Installing cement tiles requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a thoughtful approach. Due to their handmade nature, cement tiles may have slight variations in thickness, shape, and color, which adds to their unique charm.

We recommend a professional tile installer because cement tile is slightly less forgiving when installing than porcelain or ceramic tile. Key to success is patience and thorough planning.

These installation guidelines apply to various applications, including floors, stairs, kitchen backsplashes, and walls. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting cement tile installation.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE INSTALLING CEMENT TILES.

1. Cement tile are porous and care must be taken to avoid staining from oil, markers and dirty hands. Pre-seal the tiles if possible, pre-sealing cement tile prevents staining during installing.

2. Cement tiles are hand-made and slight variations in thickness, size, and shade should be expected. It’s important to note that these characteristics adds to it natural appeal and do not compromise on performance of the tile.

3. Make sure to pull pieces from random boxes in order to achieve a better blending of the material. This is very important for plain or solid color cement tile. Pull out tiles prior to installation which does not blend.

4. Before installing patterned tiles, perform a dry layout to ensure a harmonious arrangement. This step allows you to identify and balance any irregularities in the pattern or pronounced color variations, enabling you to strategically place tiles for a visually appealing and cohesive final result.

CEMENT TILES INSTALLATION GUIDE

1. Use tile spacers to maintain a narrow grout joint of 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) Or at least 1mm between tiles, ensuring a precise and even installation that showcases the beauty of the cement tiles while allowing for minimal grout lines.

2. Ensure a precise and successful installation by laying tiles on a surface that is perfectly level in a way that after installation there are no water puddles or room for standing water. If installing over concrete, allow the concrete to fully cure and dry completely before proceeding, as this will prevent any future issues or unevenness.

3. Cement tiles can be cut using a diamond blade.

4. An adhesive that is suitable for use with moisture sensitive tiles is recommended. If you use tile bond (recommended) then the back of the tile should be cleaned. If using a thinset morter then dampen the back of the tile first, this allows tile to absorbs clean water and avoid absorption of water from morter.

5. Lay the tiles by hand pressure, using a forward and back motion to enable good contact with the adhesive. Avoid using tools like rubber hammers which can damage the surface by promoting micro cracking.

6. Remove any excess mortar from the tile surface promptly to prevent stubborn stains from forming. Immediate cleaning is essential to maintain the tile’s appearance and prevent mortar residue from hardening and leaving unsightly marks.

7. You should seal tiles with penetrating sealer (impregnator) once the installation, cleaning and drying processes have taken place.

Recommended impregnators available in Karachi.

a. Aquamix sealer’s choice gold (water base)
b. Idro stop (solvent base)
c. Miracle 511 porus plus (solvent base)
d. Thrakon Nanoshield (water base)

GROUTING

  • When installing encaustic cement / pattern tiles, it’s important to use a non-pigmented, cement-based grout in a light color. Avoid using dark-colored grouts, as they contain fine carbon pigments that can migrate into the tile and cause unsightly stains, due to the porous nature of the tiles.
  • During the grouting process, it’s essential to regularly clean the surface of the tiles to prevent grout from hardening on the tile surface. This will ensure a clean and even finish.
  • Make sure the tiles are clean and fully dry before applying second coat of sealer.