Installation Materials for Tiles & Flooring
Everything You Need to Complete Your Project — Without Buying the Wrong Products
You've chosen your tiles or flooring. Now comes the part that most homeowners find confusing.
Which adhesive do I need?
Do I need waterproofing?
How much grout should I buy?
Will one bag of adhesive be enough?
Do hybrid floors need underlay?
Choosing the wrong installation materials can lead to loose tiles, cracked grout, squeaky floors or expensive repairs. At Joshua Tiles, we make it easy. Simply tell us:
- - What flooring you're installing
- - Tile size
- - Indoor or outdoor
- - Area in square metres
and we'll help you choose the right products. No guesswork. No buying products you don't need.
Shop by Project
I'm Installing Floor Tiles
You may need
I'm Renovating a Bathroom
You may need
I'm Installing Hybrid Flooring
You may need
- - Underlay (if required)
- - Expansion Foam
- - Scotia
- - Trims
I'm Installing Laminate Flooring
You may need
- - Acoustic Underlay
- - Moisture Barrier
- - Scotia
- - Trims
I'm Installing Engineered Timber
You may need
- - Timber Adhesive
- - Underlay
- - Moisture Barrier
- - Expansion Gap Accessories
FAQ
Q1. What installation materials do I need for a tiling project?
Most tiling projects require more than tiles alone. Depending on the tile, substrate and installation area, you may need:
The exact materials depend on whether the tiles are being installed on a wall or floor, indoors or outdoors, and in a dry or wet area.
Joshua Tiles can help you select suitable tile installation materials based on your tile size, installation location, substrate and approximate project area.
Q2. What flooring installation materials do I need?
The flooring installation materials you need depend on whether you are installing hybrid flooring, laminate flooring, engineered timber or another flooring type. Common flooring installation materials include:
- - Flooring underlay
- - Moisture barrier
- - Flooring adhesive
- - Floor levelling compound
- - Flooring trims and transition profiles
- - Scotia
- - Expansion foam
- - Stair nosing
- - Floor protection products
- - Cleaning and maintenance products
Before purchasing, confirm whether your flooring already has an attached underlay and whether it will be installed as a floating, direct-stick or other flooring system.
Q3. How do I choose the right tile adhesive?
The right tile adhesive depends on:
- - Tile material
- - Tile size
- - Wall or floor installation
- - Indoor or outdoor use
- - Wet or dry area
- - Substrate type
- - Movement or vibration
- - Underfloor heating
- - Manufacturer requirements
Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, natural stone, mosaics and large-format tiles may require different adhesive products.
Do not choose adhesive based only on price. Always check that the product is suitable for the tile, substrate and installation environment.
Q4. How much grout do I need?
The amount of grout required depends on:
- - Tile length and width
- - Tile thickness
- - Grout joint width
- - Total installation area
- - Grout product coverage
Small tiles and mosaics usually require more grout per square metre because they contain more joints. Large tiles with narrow joints generally require less grout.
Use the grout manufacturer’s coverage guide or calculator and include a small allowance for waste.
Q5. Do I need a tile levelling system?
A tile levelling system can help reduce lippage between adjacent tiles while the adhesive cures. It is particularly useful for:
- - Large-format tiles
- - Rectified tiles
- - Long plank tiles
- - Areas where a consistent finished surface is important
However, a levelling system cannot repair an uneven substrate. The wall or floor must still be properly prepared and sufficiently flat before tiling.
Q6. What is the difference between tile levelling clips and tile spacers?
Tile spacers primarily help maintain consistent grout joint widths. Tile levelling clips and wedges help control the relative height of adjacent tiles while also maintaining a joint width, depending on the system. Some projects may use both products. Check the levelling system size and required grout joint before purchasing.
Q7. Can floor levelling compound fix every uneven floor?
No. Floor levelling compound is not suitable for every structural or substrate problem. Before levelling, the installer may need to assess:
- - Cracks
- - Moisture
- - Movement
- - Weak or contaminated surfaces
- - Height differences
- - Structural deflection
- - Existing coatings
Significant problems may require repair before a levelling compound can be applied.
Q8. What installation materials do I need for hybrid flooring?
Depending on the hybrid flooring system, you may need:
- - Moisture barrier where required
- - Additional underlay only when approved
- - Floor levelling products
- - Expansion foam
- - Scotia
- - Transition trims
- - End profiles
- - Stair nosing
- - Installation tools
- - Floor protection products
Many hybrid flooring products already include an attached underlay. Do not install additional underlay unless the flooring manufacturer approves it, as excessive cushioning may affect locking joints and warranty conditions.
Q9. Does hybrid flooring need underlay?
It depends on the product.
Many hybrid flooring boards have a pre-attached underlay and are designed to be installed without an additional underlay. Other products may require a separate approved underlay.
Using an unapproved underlay can create too much movement under the floor and may damage the locking system.
Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Q10. What installation materials do I need for engineered timber flooring?
Engineered timber installation materials depend on whether the floor is floated or directly adhered. Products may include:
- - Timber flooring adhesive
- - Approved underlay
- - Moisture barrier
- - Moisture-control adhesive
- - Floor levelling compound
- - Scotia
- - Transition profiles
- - Expansion-joint products
- - Stair nosing
- - Timber floor cleaner
The installer should confirm the installation method, subfloor moisture level and compatible products before installation.
Q11. Where can I buy tile and flooring installation materials in Melbourne?
Joshua Tiles supplies tile and flooring installation materials from its Keysborough location in Melbourne.
Customers can shop for tiles, hybrid flooring, laminate flooring, engineered timber and associated installation products, including adhesives, grout, waterproofing, underlay, trims, levelling systems and accessories. Contact the Joshua Tiles team before collection to confirm product availability.
