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ARDEX X 5™

Flexible and Versatile Tile and Stone

Mortar

Highly versatile and flexible for large format and heavy tile and stone

Formulated for large and heavy tile and stone applications up to 3/4”

sq. notch trowel

Use for setting porcelain, quarry, ceramic and most natural stone

(moisture insensitive) tiles

Excellent sag resistance

Easy to apply creamy consistency

Interior and exterior use

3-hour pot life

ARDEX Americas

400 Ardex Park Drive

Aliquippa, PA 15001 USA

888-512-7339

www.ardexamericas.com

ARDEX X 5™

Flexible and Versatile Tile and Stone Mortar

Suitable Substrates

 Common building substrates (concrete that has cured for

at least 28 days, CBU in accordance with manufacturer

guidelines, etc.)

 Existing tiles (tile over tile)*

 Approved waterproofing and uncoupling membranes*

 Plywood (interior, horizontal applications)

 Metal (Interior only and non-aluminum).* Contact ARDEX

Technical Service for instructions.

*Must be sound, solid and well-bonded to underlying,

structurally sound substrates.

Some substrates require priming.

Suitable Applications

 Installation of most common tile types:

o Not for moisture-sensitive tile and stone

o Not for glass tilesFor highly absorbent tile and for resin-

backed tile and stone: Contact ARDEX Technical Service

for instructions

 Dry or damp substrates (no standing water)

 Interior areas dry or intermittently wet, such as shower

floors and walls

 Exterior (not plywood)

 For consideration of submerged applications, Contact

ARDEX Technical Service for instructions

Job Conditions

During installation and cure, substrate and ambient

temperatures must be a minimum of 50 F / 10 C.

Step 1: Substrate Preparation (Proper Prep™)

If necessary, mechanically clean the substrate by shot

blasting or similar means. Do not use acid etching, adhesive

removers, solvents or sweeping compounds, as these are

bond breakers. Sanding is not an effective method to

remove contaminants from concrete.

Substrate must be dry and free of excess moisture and

alkali. All substrates must be sound, solid and thoroughly

clean of all bond-breaking contaminants, including but not

limited to: overwatered or otherwise loose or weak material;

dirt, dust, wax, grease, paints and oils: unapproved curing

compounds and sealers; and all adhesive residues.

Following preparation, thoroughly vacuum to remove all

excess dirt and debris.

Handle and dispose of asbestos and other hazardous

materials in accordance with prevailing regulations, which

supersede the recommendations in this document.

For full details on Proper Prep, reference the following

articles at ardexamericas.com/properprep:

 Article 1: Preparing Concrete for Bonded ARDEX or HENRY

Applications

 Article 2: Preparing Wood for Bonded ARDEX Applications

 Proper Prep Brochure

The plane of wall surfaces must be plumb and true. Floor

surfaces must have minimal variation in the plane or slope

as outlined by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

Refer to ANSI A108.01 “General Requirements: Subsurface

and Preparation by Other Trades” and the most current

version of the TCNA “Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation”

for detailed information on surface preparation and

guidelines for substrate construction.

Step 2: Pre-Leveling / Smoothing Options

Interior or Exterior

ARDEX AM 100™ Rapid Set Pre-Tile Smoothing and

Ramping Mortar

ARDEX A 38™ Rapid Set Screed

Interior Only

ARDEX Liquid BackerBoard® Self-Leveling Underlayment for

Interior Wood and Concrete Subfloors

ARDEX TL 1000™ Self-Leveling Underlayment

ARDEX TL 1400™ Self-Leveling Underlayment

ARDEX TL 2000™ Fiber Reinforced, Self-Leveling

Underlayment

ARDEX SKM™ Skim Finish - Skimcoat Patch & Finishing

Underlayment

Observe the substrate preparation, mixing, application and

drying instructions in the appropriate ARDEX technical data

sheet. Per ANSI A 108 AN-3.7, expansion joints must be

provided over existing moving joints and moving cracks and

where substrate materials change composition or direction..

Step 3: (if / as needed) Waterproofing / Crack

Isolation / Uncoupling; Priming / Treating

Certain Substrates

Waterproofing / Crack Isolation Options

ARDEX 8+9™ Rapid Waterproofing and Crack Isolation

Compound

ARDEX S 1-K™ One-Component Waterproofing and Crack

Isolation Membrane

ARDEX FLEXBONE® HEAT In-Floor Heating Systems

ARDEX UI 740™ FLEXBONE® Uncoupling Membrane

ARDEX UI 720™ FLEXBONE® Floating Uncoupling

Membrane

Follow the instructions in the respective technical data

sheet.

Existing Tiles and Other Non-Porous Surfaces

Option 1: Apply a coat of ARDEX P 4™ Pre-Mixed, Rapid-

Drying, Multipurpose Primer, which must dry 30 - 60

minutes before proceeding with the tile installation.

