Technical information
Tile installation guide
Practical guidance for installing large format ceramic and porcelain tiles, prepared with our manufacturing partner Fakhar Group. Following these points helps avoid the issues most often reported during and after installation, and protects the finish of polished and special-surface ranges.
Before you start
Please read the full guidance before opening more material than you need. Effective and special-surface products require extra care during grouting and final cleaning to prevent damage, discolouration, staining or residue remaining on the tile surface.
- 1
Prepare the substrate
The substrate must be level, smooth, clean and dry. Correct any significant level differences before you begin; adhesive should never be used to compensate for an uneven surface. Remove dust and contamination from both the substrate and the back of each tile.
- 2
Select the right adhesive
Use a high-quality adhesive rated for large format tiles, chosen to suit the substrate and the installation environment. An unsuitable mortar or adhesive is the most common cause of tile detachment in this format.
- 3
Set uniform joints
Use 3–5 mm cross spacers throughout to keep joints consistent, then grout evenly across the installation.
- 4
Keep the protective film on polished tiles
On polished tiles, leave the protective film in place until laying and grouting are complete, and remove it only at the final stage.
- 5
Follow the laying direction
Lay each tile in the direction of the arrow printed on the reverse so that surface patterning and veining stay continuous across the floor or wall.
- 6
Clean immediately after laying
Clean the surface as soon as laying is finished, using a method suited to the tile finish, so adhesive, grout residue and staining are not left to cure on the tile.
- 7
Final check before the adhesive sets
Confirm the tiles are level, check for height differences between adjacent pieces and make sure patterns and veining align. Do not reposition tiles once the adhesive has set.
Inspect before you continue
Once the first tiles are laid, inspect the surface and quality carefully. If you notice any possible defect, stop at no more than 20 m² and report it to us for inspection and follow-up, so the matter can be resolved before further material is installed.
Need advice on a specific format?
Tell us the sizes, finishes and areas involved and we will advise on adhesive class, joint width and layout, alongside a quotation for the material.