What Materials Should You Use When Installing Keramia Ampurdan Kitchen Tile?

Substrate

• Substrate refers to the surface to which you're applying the tile. There are several different types of substrate, and which one you use depends on the size and location of the tile. Small mosaic tiles can usually be applied directly to a sheet-rock wall. Larger wall tiles may require the support of cement or gypsum backer board. Installing floor tiles directly on concrete is not recommended as concrete expands and contracts, which may cause the tile to crack. Use 3/4-inch backer board or plywood over concrete flooring. Crack isolation membranes can be applied on top of wall or floor tile substrates to further guard against cracking.

Adhesives

• The surface of porcelain tile is almost impervious, which can make adhesion to a substrate difficult. Cement-based thin-set may not have the bonding ability to hold the tile to the floor or wall. Latex-modified Portland cement has superior bonding ability and is ideal for impervious tiles, including porcelain and glass.

Tools

• The most essential tool for any tile installation is a trowel. The trowel is used to spread adhesive onto the wall and to back-butter tiles if necessary. Trowels are notched on one side in either V, U, square or slant shapes. For mosaic tiles, 3/16-inch V-notched trowels are recommended, and a 3/16-inch square-notched trowel is recommended for larger tiles. Spacers and rubber floats for grouting, tile nippers, tile saws, knee pads, a rubber mallet and rags may all be necessary tools, depending on the scope of your project.

Grout

• A tiled surface is only as strong as its grout lines, so choosing the right grout is important for the success of your project. Cement-based grout is often too weak for the surrounding porcelain tile, causing poor adhesion and cracking. Epoxy-based grout lasts longer and dries with a non-absorbent, non-porous surface suitable for bonding with porcelain tile.