Option 2: (interior, dry applications only): Mix the mortar with

ARDEX E 90 ™ Admix in accordance with the technical data

sheet, and install directly over the non-porous surface.

Option 3: Cover the entire surface with a scratch coat of

the tile mortar. Allow the scratch coat to harden and dry

completely before proceeding with the tile installation.

Metal (Interior only and non-aluminum)

Metal (Interior only and non-aluminum). Contact ARDEX

Technical Service for instructions

Gypsum (Interior Only)

Option 1: Apply a coat of ARDEX P 4™ Pre-Mixed, Rapid-

Drying, Multipurpose Primer, which must dry 30 - 60

minutes before proceeding with the tile installation.

Option 2: ARDEX P 51 Double prime. Follow the instructions

in the respective technical data sheet..

Other Highly Absorbent Substrates (plaster, etc.)

Option 1: Cover the entire surface with a scratch coat of

the tile mortar. Allow the scratch coat to harden and dry

completely before proceeding with the tile installation.

Option 2: Apply a coat of ARDEX P 4™ Pre-Mixed, Rapid-

Drying, Multipurpose Primer, which must dry 30 - 60

minutes before proceeding with the tile installation.

Option 3: (interior, dry applications only): ARDEX P 51

Double prime. Follow the instructions in the respective

technical data sheet..

Step 4: Mixing and Application

Recommended Tools

Margin trowel; Appropriate notched trowel; Mixing Paddle;

Mixing Container; 1/2” (12 mm) heavy-duty drill (min. 650

rpm); appropriate measuring bucket

Safety and OSHA Compliance

Handle each bag with care, emptying it in a manner that

avoids creating a plume of dust. While mixing, use a

standard “gutter hook” vacuum attachment in combination

with a heavy-duty, bucket-style vacuum (Shop-Vac or similar)

and HEPA dust extraction vacuum system.

Application Data

All dry times are calculated at 70°F (21°C). Drying time is a

function of jobsite temperature and humidity conditions. Low

substrate temperatures and/or high ambient humidity will

extend the drying time. Adequate ventilation and heat will aid

drying.

Water Ratio:

6 - 7 quarts (5.68 - 6.6 L) clean water Per

bag; or

2 1/4 parts powder: 1 part clean water

by volume

Pot life:

3 hours

Open time:

Up to 30 minutes

Adjustment time:

15 - 20 minutes

Thickness of Application

Application Maximum Thickness

of Application

Maximum notch trowel

Size

Over membranes

3/8” (9.5 mm)

3/4” x 3/4”

(19 mm x 19 mm)

All other cases 1/2” (12 mm)

Pour the water in the mixing container first, and then add

powder while mixing with the mixing paddle and a 1/2” (12

mm) heavy-duty drill (min. 650 rpm). Mix thoroughly for

approximately 2 to 3 minutes to obtain a lump-free mix. Do

not overwater! Additional water will weaken the compound

and lower its strength.

Small batches may be mixed by hand. Use a margin trowel,

and mix vigorously. Just prior to application on the

substrate, the mixture should be stirred again to ensure a

creamy, smooth, lump-free consistency.

Jobsite conditions and temperature may affect pot life. If the

material begins to harden within published pot life, retemper

with a drill.

Installation should proceed in accordance with ANSI A 108.5.

After mixing, apply mortar to the substrate with the flat side

of a trowel to obtain a solid mechanical bond. Apply to an

area no greater than that which can be covered with tile while

the mortar remains plastic. Do not set tile or stone into

skinned over mortar.

Comb the mortar with a notched trowel of sufficient depth to

ensure that the tile or stone is covered uniformly over the

entire surface (note thickness limitation over membranes as

detailed above). Follow TCNA recommendations for proper

transfer of mortar from the substrate to the tile or stone. The

type and size of the tile or stone will dictate the size of the

notched trowel to be used to achieve proper transfer.

When setting certain types of tile or stone, it may be

necessary to trowel a layer of mortar on the back of each tile

or stone prior to placement on the combed mortar bed in

order to achieve the required mortar-to-tile contact. Press

each tile firmly into the freshly combed mortar to ensure

maximum mortar contact with the tile.

Step 5: Grouting Instructions and Options

All dry times are calculated at 70°F (21°C). Drying time is a

function of jobsite temperature and humidity conditions. Low

substrate temperatures and/or high ambient humidity will

extend the drying time. Adequate ventilation and heat will aid

drying. Forced drying can dry the surface of the product

prematurely and is not recommended.

Location Cure time prior to grouting

Floor Tiles

24 hours

Wall Tiles

8 hours

ARDEX FL™ Rapid Set, Flexible, Sanded Grout

ARDEX FH™ Sanded Floor and Wall Grout

ARDEX FG-C™ MICROTEC

Unsanded Floor & Wall Grout

ARDEX WA™ High-Performance, 100% Solids Epoxy Grout

and Adhesive

ARDEX DG 1™ One Component Grout

Follow the instructions in the respective technical data sheet.

and ANSI A 108.10.

