Tile Installation Guidelines

Cement Tile Installation Guidelines

Cement tile can provide a durable, beautiful surface when correctly installed and cared for. These are general recommendations; site conditions and product requirements vary. Consult a qualified tile installer before work begins. The installer is responsible for evaluating the substrate, moisture and waterproofing conditions, movement joints, setting materials, grout, sealer, and applicable building requirements, and for following each manufacturer’s current instructions. Cement Tile Shop is not responsible for improper installation or jobsite conditions, or for material after it has been cut or installed.

Printable Instructions

English | Spanish | Portuguese

Inspect and plan. Check the entire order for quantity, damage, size, color, and pattern before cutting or installing. Handmade tile has natural variation. Lay out tiles from several boxes and blend them as you install. Contact Cement Tile Shop with any material concern before installation.
Store and handle carefully. Keep boxes dry and off damp surfaces. Protect finished faces and corners from scratches and chips. Keep hands and tools clean. Allow tile stored in cold or damp conditions to reach room conditions and dry before installing.
Prepare the tile. Remove loose manufacturing dust from the front and back with a clean, lightly damp sponge. Do not soak cement tile. Keep the surface clean throughout installation.

Verify the substrate. It must be sound, stable, suitably cured, clean, dry, and flat enough for the chosen tile and setting system. Use a compatible prepared substrate or backer system according to its manufacturer’s instructions. Correct moisture, cracks, deflection, or unevenness before setting tile.
Plan wet areas separately. Use a suitable substrate and a complete waterproofing system in showers and other wet areas. Ordinary drywall is suitable only for dry interior walls where allowed. Tile, grout, and sealer do not make an assembly waterproof.
Allow for movement. Do not bridge existing expansion or movement joints. Provide perimeter and other movement accommodation joints appropriate to the installation, substrate, exposure, and recognized industry methods. Keep these joints free of rigid grout and mortar.

Select compatible mortar. Use a high-quality polymer-modified mortar suitable for cement tile, the substrate, and the application. Ask the mortar manufacturer about product selection; consider white mortar for light-colored tile where appropriate. Mix and apply it as directed. Do not soak tile before setting.
Set with full support. Choose the trowel size and technique needed to achieve full or near-full mortar contact, especially at edges and corners; back-butter when needed. Periodically lift a tile to check contact. Set using hand pressure, align adjacent surfaces to minimize lippage, and promptly wipe away fresh mortar. Do not strike the finished face with a hard mallet.
Cut safely and space joints. Use a sharp diamond blade with water. Wet-cut when practicable; avoid uncontrolled dry cutting or grinding. Cutting cement-based materials may release respirable silica dust. Follow workplace dust-control requirements and tool instructions; use appropriate eye and respiratory protection and ventilation. A 1/8-inch grout joint is a practical starting point; adjust for actual tile dimensions and layout. Use tighter joints only when variation permits.

Allow the mortar to cure. Wait the time specified by the mortar manufacturer before sealing or grouting. Clean the tile with suitable non-acidic products and allow the tile and setting materials to dry as required by the sealer manufacturer.
Seal the tile. Factory pre-sealing protects tile in transit but does not replace jobsite sealing. Test a penetrating sealer suitable for cement tile in an inconspicuous area; Cement Tile Shop recommends Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus. Apply thin, even coats according to its current instructions. Remove all excess before it dries on the surface and observe the stated drying and cure times. Coverage varies with tile porosity and conditions.

Test compatibility and color. Cement Tile Shop recommends MAPEI Flexcolor CQ where the manufacturer approves its use for the application. Test the selected grout and cleanup method on spare tile or an inconspicuous area. Dark cement-based grout can permanently stain porous cement tile; do not proceed without a successful test.
Work in small areas. Fill joints completely and clean promptly as directed by the grout manufacturer. Do not allow grout or haze to harden on tile. Allow the grout to cure for the manufacturer’s specified time before traffic or water exposure.

