Tiles Laying Instruction

Substrate Requirements (Wall & Floor Types)

A well-prepared substrate is essential for proper tile bonding, leveling, and long-term durability. Different tile types (e.g., ceramic wall tiles, large-format slabs, SPC flooring) may require different base conditions.

1. Wall Substrate Types & Requirements

Substrate Type	Condition Required
Cement Plaster	Fully cured (minimum 14 days), level, rough texture
Gypsum Board / Drywall	Only for dry areas, primed surface, not for heavy tiles
Concrete Block	Must be rendered smooth and cured
Existing Tiles (Re-tiling)	Must be roughened and cleaned with adhesive primer
Waterproof Substrate	Use waterproof membrane for bathrooms & wet areas

For heavy tiles like slabs or quartz: ensure substrate can support the weight ≥ 35–45 kg/m².

2. Floor Substrate Types & Requirements

Substrate Type	Condition Required
Concrete Screed	Level, fully cured (≥ 28 days), moisture < 5%
Self-Leveling Compound	Used to fix uneven floors; must be fully cured
Cement Board / Tile Backer	For wooden base floors or SPC underlayments
Existing Tiles	Must be thoroughly cleaned, free of movement, and primed
Wood or Plywood	Not recommended unless overlaid with cement backer board

Always check deflection and flexing in wooden subfloors — they must be stabilized before tile application.

Tile Type Recommendations by Substrate

Tile Type	Best Substrate
Ceramic Wall Tiles	Cement plaster, concrete
Porcelain Floor Tiles	Concrete screed, self-leveled surface
Big Size Slabs	Perfectly flat, rigid, moisture-free
Subway / Mosaic Tiles	Smooth walls, mesh bonding friendly
Porcelain Pavers (20mm)	Outdoor compacted base / pedestal system
SPC Flooring	Dry, level hard floor (no underlay needed if pre-attached foam)
Quartz / Natural Stone	Load-bearing, flat, waterproof substrate

Tile Adhesive Selection

Choosing the correct tile adhesive is essential for long-term tile bonding, especially when working with porcelain, large-format tiles, vertical walls, or wet areas. The wrong adhesive can lead to debonding, hollow sounds, or tile failure.

1. Types of Tile Adhesives

Adhesive Type	Best For
C1 (Standard)	Small ceramic tiles on indoor walls and floors (dry areas)
C2 (Improved)	Porcelain tiles, vitrified tiles, heavier loads
C2TE / C2TES1	Large-format tiles, slabs, outdoor use, vertical applications
R2 (Epoxy-based)	Industrial kitchens, swimming pools, chemical areas
SPC Click Lock	No adhesive required (floating floor), but must follow underlay rules

2. Adhesive Selection by Tile Type

Tile Type	Recommended Adhesive
Ceramic Wall Tiles	C1 or C2 – depending on tile size
Porcelain Floor Tiles	C2 or C2TE
Glazed Vitrified Tiles	C2TE or C2TES1
Full Body Tiles	C2TES1
Large Size Slabs	C2TES1 with non-sag and extended open time
Step Tiles	C2TE – high bond strength & slip control
Subway Tiles	C1 or C2 – smooth vertical surfaces
Mosaic Tiles	C2 – with good surface contact
Porcelain Pavers (20mm)	Outdoor-grade C2TE or dry lay system
Quartz & Marble	White adhesive (non-staining), C2TES1
SPC Flooring	Adhesive-free (click system) or optional PU adhesive for full bond installations

Important Tips

• Use white adhesive for light-colored or translucent tiles like marble, mosaic, and PGVT.
• For wall applications, choose non-sag adhesives.
• For outdoors or wet areas, use water-resistant, flexible adhesives.
• Always follow manufacturer instructions for mixing ratio and coverage.

Recommended Tile Laying Tools

Using the right tools ensures accuracy, clean finishing, and tile longevity — especially for large-format slabs, rectified tiles, and textured surfaces like pavers or step tiles. Below is a categorized list of tools used by professional tilers.

