Topic
Tiles and grout
Tile calculations and practical guidance on substrates, adhesive, grout and installation problems.
Calculators
Tile Adhesive Calculator
Turns the tiled area and the product coverage into an estimated adhesive weight and number of bags.
Tile Grout Calculator
Estimates grout requirement per square metre and the total mix weight for your tile layout.
Tile quantity calculator
Calculates the number of whole tiles from the surface area, tile size and cutting allowance.
Guides
How Long Does Tile Adhesive Take to Dry?
Tile adhesive does not have one universal drying time. Open time, initial set, time before grouting and full cure are different stages affected by the product and site conditions.
Why Tiles Crack: What to Check Before Replacing Them
A cracked tile is not always a defective tile. Movement below the finish, unsupported areas, impact and moisture can all create the same visible symptom.
Why Tile Grout Cracks
Cracked grout can result from shrinkage, excess water, movement, poor joint preparation or a grout that does not suit the joint. Diagnose the pattern before refilling it.
Why Grout Turns Dark
Dark grout may simply be wet, or it may show dirt, efflorescence, uneven drying or mould. If the colour returns, look for the moisture source instead of cleaning repeatedly.
How Wide Should Tile Grout Joints Be?
Joint width depends on the tile geometry, the substrate and the grout system. A narrow joint is not automatically better and cannot hide a moving substrate.
How Tile Layout Affects Cutting Waste
Waste falls when you plan the visible axis, edge cuts, joint width, openings and pattern before fixing tiles. The goal is a balanced layout, not zero offcuts.
Can You Tile Over Plaster?
Tile can be installed over plaster when the layer is sound, cured, dry, clean and compatible with the adhesive system. Plaster alone is not proof that the substrate is ready.
How Much Extra Tile Should You Buy?
The right extra tile allowance depends on the layout, room geometry, cuts and whether you want spare pieces for future repairs. There is no universal percentage.
How to Prepare a Surface for Tiling
A reliable tile installation starts with a sound, clean, sufficiently flat and cured substrate. Primer does not replace removing weak layers or fixing moisture.
What Causes Voids Under Tiles?
Voids form when the adhesive does not contact the tile and substrate evenly, or when the substrate moves. A hollow sound alone does not prove the size or severity of the void.
How to Prepare Walls for Paint, Wallpaper or Tile
The finish changes the preparation standard. Paint needs an especially uniform surface, wallpaper can hide some minor texture, and tile needs a strong plane with compatible adhesion.
Why Tiles Come Loose and How to Find the Cause
Loose tiles are usually a symptom of a weak or poorly prepared substrate, unsuitable adhesive, incomplete coverage or movement. Find the cause before retiling.