Choosing the Right Adhesive for Large-Format Tiles

A larger tile covers more area with fewer joints. Any hollow spot, lippage or movement shows up more clearly, and the adhesive has to wet the back of a heavy piece and hold it while it sets.

The CRIC catalogue ties product choice to tile sizes. CT-01 is listed for sizes such as 300×450, 300×600 and 600×600. CT-02 moves into 600×1200, 800×800 and 800×1600. CT-02 Prime is listed for 800×1600 and 1600×2400. CT-03 and CT-04 are listed for 1200×1200 and 1200×2400, including elevation and heavy exterior work.

CT-02 is documented as Type 2T / C2T. CT-02 Prime is Type 2T / C2TE. CT-03 and CT-04 are Type 3T and Type 4T, both C2TES1. The extra letters describe slip resistance, extended open time and deformability. PU Adhesive is a two-component reaction resin, Type 5T S2 / R2T, including metal and glass substrates.

Those letters are a selection tool. They are not a substitute for the application limits printed for each product.

Large formats need a flat substrate. A notched bed that is combed in one direction and then collapsed by moving the tile is the usual way to limit voids. Back-buttering is often used on large pieces so both faces are wetted.

Coverage on site will not match a bag estimate if the bed is thicker to hide an uneven floor. Confirm the product, the notch and the substrate before the tile arrives.