Complete sealing as needed. After grouting and cleanup, let the tile dry fully. Apply another coat of penetrating sealer to the cement tile only if needed and if compatible with the grout and sealer instructions. MAPEI Flexcolor CQ does not require sealing; treat other grout according to its manufacturer’s directions. Do not leave sealer residue on tile or grout.
Protect during construction. Keep water, wet containers, spills, and debris off the tile while mortar, grout, and sealer cure. Once sufficiently cured, use a clean, non-staining protective covering that will not trap moisture. Do not apply adhesive tape directly to tile without testing the tape and method first; adhesive may discolor the finish.

Clean gently. Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove sand, grit, and other abrasive debris, and damp mop as needed with a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for cement tile or natural stone. Follow the cleaner manufacturer's dilution and application instructions and test new products in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid vinegar, acidic cleaners, harsh chemicals, and abrasive pads; acidic products can etch or discolor cement tile. Use entry mats to reduce tracked-in debris and clean spills promptly, particularly oils, strongly colored liquids, and other materials that may stain porous surfaces.
Address stains and wear. For a stain, first try an appropriate non-acidic cleaner or a stain-removal product approved for porous cement tile, testing in a hidden spot. Contact Cement Tile Shop or a qualified restoration professional before sanding; uneven sanding may visibly change the color or finish. Cement tile can develop a natural patina, and some marks may become less noticeable over time.
Reseal when needed. Cement tile may require periodic resealing depending on traffic, exposure, cleaning practices, and the sealer used. Rather than following a fixed schedule, monitor the surface for reduced water and stain resistance and follow the sealer manufacturer's current recommendations. The tile must be thoroughly clean and dry before resealing. Apply sealer as directed and remove excess before it dries on the surface. Cement Tile Shop recommends Miracle 511 Porous Plus or another compatible penetrating sealer suitable for cement tile and the specific application.

Zellige Tile Installation Guidelines

When properly installed, zellige tile creates a beautiful, durable, and easy-to-maintain surface that can be enjoyed for many years. These instructions are provided as general installation guidelines. Always follow the current instructions provided by the manufacturers of the setting materials, grout, waterproofing products, sealers, and other installation products being used, as well as applicable building codes and industry standards. Cement Tile Shop is not responsible for improper installation, product misuse, or jobsite-specific conditions, or for material after it has been cut or installed.

We recommend consulting a qualified professional installer or contractor regarding the requirements of your particular project. Before beginning installation, make sure you and your installer have reviewed these recommendations in full. Proper installation and suitability of the selected installation system for the project are the responsibility of the installer and purchaser.

Freeze–Thaw Exposure

Traditional handmade zellige tile has not been tested or certified by Cement Tile Shop for freeze–thaw resistance. Because moisture can be absorbed into the clay body, zellige is not recommended for exterior installations exposed to freezing and thawing conditions. Glazing, sealing, waterproofing, or specialized setting materials do not establish freeze–thaw suitability.

Printable Instructions

English | Spanish | Portuguese

Inspect your order carefully. Cement Tile Shop will not be responsible for material that has been cut or installed. Throughout the installation process and handling of the tile, be careful not to damage the finished surface, edges, or corners of the tiles. Use caution and clean hands.
Store the material in a dry area. Allow interior tiles to acclimate in their final environment at least 12 hours prior to installation. Work in a clean and well-ventilated room.
Cutting, Installation & Removal Safety. Zellige is a handmade fired clay tile. Cutting, drilling, grinding, or removing tile can generate airborne dust, as can work involving other tile, stone, cement, and masonry products. Follow appropriate professional dust-control practices during fabrication and removal. Wet cutting is recommended whenever practical. Use suitable ventilation, eye protection, respiratory protection, and other personal protective equipment for the work being performed. Avoid unnecessary dry grinding or pulverizing of the tile.

Traditional handmade glaze formulations may contain trace or measurable amounts of metals, including lead or cadmium. Cement Tile Shop is currently obtaining additional technical information from our Moroccan zellige manufacturers regarding glaze composition and finished-surface testing. Zellige is intended for architectural surface applications and should not be used as cookware, serving ware, or as a surface intended for direct food preparation or food storage.

