Tile Spacers & Levelling Systems
Achieve Straight Grout Lines, Level Tiles and a Professional Finish
A beautiful tiled surface is not only about choosing the right tiles. Accurate spacing, consistent grout joints and a flat finished surface are essential to achieving a clean, professional result.
At Joshua Tiles, we offer a practical range of tile spacers and tile levelling systems designed to help tilers, builders, renovators and DIY customers install wall and floor tiles with greater speed, accuracy and confidence.
Whether you are installing bathroom tiles, kitchen splashbacks, large-format porcelain tiles or an entire tiled floor, the right spacing and levelling tools can help reduce uneven joints, tile movement and visible lippage.
Shop tile spacers, levelling clips, wedges, reusable levelling systems and installation accessories online or visit our Keysborough showroom for expert advice.
What Are Tile Spacers?
Tile spacers are small installation accessories placed between tiles to create consistent grout joints.
They help keep each tile evenly positioned during installation, producing straighter lines and a more balanced finished appearance. Tile spacers are available in different sizes to suit various:
- - Tile formats
- - Grout joint widths
- - Wall and floor applications
- - Rectified and non-rectified tiles
- - Indoor and outdoor projects
- - Design preferences
Using the correct spacer size helps prevent irregular grout lines and makes the final grouting process cleaner and more consistent.
What Is a Tile Levelling System?
A tile levelling system helps reduce height differences between neighbouring tiles while the adhesive is curing. Most clip-and-wedge systems use:
- - Levelling clips placed underneath the tile edges
- - Reusable wedges inserted through the clips
- - Levelling pliers used to apply even pressure
Once the adhesive has cured, the exposed part of the clip is removed, leaving an even tile surface ready for grouting. Tile levelling systems are particularly useful when installing:
- - Large-format tiles
- - Rectified porcelain tiles
- - Polished tiles
- - Long plank tiles
- - Timber-look tiles
- - Stone-look tiles
- - Wall tiles with tight joints
- - Tiles in highly visible areas
They do not replace correct substrate preparation or proper adhesive application, but they can make it easier to maintain alignment and minimise tile lippage during installation.
Why Use Tile Spacers and Levelling Systems?
Create Consistent Grout Joints
Uneven grout lines can make even premium tiles look poorly installed.
Tile spacers help maintain a consistent distance between each tile, creating a cleaner and more professional layout across the entire surface.
Reduce Tile Lippage
Tile lippage occurs when the edge of one tile sits higher or lower than the neighbouring tile.
A tile levelling system holds adjoining tiles in better alignment while the adhesive cures, helping create a flatter and more visually consistent surface.
Improve Large-Format Tile Installation
Large-format porcelain tiles can be more challenging to install because even small height differences become noticeable across wide tile edges.
Levelling clips and wedges provide additional control during installation and are especially useful for tiles such as:
- - 600 × 600mm
- - 600 × 1200mm
- - 750 × 1500mm
- - 900 × 900mm
- - 1200 × 1200mm
- - Large-format wall panels
Save Installation Time
Correcting crooked joints or uneven tile edges after the adhesive begins to set can be difficult and time-consuming.
Using the right spacers and levelling tools helps maintain the layout during installation, reducing repeated adjustments and helping the job progress more efficiently.
Achieve a More Professional Finish
Straight grout lines and an even tile surface improve the overall appearance of bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, living areas and commercial spaces.
These small installation accessories can make a noticeable difference to the finished project.
Suitable for Professionals and DIY Renovators
Professional tilers use spacing and levelling systems to improve efficiency and consistency across larger projects.
DIY renovators can also use them to gain more control during installation, especially when working with large or rectified tiles.
However, the substrate must still be properly prepared, the correct adhesive must be used and the tiles must be installed according to relevant product and installation requirements.
Our Tile Spacers and Levelling Accessories
Depending on product availability, our range may include:
Cross Tile Spacers
Cross-shaped spacers are commonly used where four tile corners meet.
They are suitable for regular grid layouts and are available in different thicknesses to create the required grout joint.
T-Shaped Tile Spacers
T-spacers are useful for offset, brick-bond and subway tile patterns where only three tile edges meet. They can help maintain consistent joints without interfering with the staggered layout.
Horseshoe Spacers
Horseshoe spacers are commonly used for wall tiles, vertical surfaces, window reveals and installations requiring adjustment during the laying process.
They can often be inserted or removed more easily than standard cross spacers.
