How to choose the right tile adhesive

When tackling a DIY tiling project, whether it's a kitchen splashback, a bathroom floor, or a feature wall, wet room, hallway, doorstep or patio the tile adhesive you choose is critical to the success and longevity of the project.

With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to pick the best tile adhesive for you. There's much to consider including the surface the tiles are being applied to, the type of tile being applied, the location of the installation, the time in which you must complete the project and much more.

Here’s what you need to know to understand how to choose tile adhesive for your next DIY project.

Before we get into the factors to consider when choosing your tile adhesive, it's important to know the tile adhesives that are on offer. EVO-STIK's tiling range has a choice of three types of tile adhesive. The three types of tile adhesive include ready mix, powdered, and 2-in-1 options which combine adhesive and grout in a single product.

Did you know? All our tiling products that are supplied in a tub, are in post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging.

Ready mix tile adhesive, also known as premixed tile adhesive, is a great choice for beginners and smaller projects. The product comes premixed in a tub, so application is simple: open the tub, stir, and start applying.

Our products:

• Instant Grab Wall Tile Adhesive - instant grip, ready-mixed tile adhesive for quick application of ceramic wall tiles on dry, internal walls.
• Superior Strength Wall Tile Adhesive - high strength, ready-mixed tile adhesive supporting ceramic wall tiles up to 300mm x 600mm on suitable dry internal walls.
• Waterproof Wall Tile Adhesive - waterproof, mould-resistant, ready-mixed tile adhesive for application of ceramic wall tiles on areas subject to infrequent wetting and condensation.

Good to know: EVO-STIK ready mix wall tile adhesives are popular for ceramic wall tile applications or in small, low traffic areas as they're super quick and easy to use.
 

Powdered tile adhesive is perfect for larger, more demanding tiling jobs such as a kitchen floor, wet rooms, outdoor patio, shower area or similar. It's supplied in bags and must be mixed with water before you can use it.

Good to know: To mix powdered tile adhesive it involves combining the adhesive powder and water in a clean bucket. Then, using a drill fitted with a mixing paddle to stir the mixture into a creamy, toothpaste-like consistency for 3 to 5 minutes.

Powdered tile adhesives may seem trickier to apply, but they provide a strong, durable adhesive perfect for both walls and floors. They're also suitable for application in wet or high-traffic areas, which is why they're great for all areas of the home and are so popular with tradesmen and DIYers alike.

Our products

When you're looking for the best powdered tile adhesive for you, we have three great options to choose from:

• Standard Set Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive - Cement-based tile adhesive that dries within 24 hours to allow for more working time on complicated projects.
• Rapid Set Floor Tile Adhesive - Fast-drying, cement-based tile adhesive that takes foot traffic after 2 hours.
• Rapid Set Floor & Wall Flexible Tile Adhesive - Fast-drying cement-base tile adhesive that takes foot traffic and can be grouted after 2 hours. It can also be used with many underfloor heating systems and on suitable wooden floors.

Each of the powdered floor and wall tile adhesives above are also waterproof and frost-resistant so can be used internally and externally.

The first consideration for choosing the right tile adhesive is whether the tiles are being applied to the floor or wall. Each area has specific requirements for durability, strength and flexibility that must be understood to ensure a successful tiling project. These include load-bearing requirements, sag or slip resistance, and the setting and curing time:

• Floors typically endure more weight and foot traffic, so the floor adhesives should typically be stronger and rigid and to be able to withstand loads without cracking.
• Wall applications require an adhesive with strong initial grab properties to prevent tiles from sliding or sagging before the adhesive sets. Look out for 'non-slip' in the features and benefits of the adhesive product to ensure your tile will stay in place.
• Floors often use adhesives that set quicker to minimise downtime.

When selecting the best tile adhesive for you, it's important to consider the type of tile you're using. Different materials require different adhesive strengths and properties. EVO-STIK offers specialised adhesives for a wide range of tile types:

• Ceramic tiles: Use a ready mixed tile adhesive for small format ceramic wall tiles and a standard, cement-based (powdered) tile adhesive for larger format ceramic tiles. For solid, non-heated floors (often concrete, or sand and cement screed), use a standard, powdered tile adhesive.
• Porcelain tiles: Porcelain is denser and less porous than ceramic, so usually requires a polymer modified cement-based adhesive.
• Natural stone tiles: Natural stone such as marble, travertine or slate, require a cement-based adhesive that it typically white. Check with the supplier for the recommended type of adhesive that is best suited. 
• Mosaic tiles: Small pieces of ceramic natural stone or glass supplied in sheets on a mesh backing. Check with the supplier for the recommended type of adhesive that is best suited. 
• Glass tiles and larger format panels: Check with the supplier for the recommended type of adhesive that is best suited. 
   

