Installation Guide

1. Substrate Preparation

• Surfaces must be clean, flat, and dry before tiling.
• For concrete, allow a minimum of 6 weeks curing time.
• Remove dust, oil, or laitance residues before adhesive application.
• For timber floors, use a suitable fibre-cement underlay board or uncoupling membrane to prevent movement cracking.

• Always select adhesive based on tile type, size, and environment.
• Large-format porcelain tiles require C2S1 or C2S2 class adhesives (AS ISO 13007).
• For outdoor or wet areas, use flexible polymer-modified adhesives with anti-slip additives.
• Mix adhesives mechanically to avoid lumps and ensure full polymer activation.

• Use the correct notched trowel size:
  • 6 mm for small wall tiles
  • 10–12 mm for floor and large format tiles

• Apply in one direction; back-butter tiles larger than 400x400 mm for maximum coverage.
• Ensure minimum 90% coverage for internal floors and 100% for external installations.

• Allow adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours before grouting.
• Use flexible grout (CG2W classification) to accommodate expansion and vibration.
• Clean with damp sponge immediately after grouting — avoid excessive water.
• Apply silicone sealant at junctions, corners, and wall-floor transitions.

• Incorporate expansion joints every 4–6 m or as per AS 3958.1.
• Always place joints where different substrates meet or structural movement is expected.
• Fill with a high-quality, UV-resistant silicone sealant.

• Ensure system is tested before tiling.
• Use flexible adhesives compatible with heating elements.
• Allow at least 7 days before activating heating post-installation to prevent thermal shock.

• Select slip-rated tiles (R11 or P4 minimum).
• Ensure correct slope for drainage (1:100 minimum).
• Use waterproof membranes beneath adhesive bed.
• For pools, use water-resistant epoxy grout.

• Most porcelain tiles are pre-sealed and non-porous.
• Natural stone and unglazed ceramics require penetrating sealer before and after grouting.
• Always test sealer in inconspicuous area first.

Pattern Guide

1. Straight Lay (Grid)

• Clean, modern, and symmetrical.
• Ideal for minimalist or contemporary interiors.
• Works best with rectified porcelain and large formats.

• Traditional offset pattern, often used in subway or wall tiles.
• Use 1/3 offset for large tiles to reduce lippage.
• Adds subtle movement and visual rhythm.

• Diagonal interlock design for dynamic impact.
• Ideal for entryways, bathrooms, or feature walls.
• Pair with neutral grout for subtlety or contrast for drama.

• Angled pattern that creates a continuous “V” shape.
• Elegant and directional; perfect for statement areas.

• Alternating pairs of rectangular tiles for a woven appearance.
• Suits classic and transitional interiors.

• 45° layout used to visually expand smaller rooms.
• Effective for floors requiring spatial illusion.

• Combination of varied tile sizes (600x600, 400x400, 200x200 etc.) for natural variation.
• Commonly used in travertine and natural stone.

• Clean, grid-aligned design used in contemporary bathrooms and kitchens.
• Emphasises height when stacked vertically; width when horizontal.

Care and Maintenance

1.Initial Cleaning

• After installation, remove grout haze using a pH-neutral cleaner.
• Avoid acid-based products unless recommended for specific materials.

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove abrasive dust.
• Mop with warm water and mild detergent — never wax or oil-based cleaners.
• For polished tiles, dry mop to maintain gloss.

• Address spills immediately.
• Use non-abrasive cloths; avoid metal pads.
• For stubborn stains, use manufacturer-approved alkaline cleaners.

• Reseal natural stone every 2–3 years depending on wear.
• Test water beading to determine sealer integrity.
• Always use breathable penetrating sealers, not surface coatings.

• Regularly clean grout lines with gentle cleaner to prevent mould growth.
• Maintain ventilation and check silicone joints annually.
• Avoid strong bleach on metallic or coloured grout finishes.

• Hose down outdoor areas to remove debris.
• Pressure-wash at low setting when required (max 1000 psi).
• Re-seal natural stone pavers every 12–18 months.

• Keep spare tiles from your original batch for future repairs.
• Replace damaged pieces using correct adhesive system.
• Match grout colour and finish for visual consistency.

Factors to Consider

1. Purpose & Environment

• Define whether the space is residential, commercial, or outdoor.
• Consider exposure to water, UV, and heavy traffic.

• Indoor dry areas: R9–R10 / P2–P3
• Bathrooms and outdoor patios: R11 / P4 minimum
• Pool surrounds: R12–R13 / P

• Porcelain: Dense, durable, ideal for floors and outdoors.
• Ceramic: Lightweight and decorative, suited for walls.
• Natural Stone: Unique character and variation; requires sealing.
• Mosaics: Adds visual texture and works well in wet zones.

• Matte: Subtle, non-reflective, ideal for slip resistance.
• Gloss: Reflective and bright; enlarges smaller spaces.
• Textured: Adds depth, perfect for natural looks or outdoor use.

• Larger tiles create visual continuity and reduce grout lines.
• Small formats suit feature areas or curved surfaces.

• Lighter tones enhance brightness and perceived space.
• Dark tones add drama and grounding contrast.
• Always view samples under your actual lighting conditions.

• Matching grout creates harmony; contrasting grout defines pattern.
• Use high-performance, stain-resistant grouts for longevity.

• Choose eco-certified tiles with recycled content.
• Consider product origin and lifecycle impact.

Additional Resources & Support

Trade Tools

• Room Visualiser: Preview tile combinations before installation.
• Technical Data Sheets: Download performance and compliance info.
• Sample Requests: Order display samples or moodboard sets.

• CPD-accredited workshops for architects and designers.
• Installation masterclasses for trade professionals.
• Sustainability and design webinars.