Once you’ve planned your layout and the starting point of the first tile, it’s time to fix them in place with tile adhesive.

Expert tip: Always ensure that the correct adhesive is used with the correct tile type/ size and surface. Contact the adhesive manufacturer if you’re unsure, to find out the correct product required.

Affixing Floor Tiles

1. Plan your route and exit

Make sure you plan ahead so that you are able to exit the room once you’re finished without stepping on any tiles as they won’t have set.

If it is essential that you can access the room then you can tile half the space at a time so that you are still able to use it.

2. Mix your tile adhesive

Mix the recommended tile adhesive in a mixing bucket as per the instructions on the bag.

Depending upon the location and background, a flexible water-resistant cement based adhesive might be used.

3. Start spreading the adhesive

Working from your set out lines and/or straight edge spread the adhesive evenly on the floor.

4. Keep it even

Hold your notched trowel (minimum 8 - 10mm notched size) at a 45° angle and drag across the floor spreading evenly and ensuring that the notches are in the same direction.

Note: Only cover a small area at a time (approx 1 square metre) as the adhesive will begin to dry on the surface.

5. Place your tiles

Place the tile on the bed of adhesive, press down and twist to ensure the adhesive sticks properly.

Note: Larger tiles may require a thin layer of adhesive on the back of the tile as well

6. Check it with a spirit level

Put the spirit level on the tile both ways to ensure it is even and flat. Insert a tile spacer in between each tile.

7. Clean up as you go along

Wash down the surface of the tile and clean the joint as you go along.

Affixing Wall Tiles

1. Mix your tile adhesive

Mix the tile adhesive in a mixing bucket as per the instructions on the bag. Depending on the type/size of your tiles and the background, the use of ready-mix tile adhesive or cement based powder adhesive may be recommended.

2. Start spreading the adhesive

Starting from above the timber baton and centre line, start to spread the adhesive on the wall.

3. Keep it even

Hold your notched trowel (minimum 6mm notched size) at a 45° angle and drag it across the wall spreading evenly. Ensure that all notches are running in the same direction.

Expert tip: Only cover a small area at a time (approx 1 square metre) as the adhesive will begin to dry on the surface.

4. Place your tiles

Place the tile on the bed of adhesive, resting on top of the timber baton and set out lines.

5. Apply pressure bond the tile and adhesive

Once the tile is lined up, twist and slide it into place to ensure the adhesive sticks properly.

6. Insert a tile spacer

Insert a tile spacer in between each tile to ensure consistency.

7. Clean up as you go along

Wash down the surface and clean the joint as you go along to remove any excess adhesive.