Zellige tiles may have a light surface residue from the handmade production, packing, or shipping process. Before installation, dip each tile briefly in clean water or wipe the front and back with a clean, damp sponge. This helps remove surface residue and promotes proper adhesion to the setting material.
Install over a flat, level, and stable surface. Use a cured concrete surface or suitable stable sub-floor (such as Hardibacker, Durock, or Ditra). Wall installation on drywall is acceptable when installed with appropriate non-sag setting materials. Zellige tiles can be used on floors but are recommended only in areas that get light traffic. Unglazed zellige tiles (Seashell Unglazed and Unglazed Terracotta only) can be used in heavier traffic areas.
Blend tiles from different boxes. Zellige tile, as a handmade product of natural materials, is subject to color and tonal variations from the kiln firing process and requires blending of tiles. Shuffle tile from different boxes during installation to achieve a uniform effect.

Use a high-quality, medium-bed thin set adhesive. Products from Laticrete or Mapei may be appropriate. Contact the adhesive manufacturer to recommend the appropriate adhesive and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Apply adhesive to the full back of each tile (100% coverage). Use a large, notched trowel (at least 1/2”). Spread the wall/floor and the back of the tiles with adhesive. Zellige tiles have varying thicknesses and not all tiles will be perfectly even. Do not beat with a mallet or rubber hammer to set tiles; level tiles using hand pressure. We recommend placing the tiles as close together as possible. Remove any excess adhesive from the surface with a damp cloth or sponge while it is fresh.
Cut with a sharp diamond blade using a wet saw. This helps reduce edge chipping and control dust. If using spacers, we recommend a soft, flexible spacer.
Use imperfect tiles strategically. Our zellige tiles are of the highest quality, but they are also handmade. Some tiles may have minor damage or imperfections that you may not like. Use the good parts of these tiles for cuts or use along edges or corners.

Unglazed zellige tiles (Seashell Unglazed and Unglazed Terracotta only) require sealing. Apply a penetrating sealer according to the sealer manufacturer's instructions. Highly porous material may require more than one application. Apply in thin, even coats and remove all excess sealer from the surface before it dries. Allow each application and the final treatment to cure according to the manufacturer's directions.

Tiles must be completely clean and dry before sealing. Once properly sealed, water should bead rather than immediately absorb into the surface.

Glazed zellige does not normally require sealing. Because handmade surfaces, exposed edges, pits, and grout colors can vary, always test the selected grout and installation products on several loose tiles or in an inconspicuous area before grouting. A grout release or other pre-grout treatment may be appropriate for certain installations; follow the product manufacturer's recommendations.

Cement Tile Shop offers Miracle 511 Porous Plus penetrating sealer in quart and gallon sizes for unglazed zellige. Coverage will vary considerably depending on the porosity of the tile and the number of applications required. Always follow the sealer manufacturer's current application and coverage instructions.

Allow the installed tile and setting material to dry for at least 24 hours. Or wait for the period required by the setting-material manufacturer before grouting.

For most interior installations, Cement Tile Shop recommends MAPEI Flexcolor CQ Grout. Flexcolor CQ is a premixed, ready-to-use grout formulated with color-coated quartz aggregate for color consistency and ease of cleaning. Because zellige has an irregular handmade glazed surface, always test the selected grout color and product on several loose tiles or an inconspicuous area before grouting the complete installation.

For pools, submerged applications, steam rooms, saunas, and other specialized wet environments, use a grout and complete installation system specifically approved by the manufacturer for that application. MAPEI Ultracolor Plus FA is suitable for many exterior and submerged installations when used according to MAPEI's instructions.

For pool installations, Cement Tile Shop recommends using a complete compatible waterproofing, setting, and grouting system. One appropriate MAPEI system may include Mapelastic Turbo waterproofing, Granirapid setting mortar, and Ultracolor Plus FA grout. Follow all MAPEI requirements regarding substrate preparation, cure times, waterproofing, installation, and time before water exposure.