Notes

Intended for use by professional contractors who are trained

in the application of this product and/or similar products. Not

sold by ARDEX through home improvement centers. For

information on ARDEX Academy trainings, visit:

www.ardexamericas.com.

Never mix with cement or additives outside of our written

recommendations. In accordance with industry standards,

and to determine the suitability of the products for the

intended use, always install an adequate number of

properly located test areas, including the tile flooring. As

tiles vary, always contact and rely upon the tile

manufacturer for specific directives, such as maximum

allowable moisture content, mortar selection and intended

end use of the product. If the installation is not proceeding

as expected, contact the ARDEX Technical Service

Department before proceeding further..

Observe the basic rules of concrete work, including the

minimum surface and air temperatures detailed above.

Install quickly if the substrate is warm, and follow the warm

weather installation guidelines available on our website.

Observe the basic rules of tile work.

Dispose of packaging and residue in accordance with

prevailing regulations. Do not flush material down drains.

Do not reuse packaging.

ARDEX Tile and Stone Mortar Usage Guide

Moisture-sensitive natural stone or agglomerate tile

(interior, dry applications only):

 ARDEX X 32™ MICROTEC

Universal Rapid Setting and

Drying Thin-to-Thick Bed Mortar

 ARDEX S 28™ MICROTEC

Rapid-Set, Rapid-Dry, Super-

Format Tile and Uncoupling Membrane Mortar

 ARDEX N 23™ MICROTEC

Rapid Set Natural Stone and

Tile Mortar

Saltwater pools; glass tiles in swimming pools and other

submerged areas:

ARDEX WA™ High-Performance, 100% Solids Epoxy Grout

and Adhesive

Glass tiles in non-submerged areas:

 ARDEX X 77™ MICROTEC® Fiber Reinforced Tile and

Stone Mortar (Interior or Exterior)

 ARDEX S 48™ Rapid-Set Thin Set Mortar/ Mastic Hybrid

(Interior Only)

Balconies, terraces and building facades that experience a

great deal of movement due to temperature changes:

 ARDEX X 90 OUTDOOR™ MicroteC3 Rapid-Set, Flexible

Tile and Stone Mortar

 ARDEX X 77™ MICROTEC® Fiber Reinforced Tile and

Stone Mortar

 ARDEX X 78™ MICROTEC® Fiber Reinforced, Semi-

Pourable, Polymer Modified Thin Set Mortar

ISO 13007

Classification

Classification Requirements

(cementitious,

improved adhesion)

≥ 145 psi (1 MPa

;

10.2 kg/

) after standard aging, heat

aging, water immersion and

freeze/thaw cycles

(vertical slip

resistance)

≤ 0.019” (0.5 mm)

E (extended open time)

≥ 72.5 psi (0.5 MPa; 5

kg/cm

) after 20 - 30 minutes

28-days Test Test Method ANSI Specification

Impervious ceramic

(porcelain) mosaics

shear strength

ANSI A118.15 >400 psi (2.76 MPa; 28

kg/cm²)

Glazed wall tile shear

strength

ANSI A118.15 >450 psi (3.11 MPa;

31.5

kg/cm²)

Quarry tile to plywood

shear strength

ANSI A118.11 >150 psi (1.04 MPa;

10.5

kg/cm²)

Technical Data According to Manufacturer

Quality Standards

All data based on a partial, in-lab mix. Mixing and Testing

completed at 70°F / 21°C. Physical properties are typical

values and not specifications.

Coverage:

1/4” x 1/4” (6 mm) sq. notch trowel =

85 - 90 sq. ft. (7.8 - 8.3 m²) Per bag

1/4” x 3/8” (6 mm x 9 mm) sq. notch trowel =

60 sq. ft. (5.5 m²) Per bag

1/2” x 1/2” (12 mm) sq. notch trowel =

40 - 45 sq. ft. (3.7 - 4.1 m²) Per bag

Dependent on surface profile, density and

porosity.

Colors:

Gray andWhite

Packaging:

40 lb (18 kg)

bag

Storage:

Store in a cool, dry area.

Do not leave units

exposed to sun. Protect unused material by

removing air from bag and sealing tightly.

Shelf Life:

12 months, if unopened and properly stored

Warranty:

ARDEX L.P. Standard Limited Warranty applies.

Also eligible for ARDEX Tile and Stone

SystemOne™ Warranty When used as a system.

For full warranty details:

ardexamericas.com/services/warranties.

Precautions

Carefully read and follow all precautions and warnings on the

product label. For complete safety information, please refer

to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available at:

www.ardexamericas.com.

Made in the USA

updated 2024-01-08. Supersedes all previous versions.

Latest version available at:

www.ardexamericas.com.

ARDEX Americas

400 Ardex Park Drive

Aliquippa, PA 15001 USA

888-512-7339