Tile Adhesives & Grouts

Proper preparation helps ensure your tiles bond securely to the surface. Start by ensuring your surface is suitable for tiling, clean, dry, and free from dust. For best results, prime porous surfaces before applying your mixed tile adhesive. 

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Selecting the right tile adhesive depends on your specific installation requirements. For large format porcelain tiles on floors with underfloor heating, our range of flexible tile adhesives provides optimal performance and durability. 

Standard set grey tile adhesives work well for most ceramic tile installations on stable surfaces. When working with natural stone, single-part adhesives offer excellent grab. 

Your choice should factor in the environment where tiles will be installed. Bathrooms and wet areas need water-resistant formulations, while exterior installations require products specifically designed for outdoor use and temperature variations. 

Measuring your tile adhesive needs to start with calculating the total area in square meters. A standard 20kg bag typically covers 4-5m2. 

For precise calculations, multiply your room's length by width, then divide by the coverage rate stated on the product packaging. Remember to account for the tile size and surface texture - larger tiles or uneven surfaces require more adhesive. 

Wall tiling requires a 6mm notched trowel and works for tiles up to 300mm x 300mm, while a 10mm trowel suits larger formats. Always add 10% extra to your calculated amount to allow for wastage and any unexpected surface irregularities. 

Bathrooms demand waterproof tile adhesives that can handle constant moisture exposure and temperature changes. For wall areas around showers and baths, our water-resistant ready-mixed adhesives provide excellent non-slip properties and reliable bonding strength. 

Wet areas should be lined with correctly installed tiling backer boards or suitable backgrounds protected with a suitable tanking system such as Bostik Flexible Tanking System. 

When tiling bathroom floors, tile backer or tanking, choose a cement-based powder adhesive with enhanced flexibility. 

For mosaic tiles and decorative features, white adhesives prevent any color bleed-through and ensure your design stays pristine. Remember to check the adhesive's moisture resistance rating matches your specific bathroom zone - shower enclosures need higher protection than splashback areas. 

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Most tile adhesives require 24-48 hours to set initially, but complete curing takes between 7 to 28 days depending on the type used. Ready-mixed adhesives need a porous background and can take longer to cure than powder-based products. Temperature, humidity and tile size affect curing time - warmer conditions speed up the process while larger tiles or cold weather extend it. 

For underfloor heating installations, choose S1- or S2-rated adhesive that can accommodate thermal movement. Standard-set flexible adhesives work well for larger areas, while rapid-set options are perfect for quick turnaround projects. 

Polymer-modified powdered cement-based adhesives are essential for porcelain tiles due to their superior bonding strength and water resistance. These adhesives provide the robust grip needed for dense, non-porous porcelain tiles, while ready-mixed options aren't suitable as they lack sufficient strength. 

Several factors can prevent proper adhesive drying, including excessive humidity in the room, applying too thick a layer, low porosity within the background, and poor ventilation. Using ready-mixed adhesive on large tiles can also slow down drying as moisture gets trapped underneath. Make sure your surface is clean and dry before application, maintain good air circulation, and work in temperatures between 5-25°C for optimal results.

Flexible tile adhesives contain special polymers that allow them to bend and move with the surface, unlike standard adhesives which remain rigid once set. This flexibility makes them ideal for surfaces that experience movement or vibration, such as wooden floors or areas with underfloor heating. While standard adhesives work well on stable surfaces like concrete, flexible options provide better crack resistance and long-term durability in challenging installations.