Steam rooms and saunas require specialized waterproofing and vapor-management systems. Confirm the complete installation assembly with the setting-material manufacturer before installation.
Grout joints should be completely filled and free of voids or pits. Because zellige has an irregular handmade surface, do not grout excessively large areas at one time. Work in small sections, typically 15–30 sq. ft., and clean each section thoroughly before moving to the next area. Remove excess grout promptly. Grout allowed to remain on the glazed surface too long may become difficult to remove.
Clean thoroughly after grouting. Remove any remaining grout, mortar, or installation residue in accordance with the product manufacturer's instructions. Do not allow spills, drips, wet buckets, standing water, or other liquids or construction materials to remain on the finished surface for extended periods.
Protect the finished installation. After the installation has cured and the surface is clean and dry, protect the finished tile from staining, scratching, impact, and other construction-related damage for the remainder of the project. Use a non-staining, non-abrasive protective covering suitable for tile surfaces.

Do not apply adhesive tape directly to the finished tile surface unless the tape and application method have first been tested in an inconspicuous area. Adhesives may stain, discolor, or damage handmade glazed surfaces.

Glazed zellige is generally easy to maintain. Clean the surface with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner suitable for tile or natural stone and use non-abrasive cloths, sponges, or mops. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer's instructions.
For routine cleaning, avoid vinegar, acidic or strongly alkaline cleaners, abrasive pads, and harsh chemicals. These products may dull, discolor, etch, or otherwise affect handmade glazed surfaces, grout, sealers, or adjacent materials. For difficult stains, mineral deposits, or other specialty cleaning needs, use a product specifically recommended for glazed tile and test it first in an inconspicuous area.
For floor installations, sweep or vacuum regularly to remove abrasive debris and damp mop as needed. Entry mats can reduce tracked-in dirt and wear. Clean spills and excess moisture promptly, particularly on unglazed or porous surfaces.
Glazed zellige does not normally require routine sealing. Unglazed zellige products, including Seashell Unglazed and Unglazed Terracotta, require penetrating sealer and may need to be resealed periodically depending on exposure, use, and the sealer manufacturer's recommendations.
Handmade zellige used on floors may gradually develop a natural patina and signs of wear. These changes are characteristic of the material and contribute to its appearance over time.

Before resealing unglazed zellige, the tile must be thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Apply the penetrating sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions, using thin, even coats and removing excess sealer before it dries.

Cement Tile Shop recommends Miracle 511 Porous Plus or another high-quality penetrating sealer suitable for porous tile or natural stone, such as products from STAIN-PROOF by Dry-Treat or STONETECH. Always confirm current product suitability with the sealer manufacturer before application.

Breeze Block Installation Guidelines

For decorative, non-load-bearing screens and partitions. These instructions help you plan and install Cement Tile Shop breeze blocks. The support system, wall dimensions and connections must be designed for the particular location and application before work begins.

Important: Breeze blocks do not carry building loads and must not serve as a guardrail, retaining wall, or a surface intended for sitting, standing or climbing. Exterior and freestanding walls must resist wind and other applicable lateral loads. Do not use these blocks where they will be exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Have a qualified design professional determine the required foundation or frame, supports, anchorage, reinforcement, movement joints and any openings. Confirm permit and code requirements with the local authority. These general instructions do not establish a safe maximum wall height or length.

Printable Instructions

English | Spanish | Portuguese

The printable guides include conceptual diagrams of a breeze block panel and block preparation. These illustrations are not engineered construction drawings. A qualified design professional must provide the project-specific support, anchorage, reinforcement and wind-load details.

Confirm the approved design. Give the installer the applicable plans and details. Confirm the wall location, dimensions, block pattern, foundation or supporting frame, attachment points, mortar specification, intended finished joint width, reinforcement, weather exposure and construction bracing. For a building facade, include the attachment and water-management details. Do not substitute a generic spacing rule for the approved design.
Inspect and dry lay the blocks. Inspect the shipment before installation. Confirm the quantity and orientation of each pattern, and mix blocks from different boxes for a balanced appearance. Breeze blocks are handmade; check actual dimensions and make a dry layout so courses, corners, openings and joints fit the planned space. Set aside chipped pieces for approved cuts where appropriate.
Protect and prepare the material. Store blocks off the ground and protect them from rain and contamination. Remove loose dust or debris from bonding surfaces. Immediately before laying, briefly dip each block in clean water and install it promptly while damp but not dripping. Do not soak the blocks or install saturated units. Confirm this preparation with the selected mortar manufacturer.
Confirm the support and materials. The foundation, slab or frame must be sound, level, adequately cured and designed for the wall and its lateral loads. The factory recommends mortar grades 50 or 75 (about 5 or 7.5 MPa compressive strength); these designations do not by themselves specify a U.S. mortar type. Have the project designer select a locally available mortar compatible with the blocks. A preblended mortar mix already contains sand; masonry cement alone must be proportioned with sand to make mortar. Follow the selected product's mixing and weather instructions.

