Ceramic materials are time- honoured, ancient products, which are used extensively in every internal and external aspect of our built environment.
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Today, tiles can be purchased in an extensive variety of formats which vary in size from tiny mosaic tesserae to giant pieces of porcelain.

Tiles vary in thickness from 5 mm to 25 mm. Products are manufactured from mixes of clay, sand and a variety of natural substances which are fired at extreme temperatures which frequently exceed 1200 degrees Celsius. The blend of raw materials and the temperature they are fired at determine the nature of the tile, and its suitability for use in specific applications. The firing process produces hard, rigid products which are fragile in certain circumstances.

However, once tiles are correctly installed, they are capable of withstanding heavy loads, and substantial levels of foot traffic, without bending or deforming. At this stage they are highly resistant to abrasion and their resistance to impact is increased. While the pressing stage initially sets the hardness properties, it is the final stage of the firing process that ultimately determines the hardness of the product. The high temperature production process produces a surface finish which is easy to clean and
maintain. Ceramic tiles are inert, they can be fully immersed in water without any change occurring. Significantly, the flames of a fire will not alter their structure. Consequently, tile can be adhered to any internal or external, vertical or horizontal, wet or dry surface that has been correctly prepared.

To summarise, tiles are

They can be laid in numerous residential and commercial applications. Hardwearing/Exceptional Life Cycle Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) studies have determined that correctly chosen and installed ceramic tiles materials can last as long as the building in which they are installed in.

The cost of periodic maintenance of floor finishes over a protracted extended period of time is expensive and constantly increases. Tile requires minimal maintenance.

The vast majority of ceramic floor tile installations can be cleaned by sweeping
away accumulated grit and light mopping or cleaning with a microfibre wipe.

The compact body of the product prevents impregnation by dirt, dust mites or other potential contaminants.

Tiles will not burn. The inert nature of the material determines that no toxins or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will be released during a fire. Tiled surfaces delay the spread of fire, the surface cannot be burned or marked by a lit cigarette.

Most ceramic materials are highly resistant to staining and have a very high resistance to a wide range of chemicals. Appropriate specified ceramic surfaces can be laid in laboratories, hospitals, abattoirs, or virtually any commercial environment. Many porcelain products are practically impervious, and highly resistant to liquid impregnation and subsequent staining. Glazed ceramic products do not stain.

Even extreme levels of ultra violet and other forms of light (sunlight) have no effect on the colourfast nature of tiles either glazed or unglazed.

​Tiled surfaces adapt to the air temperature of a room, which minimises heating and cooling costs. Under tile heating systems can be installed during the laying process. Clay products absorb heat and naturally release it when the ambient temperature falls. Porcelain tiles are particularly effective heat banks.

​Advanced ceramic products are produced with titanium dioxide fired into the surface of the tile producing hydrophilic properties which ensure that the tiles are extremely easy to clean. In addition an anti-bacterial effect is created, in the presence of any form of light the photocatalytic process produces O2 active oxygen which can decompose microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, moss, mould and viruses, even the antibacterial resistant ‘super bugs’ are destroyed, this process also breaks down the toxic emissions such as nitrous oxide from motor vehicles. These products can be most beneficial when used in hospitals, on building facades and in private homes bringing major health and environmental benefits.

​Credit: Australian Tile Council

This may occur in areas which lack adequate ventilation, it may be necessary to install an extractor fan. Mould can be removed by scrubbing with a scourer, using one of the following - bicarbonate of soda, methylated spirits, cloudy ammonia or epsom salts.

The popularity of porcelain products encouraged manufacturers to apply a light wax coating to the surface of each tile, to protect the surface of the tile from scratching during the packing, in transit and installation processes.
 
The majority of these wax coatings are water soluble, they can be removed using a water- based alkaline cleanser. Before removing solvent based waxes let the cleaner dwell on the
 
tile surface for 10 to 15 minutes to dissolve the wax. Your tile retailer can give you guidance. You should check if your chosen porcelain tile has been coated with wax, your tile layer should be alerted prior to installation.

Overuse of High Alkaline Detergents
As previously stated, clean water and a mild pH cleanser will be suitable for cleaning the majority of tile surfaces. Use of alkaline or acidic cleaners will often create problems. Alkaline cleaners should only be used to remove specific stains, they should not form a part of the regular maintenance programme.

