Fixing porcelain tiles requires careful preparation, precise installation, and the right tools to ensure a long-lasting and visually appealing result. Porcelain tiles are made from high-quality raw materials and fired at 1280°C, compared to traditional tiles fired at 1080°C. This higher temperature fully vitrifies the material, making it denser, stronger, and completely impervious to water. Many porcelain tiles are designed to resemble natural stone, featuring slight variations in colour and markings. These variations add character and should be expected.
Preparation
Before fixing porcelain tiles, clean the surface thoroughly, ensuring it is dry and free from dust or any residues that could affect adhesion. Any uneven areas should be levelled to prevent weak spots in the installation.
Inspecting tiles before installation is crucial. Mixing tiles from multiple boxes ensures a natural blend of shades, avoiding noticeable variations. Any tiles with minor chips or imperfections should be reserved for cuts. When handling porcelain tiles, take care, as broken edges are extremely sharp and can easily cause injury.
Fixing
All porcelain tiles require a solid adhesive bed to ensure durability. Dot-and-dab fixing is not acceptable, as it creates weak points that increase the risk of cracking. Before placing each tile, spread a thin layer of adhesive on the back to improve adhesion. Apply a 6–10mm bed of adhesive using a notched trowel, depending on the tile thickness.
Combing the adhesive in parallel lines prevents air pockets from forming under the tile. Air gaps weaken the bond and can lead to breakage over time. Tapping the tiles gently with a rubber mallet helps them settle into the adhesive. Using spacers between tiles ensures uniform grout joints and a balanced finish.
Cutting and Drilling
Porcelain is extremely hard and resistant to wear, making precise cutting essential. An electric wet wheel cutter provides the best results, ensuring smooth, accurate edges. It is possible to use a manual tile cutter for straight cuts. Be aware that thick porcelain tiles (10–12mm) may break unevenly. If edges are rough, tile nippers can trim them cleanly.
Use of an angle grinder is not recommended. It may cause sharp porcelain shards to break off.
For drilling, place the tile on a rigid surface with a layer of cardboard underneath. Use a tungsten carbide or diamond-tipped drill bit for clean holes. Mark the drilling point, apply masking tape to prevent slipping, and drill at a low speed. Avoid using excessive pressure, as this can overheat the drill bit and damage the tile.
For precise or complex cuts, water jet cutting provides the cleanest results. This high-pressure method is ideal when pipes or fittings require perfectly shaped holes.
Sealing
Most porcelain tiles do not require sealing due to their extremely low porosity, which makes them resistant to stains. Regular cleaning is enough to maintain their appearance. However, textured or unglazed porcelain tiles can trap grout residues and dirt over time.
For heavily textured surfaces, applying a protective impregnator, such as FZ Protective Impregnator, helps prevent build-up. Apply this treatment before grouting to make cleaning easier and protect against dirt accumulation.
Grouting
A variety of grout colours are available for use with porcelain tiles. Many porcelain ranges feature rectified edges, allowing for very narrow grout joints. In these cases, a fine flexible grout is ideal for both walls and floors.
Rustic or bevelled tiles may require a wider joint. In this case, use a coarse grout that accommodates up to 12mm gaps. Unglazed porcelain is highly resistant to wear, so it is not easily damaged by grouting tools or abrasion.
Apply grout using a rubber float, once the adhesive is set. Excess grout is removed immediately to prevent staining. After the grout starts to dry on the tile surface, wipe it off with a damp sponge, rinsing frequently with clean water.
Fixing porcelain tiles correctly ensures a strong, durable, and visually stunning installation. If you need expert advice on materials, tools, or techniques, get in touch to discuss your project.