Establish the layout. Mark the wall line and check levels, corners and end supports. The factory suggests approximately 8–10 mm finished mortar joints, subject to the approved design and actual block dimensions. A fresh mortar bed compresses when the block is set; check the finished joint, not only the mortar placed on the trowel.
Lay the first course. Mix mortar according to its manufacturer's directions. Set the first course on the approved support in a continuous, even mortar bed. Fully bed the intended bearing surfaces, form the specified vertical joints and keep mortar out of the decorative openings. Check alignment and level as each block is placed.
Build the remaining courses. Continue the approved pattern, maintaining consistent joints and checking level, plumb and alignment frequently. Remove fresh mortar smears carefully with a damp sponge or soft tool before they harden. Protect the colored faces from abrasion and test any cleaning method on a spare block first.
Install supports and reinforcement as designed. Follow the approved project drawings for pilasters, posts, frames, anchors, joint reinforcement, bars, grout and movement joints. The factory's diagrams are illustrative only, not engineered structural details. A groove does not establish reinforcement size, spacing, corrosion protection or safe wall height. The design must transfer loads from the screen to its supports and foundation. Do not improvise openings or reinforcement.
Brace and protect the work. Provide temporary bracing during construction and until the wall has sufficient strength and permanent support. Protect newly laid masonry from heavy rain, excessive heat and premature drying; do not install these blocks in freeze-thaw exposure. The factory recommends lightly misting the completed wall twice daily for three days once joints are firm enough to avoid washout. Coordinate curing and weather protection with the mortar manufacturer's instructions.

Finish the top and exposed edges. Install caps, flashing, drainage and edge details where the project drawings require them. The factory confirms outdoor use in direct rain and sunlight where there is no freeze-thaw exposure. Direct water away from connections and avoid trapped water. The existing factory coating or an additional sealer or paint does not replace sound water-management and movement-joint details.
Clean and coat only after curing. The blocks have a factory-applied protective coating. For exterior walls, the factory recommends an additional compatible exterior masonry paint or penetrating water-repellent sealer for long-term protection. Clean the wall and let the mortar cure and the assembly dry completely before either treatment; the factory estimates approximately 10–30 days, depending on weather and actual drying. Test the product on a spare block for appearance and compatibility with the factory coating. Follow the coating manufacturer's instructions.
Maintain the wall. Remove loose dirt with a soft brush. For routine cleaning, use water and a pH-neutral cleaner, test first, and rinse without saturating the wall. Avoid acid cleaners, harsh abrasives and aggressive pressure washing. Use a stronger cleaner only after confirming compatibility with the particular block and finish. Inspect exterior walls periodically for cracking, loose connections, trapped water or damage; repair any issues promptly. Strong sun and weather can change the appearance of saturated colors over time.

The following industry guidance informs these general instructions. Its design examples assume conventional concrete masonry properties and do not establish the strength or allowable span of Cement Tile Shop blocks.

CMHA, Concrete Masonry Screen Walls, TEK 03-16A | masonryandhardscapes.org/resource/tek-03-16a/

CMHA, All-Weather Concrete Masonry Construction, TEK 03-01C | masonryandhardscapes.org/resource/tek-03-01c/

OSHA, Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction | osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1153

If you have any questions, contact Cement Tile Shop before cutting or installing the tile.

Note: These installation and maintenance instructions are provided as general guidelines only. Always follow current instructions from the manufacturers of the setting materials, grout, waterproofing products, sealers, and cleaning products being used, as well as applicable building codes and industry standards. Cement Tile Shop is not responsible for installation errors, improper product use, or job-site conditions.