Tiling: basics

In short: Tiling depends mainly on a level, clean substrate, the right tile adhesive consistency, and clean grout lines. Small mistakes at the start carry through the whole surface.

In more detail: The substrate must be dry, load-bearing and largely level, otherwise tiles adhere poorly or grout lines crack.

In detail

• Substrate preparation: Cracks, unevenness and loose plaster must be levelled before tiling.
• Setting out lines: A centred starting line prevents unsightly narrow tile strips at the edges.
• Tile adhesive: Depending on the substrate and tile type (porcelain stoneware, natural stone), different adhesives are needed.
• Trowel notching: The notch size of the trowel depends on the tile format and substrate condition.
• Tile spacers: Ensure even grout width and a tidy overall appearance.
• Grouting: Only grout after the adhesive has sufficiently dried, otherwise grout lines can crack.
• Edge areas: Expansion joints at wall junctions prevent stress cracks from material movement (silikonfuge-erneuern).