1. Measuring & Marking Tools

Tool	Purpose
Measuring Tape	Measuring room size, tile layout
Chalk Line / Laser Level	Marking straight guidelines
Spirit Level	Ensures surface flatness and tile alignment
L-Square / Right Angle Ruler	For checking tile squareness

2. Cutting Tools

Tool	Purpose
Manual Tile Cutter	Fast straight cuts on ceramic/porcelain
Angle Grinder with Diamond Blade	Cutting curves or hard materials
Wet Tile Cutter	Precision cutting for thick/slab tiles
Hole Saw / Core Bit Set	Cutting holes for pipes, sockets

3. Adhesive Application Tools

Tool	Purpose
Notched Trowel	Even adhesive spread (6mm, 10mm, etc.)
Rubber Mallet	Tapping tiles into place without cracking
Tile Leveling System	Ensures flatness and prevents lipping

4. Grouting & Finishing Tools

Tool	Purpose
Rubber Grout Float	Pushing grout into joints
Sponge & Water Bucket	Cleaning excess grout, final wipe
Grout Spreader	For large areas or epoxy grout
Sealant Gun (for Expansion Joints)	Flexible filler for movement joints

5. Safety Gear

Tool	Purpose
Knee Pads	Comfort during floor tile laying
Safety Glasses & Gloves	Protection during cutting
Dust Mask	For dry grinding or cutting indoors

Having the right tools improves speed, accuracy, and finish quality, especially for modern materials like porcelain slabs, SPC flooring, and textured pavers.

Laying Guidelines by Tile Type

Each tile type requires specific handling during installation to ensure correct bonding, alignment, and long-term durability. Below are the recommended practices for all major tile types.

1. Ceramic Wall Tiles (Group BIII)

• Use C1 or C2 adhesive depending on size and wall type.
• Start from the bottom and build upward in rows using tile spacers.
• Check vertical alignment with a spirit level frequently.
• Avoid hollow backs; press tiles fully into adhesive.

2. Ceramic Floor Tiles (Group BIIa)

• Apply adhesive with a 10 mm notched trowel.
• Maintain 2–3 mm grout joints for thermal expansion.
• Do not walk on tiles for 24 hours after laying.

3. Glazed Porcelain Tiles (GVT/PGVT - BIa)

• Use C2TE or C2TES1 adhesive.
• For rectified edges, use a tile leveling system to avoid lipping.
• Stagger joints for 600×1200 and large formats (max offset: 1/3 tile length).
• Maintain 2 mm joint spacing minimum.

4. Full Body & Unglazed Porcelain

• Use white C2TE adhesive to avoid surface stains.
• Ideal for commercial or industrial zones.
• Clean surface during and immediately after laying to avoid dust staining.

5. Large Format Slabs (800×2400, 1200×2400)

• Substrate must be perfectly flat.
• Use double adhesive application (on slab and floor).
• Always use suction lifters and multiple installers.
• Allow full curing (minimum 48 hrs) before grouting or walking.

6. Step Tiles

• Apply adhesive carefully into grooves and anti-skid areas.
• Maintain uniform rise and tread spacing.
• Ensure tile overhang matches riser alignment.

7. Subway / Metro Tiles

• Plan layout to avoid thin cuts at wall edges.
• Use 2 mm spacers and align tile orientation.
• For glossy white tiles, clean frequently during laying to avoid staining.

8. Mosaic Tiles (Mesh-Mounted)

• Ensure full adhesive contact beneath each chip.
• Press sheets using a rubber grout float or wooden block.
• Use non-sanded grout to avoid scratching the surface.

9. Porcelain Pavers (20 mm)

• Can be installed on:
  • Mortar bed
  • Gravel/sand bedding
  • Pedestal raised systems
• Maintain slight slope for water drainage.

10. Decorative / 3D Tiles

• Use non-sag adhesive.
• Handle carefully to avoid surface damage.
• Confirm design direction (up/down arrows).

