The Miami Sandwich: A Casual Breakdown of This Tile Installation Method

Frederick M Hueston  StoneForensics.com

Hey there! Let’s talk about a tile installation technique called the Miami Sandwich. It’s like a classic story where something old gets a new twist. Originally from the world of masonry and brickwork, tile installers adopted this method to tackle those pesky uneven floors. They had good intentions, aiming to flatten or level the tile during installation. But, just like in any story, there’s a twist. Despite its best efforts, this method has a few drawbacks, and sometimes, it doesn’t quite hit the mark, especially when it comes to including those all-important membranes.

Here’s how it goes down: The first step is spreading thin-set mortar directly on the substrate. Think of it as painting the floor with a special glue. Some folks use the notched side of a trowel for this – kind of like how you might spread peanut butter on bread. Next up, they bring in the mortar stucco mix. This part’s pretty fun – they slap it on the floor in clumps or rows with a spade trowel. It’s like making little hills or valleys to even things out and support those big, hefty tiles.

The final touch? Another layer of thin-set mortar, but this time it’s slapped on the back of the tiles. It’s like giving each tile its own little coat before it braves the cold floor.

Now, with all three layers ready, the tile gets nestled into the stucco mortar. While doing this, they use a level to make sure everything’s as flat as a pancake. And then, the grand finale – a rubber mallet comes into play. It’s like a gentle nudge (or a firm whack, depending on your style) to get the tile sitting just right.

You might think this requires the skills of a seasoned pro, especially with all the leveling and mallet action. But here’s the catch: it’s actually pretty straightforward. Sure, these installers are using levels and look all professional, but in reality, this method is kind of like taking the best parts of a mud installation and, well, tossing them out the window.

Don’t get me wrong, you can definitely end up with a super flat floor. But when it comes to handling movement, offering strong bonding, or fitting in those membranes that really tie the whole floor together? That’s where the Miami Sandwich falls a bit short. It’s like making a sandwich without the right condiments – it’ll fill you up, but it won’t be the best sandwich you’ve ever had.