underlayment system: Schluter Primer U + Schluter Ditra uncoupling membrane
Goal: A continuous wood-look tile floor with strong performance and clean transitions

The Homeowner’s Goals

• Create one consistent floor look through the home instead of multiple flooring types
• Choose a surface that handles daily wear better than many wood or laminate products
• Reduce the risk of future tile issues by using a proven uncoupling membrane system
• Keep lines straight and visuals clean with large-format plank tile

Why We Recommended Schluter Ditra for This Tile Floor

Large-format plank tile looks great, but it can be less forgiving if the floor isn’t properly prepped. Schluter Ditra is an uncoupling membrane that helps tile assemblies handle minor movement in the substrate. The goal is a tile system that performs better over time, especially in areas where floors can see seasonal changes, traffic, and everyday use.

On projects like this in Terre Haute, we like Ditra because it helps:

• Support a more reliable tile assembly over common subfloor conditions
• Reduce stress transfer from the substrate to the tile layer
• Provide a consistent bonding surface when installed correctly
• Improve the overall “system approach” instead of relying on tile and grout alone

(As with any system, the details matter: proper prep, correct mortar selection, coverage, and installation technique.)

This project is a good example for homeowners who want a wood-look tile floor that’s built for long-term performance, especially if you’re installing tile across large continuous areas and want an underlayment system that helps manage minor movement in the floor.

Scope of Work

1) Subfloor evaluation and prep

Before underlayment goes down, we verify the substrate is appropriate for tile. On tile floor installations, prep quality matters as much as the tile itself.

Typical checks and prep steps include:

• Inspecting the subfloor condition and fastening (tightening where needed)
• Addressing squeaks or movement
• Checking for flatness concerns that can cause lippage with plank tile
• Cleaning and removing dust/debris so primers and mortars bond correctly

2) Primer application (Schluter Primer U)

For this project we applied Schluter Primer U to support proper bonding as part of the Schluter system approach. Primer application is about creating the right surface conditions for the next layer, especially when you need consistent adhesion across a larger area.

Key focus points:

• Even coverage
• Correct dry/cure time before proceeding
• Clean surface conditions (no dust contamination after priming)

3) Installing Schluter Ditra (uncoupling membrane)

After the primer stage, we installed Schluter Ditra across the floor area.

What we focus on during Ditra installation:

• Mortar selection and mixing to manufacturer requirements
• Consistent trowel technique
• Full contact between Ditra fleece and the substrate
• Proper seam alignment and tight fitting around edges/obstacles
• Avoiding voids or loose sections that could affect tile support

This is one of the biggest “case study” takeaways: Ditra is not just a product, it’s a method. Installation quality determines performance.

4) Layout planning for 48” x 9” wood-look plank tile

Plank tile requires careful layout to look natural and to reduce visual issues.

For this floor, our layout priorities included:

• Establishing clean reference lines so the pattern stays straight through long runs
• Avoiding small slivers along prominent walls where possible
• Planning transitions at doorways and openings for a clean, intentional look
• Using an offset that suits plank tile (and helps reduce lippage risk)
• Dry-laying key areas to confirm the pattern before full setting begins

5) Setting the plank tile

With large-format wood-look tile, quality is in the details: coverage, spacing, and consistent plane.

We focused on:

• Correct mortar consistency for proper transfer
• Back-buttering as needed to improve coverage
• Controlling lippage with good technique and leveling methods where appropriate
• Keeping grout lines consistent throughout the home for a continuous look
• Cleaning as we go so grout joints and tile faces stay crisp

6) Grout, details, and final finish

After tile was set and ready, we moved into the finishing phase:

• Grouting and cleanup for a uniform appearance
• Addressing edges and transitions so the floor looks “finished,” not patched together
• Final walkthrough and touch-ups

Materials & Specs Used

• Schluter Primer U (bonding/primer layer used per system requirements)
• Schluter Ditra uncoupling membrane underlayment
• Schluter AllSet for adhering Ditra and tile to floor
• 48” x 9” wood-look plank tile installed across ~800 sq ft
• Plank layout planned for clean long runs and consistent grout joints
• Transitions and doorway details finished for a clean, continuous look

Results

The finished floor delivered the homeowner’s goal: a continuous, modern wood-look aesthetic with the toughness of tile.

Notable outcomes:

• A consistent 48” x 9” plank look across the living areas
• Cleaner transitions and a more “one-piece” finished feel throughout the home
• A system-based tile assembly (Primer U + Ditra) designed for performance, not just appearance

Living room before tile is installed

Living room after tile is installed

Bedroom before tiling

Bedroom after tile is installed and also the tiled bathroom we completed previously

Bedroom installing the Ditra

Living room half way through tiling

Living room from the hallway

2nd bedroom half way through tile work

Tile cutter setup on finished tile

Cost Factors for a Project Like This (What Changes the Price)

Every tile floor is different, but these are the biggest drivers:

• Subfloor condition and required prep/flattening
• Total square footage and layout complexity
• Tile size (large-format plank can require more detailed prep and setting)
• Underlayment system choice (Ditra, other membranes, etc.)
• Demo/removal of existing flooring
• Transitions, trim, and doorway details

If you want a fast starting point, we can give a rough range after a few details, but an on-site look is the best way to price it accurately.

Why Homeowners Choose Patriot Property Pros for Tile Installation in Terre Haute

Patriot Property Pros is a local, small team serving Terre Haute and the Vigo County area. We focus on clean installs, clear communication, and a system-based approach, because tile floors should look great now and still be performing years down the road.

We’re also members of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, and we take pride in delivering professional results that local homeowners can trust. Because we’re local to the Terre Haute area, we can typically schedule a walkthrough quickly and provide a clear scope and timeline before work begins.