This problem usually occurs in external applications of unglazed ceramic materials and natural stone. Efflorescence usually appears on the surface of a tile or around the joints in the form of a white powder. This unsightly problem is created by the transmission of liquid salts from below the tiles to the surface. In most new installations the residue can be swept or vacuumed away. The presence of excessive moisture is the prime cause of the problem. In some instances the problem reoccurs, always remove every trace promptly to prevent hardening and subsequent calcification.Specialist cleansers are available to treat the problem. These can only be employed when the source of the moisture is identified and if the problem persists a specialist should be consulted.

If you are wanting a less pronounced grout line where the tiles appear seamlessly together then select a grout colour that matches your tile selection. Selecting a grout colour that is exactly the same is near impossible but a shade lighter or darker can help tie everything together.

We recommend selecting a matching grout colour when your tile has only one colour and no variation.  ​

Surface Preparation
Tiles can be installed on almost any structurally sound substrates just as long as they meet a few conditions. The surface must be clean, dry, smooth and free from wax, soap, scum, grease and any dirt or grime. If there are damaged, loose or uneven surface materials where the tiles are to be fixed, then these areas must be repaired, patched or levelled.

Wall Tile Layout
The wall layout of your tiles will depend on your design however there is a basic rule for laying wall tiles. Start by finding the centre point of the wall and use a level to draw a plumb line in the wall’s centre. Then plan the layout by laying out a row of tiles across the bottom of the wall from the centre line you have just marked. Be sure to take into account the uniform grout joints between each tile. The width of the grout joint must meet Australian Standards.
 
Laying out your tiles will identify if there are any cuts that need to be made. If the layout leaves cuts smaller than half a tile, then adjust the centre line half a tile closer to the side wall.
 
The next step is to identify and draw a guideline for the first row of tiles to be set above the floor substrate. This is critical if the floor is uneven or sloped (i.e. bathroom floor slope). To draw this guideline, find the lowest point of the floor using a leveller. Stack two tiles here and at the top draw a horizontal line on the wall above the second tile. With the level, continue the line around all sides of the walls to be tiled.
 
Applying Adhesive
Firstly you will need to select the right adhesive that is appropriate for the wall you are tiling. There are a few different types of adhesives so it is best to ask for advice if you unsure. Carefully read and follow all instructions and precautions on the adhesive package. When mixing adhesive you should only mix the amount that is expected to be used over the next 30 minutes to an hour to avoid the adhesive curing the bucket.
 
To apply the adhesive, first place the tile over the area it is to be installed then lift it up and spread the adhesive across that area using the trowel recommended on the adhesive package. Remove any excess adhesive and make sure you do not spread a larger area than can be set in 15 minutes.
 
Cutting Tiles
All tiles that are to be cut must be measured carefully and marked with a pencil or felt tip pen. Straight cuts are easy, you can use a tile cutter for this. If you have any curved cuts then a tile nipper is the best solution. Nippers chip away small pieces at a time to achieve a very accurate result. However if you have very long curved cuts then a rod saw is best.

Setting Tiles
Before setting any tiles onto the adhesive you should lay them out to check for any variation. Variation in shade is an inhere characteristic of both porcelain and ceramic tiles and it is always best to achieve a blended effect to avoid any box to box shade variation.
 
Begin installation by setting a tile in the centre of the space to be tiled and work in grids. Make sure you finish one grid before moving to the next. The method to set tiles should be a laying and twisting motion. Not a sliding motion.
 
Once the tile is set, remove any excess adhesive from the top of the tile with a wet sponge and the ground joint with a paddle pop stick or putty knife and insert tile spacers for each tile to leave equal grout joints between every tile.
 
There are many rules for different laying patterns. If you are laying rectangle tiles in a brick bond pattern then you must make sure that the tiles never overlap by more than 1/3.
 
Grouting Joints
Wait 24 hours before grouting unless otherwise specified on the adhesive package. Make sure you carefully read grouting instructions and precautions on the grout package. Be sure to only mix the amount of grout that you will use in approximately 30 minutes to avoid the grout curing the bucket.
 
To apply the grout, first remove any spacers from the joints and then spread the grout on the tile surface by forcing the grout mixture into the joints with a rubber float or sponge.
 
After applying the grout make sure ot remove any excess grout from the surface of the tiles immediately with the edge of your float. After approximately 15-20 minutes or when the grout visually begins to set slightly you should remove and clean the surface of tiles using a damp sponge. The sponge can also be used to smooth out the grout joints for a better finish.
 
Let dry until grout is hard and haze forms on tile surface, then polish with a soft cloth. Rinse again with sponge and clean water if necessary. Wait 72 hours for heavy use. Don't apply sealers or polishes for three weeks, and then only in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.