Installation Guide

7
Due to the evolution of ceramic tiles
in recent years, the system used to
lay them has come to be known as
the “thin-bed” system (using a che-
mical bond, as opposed to a mecha-
nical bond or the “thick-bed” sys-
tem). The “thin-bed” system consists
of the application of adhesive either
just to the substrate (single gluing) or
to the substrate and underside of the
tiles (oating and buttering). This se-
cond technique should be used when
the tiles have a low water absorption
rate, as in the case of porcelain tiles,
tiles subject to high trac, tiles with
a pronounced relief pattern or tiles
laid outdoors or on façades.
Generally speaking, tiles are laid in
square or rectangular shapes. Squa-
re ones are usually laid orthogonally,
at right angles to one another. As for
rectangular tiles, as well as laying
them at right angles to one another,
it is normally advisable to lay each
row in staggered fashion as follows:
• TILES WITH A LONG SIDE OF
UP TO 60cm: up to 1/3 oset.
• TILES WITH A LONG SIDE
FROM 60 TO 120cm: up to 1/4
oset.
• TILES WITH A LONG SIDE OF
OVER 120cm: up to 1/5 oset.
Once the tiles have been laid, the
surface should immediately be pro-
tected with cardboard or canvas to
prevent it from being damaged by the
remains of building materials, knoc-
ks, falling tools etc. until the building
work is over.
Guide to Ceramic
Tile-Laying & Care