Where you will install the tiles is another key factor to consider. For areas exposed to water or fluctuating temperatures, you’ll need an adhesive that is waterproof or heat resistant.

• Bathrooms walls & floors: When tiling bathrooms, such as shower cubicles or over bathtubs, these areas are prone to high water exposure, so the adhesive must be suitable to withstand frequent wetting and damp conditions.
• Kitchens floors: As kitchen floors are typically high-traffic areas, you're likely to want to consider an adhesive that is rapid-setting to ensure the area isn't out of action for too long.
• Outdoors: For outdoor tiling projects, a flexible powder adhesive that is waterproof and frost resistant is critical to ensure a durable, long-lasting application in the varying temperatures.

The setting time of the adhesive is crucial, especially if you’re a DIYer looking to complete your tiling project over a weekend. EVO-STIK offers tile adhesives with different setting times to cater to various needs:

• Standard Set Tile Adhesive - Perfect for larger projects where precision is key, standard setting adhesives allow more time for adjustments with typical drying times of 24 hrs. This is great for intricate designs or first-time tilers who need extra working time.
• Rapid Set Tile Adhesive - If you're working on a tight deadline or in areas where tiles need to be grouted quickly, fast-setting tile adhesives allow you to tile and grout within a few hours. Ideal for smaller areas or experienced DIYers looking to save time. Typically grout after 2-3 hours.

Different surfaces require different adhesives, as not all tiles will bond well with every type of material. Considering characteristics such as porosity, flexibility, surface condition, and material compatibility, are key to choose the best type of tile adhesive for you.

• Porous surfaces absorb moisture, potentially weakening the adhesive bond if not primed. Examples include plaster and concrete.
• Non-porous surfaces adhesives for a strong, long-lasting bond. Examples include moisture resistance plasterboard, tile backerboards, existing tiles and tanking systems.

Considering the flexibility of the surface and correct preparation is crucial when tiling to prevent your tiles from cracking. 

Surfaces like wood floors* or substrates in high-traffic areas are prone to movement and vibrations such as kitchens, hallway, bathrooms and similar. If the adhesive isn’t flexible, this movement can cause tiles to loosen, crack, or detach over time.

Important to note: *Plywood and other wood-based sheets or boards should not be used for direct tiling. An intermediate layer such as uncoupling membrane, reinforced tanking systems or tile backer boards should be used.

EVO-STIK has flexible tile adhesives which accommodate limited movement whilst maintaining a strong bond and preventing damage. 

Adhesive and grout often go hand in hand, so it's important to also consider whether the adhesive you choose works well with the grout you're planning to use. Things to consider include:

• Colour of cement adhesive: Match the colour of your cement adhesive to the colour grout you are using i.e. grey and grey or white and white being the most common options.
• Grout type: Cement-based grout is suitable for most standard applications, but epoxy grout is also highly durable, and ideal for areas exposed to chemicals and commercial kitchens.
• Joint width: Joint width can range from narrow (up to 3mm) to wide (over 3mm). Ensure the chosen grout is suitable for the joint width.
• Colour: Matching your grout colour to your tiles is perfect for a seamless look. Oppositely, you can choose a contrasting shade to create bold lines. It's also important to consider stain-resistance when choosing lighter shades - white can be prone to discolouration.
• Mould resistance: For high moisture or high traffic areas, choosing a mould resistant grout is important to ensure your tiling application stays look brand new for as long as possible, particularly in areas such as a bathroom or kitchen that is prone to frequent splashing and temperature fluctuations.

EVO-STIK’s range of tile adhesives is compatible with their selection of tile grouts, ensuring a cohesive and durable finish. From Rapid Set Floor Tile Grout which sets in as little as 3 hours and is waterproof, to Mould Resistant Wall Tile Adhesive and Grout that’s perfect for helping to hide mould growth in damp areas of the home.

EVO-STIK’s ranges of silicone sealant is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.

Choosing the right tile adhesive is essential to the success of your DIY project, and EVO-STIK’s range of products offers solutions for most tiling challenges. By considering the type of tile, the location of the project, setting times, surface type, and flexibility, you can select the best tile adhesive for you, that will create a professional finish for your tiling project, and ensure it withstands the test of time.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, with EVO-STIK’s tile adhesives, your tiling project is in good hands!