11. Quartz Stone / Natural Marble

• Use white adhesive only to prevent discoloration.
• Clean backs of slabs before laying (remove dust or wax).
• Apply full-bed adhesive; avoid voids or air pockets.

12. SPC Flooring (Rigid Core)

• No adhesive required – floating installation.
• Leave 2–5 mm expansion gap around all walls.
• Underlay optional if not pre-attached.

Grouting & Expansion Joint Tips

Grouting is the final touch in tile installation — it enhances aesthetics, provides structural cohesion, and prevents moisture penetration. Expansion joints are equally important to absorb movement, especially in large areas or temperature-sensitive environments.

1. Grouting Guidelines

For tiles with textured or matte surfaces, test grout on a sample piece to avoid staining or haze.

2. Grout Joint Width Recommendations

3. Expansion / Movement Joints

Expansion joints are non-grouted gaps filled with silicone or elastic filler to absorb movement from temperature, structural shifts, or load. These prevent tile cracking or debonding.

Use PU sealant or silicone for flexible joints. Cover joints with T-molding for SPC flooring.

Curing Time & Foot Traffic Guidelines

Proper curing after tile installation is critical to ensure full bond strength, durability, and aa flawless finish. Walking or loading tiles too early can cause debonding, grout cracks, and uneven settlement .

1. Initial Setting Time After Installation

2. Grouting After Tile Fixing

• Wait at least 24 hours after laying before grouting ceramic or porcelain tiles.
• For slabs or stone tiles: wait 48 hours to avoid grout shrinkage or tile movement.
• Ensure adhesive is fully cured before applying grout.

3. Post-Grouting Curing Time

• Keep the area dry and free from heavy traffic for 12–24 hours after grouting.
• Epoxy grout requires longer cure times (follow manufacturer instructions).

4. Full Load & Furniture Placement Guidelines

Rushing the curing period is one of the most common causes of tile failure or cracks — patience ensures perfection.

Common Laying Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common installation errors ensures your tiles last longer, look better, and perform as intended — especially in large projects or high-value materials like porcelain slabs, SPC flooring, and outdoor tiles.

1. Skipping Surface Leveling

• Uneven floors or walls cause:
  • Tile lippage (edges not aligned)
  • Hollow sounds or cracked corners
• Always level the surface before installation.

2. Using Wrong Adhesive Type

• Wall tiles installed with floor adhesive, or vice versa
• Not using non-sag adhesive for vertical applications
• Using grey adhesive on white or translucent tiles (stains the surface)
• Use C2TE or C2TES1 for porcelain and large formats.

3. No Expansion Joints

• Continuous laying without gaps leads to:
  • Cracking from thermal expansion
  • Tent-like tile lifting in large areas
• Include perimeter and intermediate movement joints every 8–10 meters.

4. Inadequate Tile Back Coverage

• Common with large tiles and slabs
• If adhesive does not cover ≥90% of the back, tiles may:
  • Crack under load
  • Sound hollow
  • Debond after a few months

Use back buttering for slabs and 20mm tiles.

5. Improper Use of Leveling Clips

• Over-tightening clips causes tile breakage
• Underuse of clips = lipping in rectified tiles
• Always follow clip system guidelines and spacing

6. Rushing the Grouting Process

• Grouting before adhesive is cured leads to:
  • Grout cracking
  • Tile movement
  • Color bleeding on edges

Wait at least 24 hours before grouting.

7. Wrong Laying Direction

• Especially for:
  • Wood-look tiles
  • Vein-matched slabs
  • Bookmatch designs

Follow arrows on the back of the tile or box.

8. Mixing Tiles from Different Batches

• Even slight variation in shade or size can ruin the floor aesthetic
• Always lay tiles from the same shade/batch number

9. Reusing Spacer Clips or Grout Spacers

• Deformed or old spacers can misalign tile joints
• Always use fresh, accurate spacers

Preventing these mistakes is far easier — and cheaper — than correcting them after installation.