Adhesives and Grouts

We only use the best quality tile adhesives and grout. Some adhesive for wall tiles is ready mixed in tubs from 1.5 to 15 kilograms and can have non-slip or waterproof properties. Then there are a number in 5 to 20 kilogram bags to mix for such as fixing to timber, plaster, plasterboard, exterior, for floor tiles or natural stones. Some have quick setting, waterproof, flexible or thick-bed characteristics.

Grout also comes in a variety of different types, mainly in 1 to 20 kilogram bags to mix. They can have quick setting, waterproofing and special bonding additives. Standard colours are usually white, ivory, grey and brown in various shades. For some grouts, mixing colour blends in such as red, yellow, green, blue, brown and black are available.

There are also primers, smoothing or levelling compounds that might have waterproof, quick setting or flexible properties for preparation of the diverse range of surfaces on which the tiles will be fixed.

The main point is that it is not just a matter of picking up tubs of tile adhesive and grout from the DIY store. Dimensionally stable, correctly bonded, long lasting, easy to clean tiling with an excellent finish might need special materials.

How Much Adhesive?

This depends on the type of adhesive and thickness of the bed. A 15 kilogram tub of ready mixed adhesives for wall tiling typically cover 8.3 to 10.7 square metres (9.9 to 12.8 square yards) for a thin bed on a dry area applied with a notched trowel. A thin flat bed on wet areas doubles the amount required. For cement based adhesives to mix, the maximum coverage of a 20 kilogram is typically 10 square metres (12 square yards) or 7 square metres for a wet wall area and 5 square metres for floor tiles.

How Much Grout?

This is even more difficult to determine as it depends on the size of the tiles and thickness of the joint. A 10 kilogram bag could be expected to cover around 50 square metres (60 square yards) of 150 x 150 x 5.5 millimetre (6 x 6 inch) tiles with a 2 millimetre joint increasing to 70 square metres (84 square yards) with 200 x 200 millimetre (8 x 8 inch) tiles of the same thickness. Floor tiles of the latter size but 9 millimetres thick and with 3 millimetre gap decrease the coverage to typically 20 square metres (24 square yards) per 10 kilograms.

Trims, Seals and Accessories

In years gone by, tiles were available with a rounded glazed edge for fitting around corners. This is no longer the case and PVC, in various colours, or silver/gold coloured metal tile trim has to be used. Other trims are available for sealing such as baths and a water proof silicone sealant gun will be required in certain areas. Then there are such things as tile spacers to ensure even gaps between tiles.

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