Meet David, helper to one of our OG installers, Ed.
On a recent job site visit, David was captured on video making a STRONG statement:
“x5 is the Cadillac of Thinsets”
BOOM!!
He then proceeded to explain why he was saying that, equating the thinset to the #2 Pencil, the Dixon Ticonderoga. (Watch the video for full context!)
Some guys have a favorite trowel. Some have a favorite spacer. Some have a favorite knee pad they refuse to retire even though it probably should have been thrown away three years ago.
Looks like Dave may have a favorite thinset.
Him and Ed go back and forth comparing Schluter ALL-SET and Laticrete X5 — two popular thinsets that a lot of installers like for different reasons.
So, who’s right? which one is “The Cadillac of Thinsets”? Let’s unpack!
First, What Is Thinset?
Thinset is the mortar used to bond tile to the surface underneath it. It is one of those products homeowners may not think much about, but installers definitely do.
Why? Because thinset affects how the tile feels while it is being installed, how well it bonds, how much adjustment time you have, and how confident you feel that the tile is going to stay where it belongs.
In other words, thinset is not the pretty part of the project, but it is a very important part.
It is kind of like the bass player in a band. You may not always notice it, but if it is not doing its job, everything feels wrong.
Why Installers Like Schluter ALL-SET
Schluter ALL-SET has a reputation for being really nice to work with.
It has a creamy texture, good stickiness, and a consistency that makes it feel smooth during installation. When you are setting tile all day, that matters more than people might think.
A thinset that mixes well, spreads well, and holds tile nicely can make the job feel cleaner and more controlled.
That is why in the video, ALL-SET gets compared to the Dixon Ticonderoga pencil of thinsets.
A little dramatic? Maybe.
But if you know, you know.
What About X5?
In David’s words, this one is THE CADILLAC …
X5 is also a strong product and has plenty of fans.
It is known for good performance, non-sag qualities, and being useful in different tile applications. For many installers, X5 is a reliable choice that gets the job done well.
It is more about recognizing that different thinsets can feel different in your hands. Some are stickier. Some are creamier. Some are a little harder to work with but perform really well. Some just fit the way a particular installer likes to work.
Tile guys notice these things.
Product Choice Still Depends on the Job
The “best” thinset is not always the same for every project.
The tile size, the substrate, the waterproofing system, the location, the manufacturer requirements, and the installation method all matter.
For example, if we are working within a Schluter shower system, using the right Schluter-approved materials is part of keeping the system consistent and following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
That is one reason we like ALL-SET. It fits well with the waterproofing systems we already trust and use.
But the bigger point is this: thinset should be chosen intentionally. It should not just be whatever bag happened to be closest to the door.
In Conclusion
So, is Schluter ALL-SET the Cadillac of thinsets?
That’s really a matter of preference…
But we will say this: ALL-SET is really nice to work with.
It is creamy, sticky, reliable, and it fits well with the kind of shower systems we prefer at MannTile. X5 is a solid product too, but ALL-SET has that smooth, premium feel that installers appreciate when they are working with tile all day.
At the end of the day, homeowners may never see the thinset once the tile is installed.
But they do benefit from it.
Because the products behind the tile matter just as much as the tile itself.
Read more about the right way to spread thinset here!
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