What PSI Bond Strength for Porcelain Tiles?

Bond Strength

• When porcelain tiles are installed, an adhesive is applied to the tiles that dries once the tiles are placed and cements the porcelain to the base surface. This bonding agent has what is called shear strength, and according to various building codes, the shear strength should be at least 50 pounds per square inch (psi) but can be as high as 500 psi.

Sanded Thin Set

• One of the most basic types of bonding agents for porcelain tile is sanded thin set. This bonding agent is common for porcelain tiles and other non-absorbing floor and wall tiles. Most sanded thin set bonding agents come already mixed and can be applied directly to the back of the tiles. The general strength of a sanded thin set is around 250 psi.

Floor and Wall Sanded Thin Set

• Another type of sanded thin set is created specifically for tile installers and contractors. This thin set bonding agent usually needs to be mixed and is less easy to clean up than sanded thin set because it requires a cleaning agent to remove. Contractor-grade bonding agents are around 190 psi in shear strength.

Latex or Acrylic Latex Additive

• If the strength of the bonding agent is a concern, an acrylic latex mixture can be combined with a sanded thin set and mixed together. This increases the overall strength of the bonding agent to around 530 psi. Pre-blended latex additives are also available and can be used to mount the porcelain tile on stone, brick or concrete. This blend has an overall strength of 410 psi.