Levelling Clips
Levelling clips sit beneath adjoining tile edges and determine the approximate grout joint width. The correct clip should be selected according to:
- - Tile thickness
- - Required grout joint width
- - Tile format
- - Installation system
Levelling clips are generally single-use components and are removed after the adhesive cures.
Reusable Levelling Wedges
Levelling wedges are inserted through the clips to apply pressure across neighbouring tiles.
Wedges can generally be reused across multiple projects when they remain clean and undamaged.
Tile Levelling Pliers
Levelling pliers help apply consistent pressure to clips and wedges.
Using pliers can make installation faster and reduce the risk of overtightening or applying uneven pressure.
Different pliers may be designed for floor or wall applications, so check compatibility with your chosen system.
Reusable Screw-Type Levelling Systems
Some tile levelling products use reusable caps or screw mechanisms instead of disposable clip-and-wedge components.
These systems may be useful for selected DIY, repair or smaller installation projects.
Always check that the system is suitable for the tile thickness, joint size and application.
How to Choose the Right Tile Spacer Size
The best grout joint width depends on several factors, including:
- - Tile edge type
- - Tile size
- - Tile dimensional variation
- - Installation area
- - Layout pattern
- - Substrate condition
- - Manufacturer recommendations
- - Applicable installation requirements
Rectified Tiles
Rectified tiles have mechanically finished edges and are often installed with narrower, more consistent grout joints.
However, rectified tiles should not normally be installed with no grout joint at all. A suitable joint is still required to accommodate tile variation, installation tolerance and movement.
Non-Rectified Tiles
Non-rectified or pressed-edge tiles may have more variation in their dimensions.
A slightly wider grout joint can help accommodate these differences and create a more visually consistent installation.
Feature Tiles and Subway Tiles
Subway tiles, handmade-look tiles and tiles with intentionally uneven edges may require wider or more flexible joint spacing.
The joint width should complement the tile style rather than forcing naturally irregular tiles into an overly tight layout.
Outdoor Tiles
Outdoor tiled surfaces may require different joint and movement considerations due to temperature changes, moisture exposure and substrate movement.
Speak with your installer or the Joshua Tiles team before selecting spacing accessories for outdoor applications.
Choosing the Correct Levelling Clip
Before buying levelling clips, check the following:
Grout Joint Width
Clips are commonly available in different thicknesses. The clip thickness generally determines the minimum joint between adjoining tiles.
Tile Thickness
Not every clip fits every tile. Confirm that the clip is suitable for the thickness of your tiles before installation.
Wall or Floor Application
Some systems can be used on both walls and floors, while others may require different tools or installation methods.
Tile Size
Large-format tiles may require more clips along each edge than smaller tiles.
System Compatibility
Clips, wedges and pliers from different levelling systems may not be interchangeable. For the best result, use compatible components from the same system.
How Many Levelling Clips Do I Need?
The number of clips required depends on:
- - Tile dimensions
- - Installation pattern
- - Number of clips placed along each tile edge
- - Total tiled area
- - Room shape
- - Cutting and wastage
Larger tiles may require several clips along each side rather than one clip at each corner.
Before ordering, calculate the tile layout and allow additional clips for perimeter cuts, breakage and installation adjustments.
For large projects, contact Joshua Tiles with your tile size and total area so our team can help estimate the quantity required.
How to Use a Clip-and-Wedge Tile Levelling System
- Prepare a flat, clean and suitablesubstrate.
- Apply the correct tile adhesive using the recommended trowel.
- Position the first tile.
- Insert levelling clips beneath the tile edges.
- Place the adjoining tile against the clips.
- Insert the reusable wedges through the clip openings.
- Tighten the wedges evenly by hand or with compatible levelling pliers.
- Check the tile alignment and adhesive coverage.
- Allow the adhesive to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remove the clips by striking them in the direction of the grout joint.
- Collect and clean the reusable wedges.
- Remove any remaining material from the joints before grouting.
Do not remove the clips before the tile adhesive has cured sufficiently.
Important Installation Advice
Tile levelling systems are installation aids. They cannot correct:
- - A badly uneven substrate
- - Incorrect screeding
- - Insufficient adhesive coverage
- - Excessive tile warpage
- - Incorrect trowel selection
- - Poor waterproofing preparation
- - Incorrect falls in wet areas
- - Missing movement joints
For the best result, ensure the substrate is properly prepared before tiling.
Large-format tiles may require substrate levelling, suitable adhesive, correct trowelling technique and adhesive applied to both the substrate and the back of the tile where required.
For wet areas, outdoor areas and commercial projects, installation should be completed in accordance with applicable Australian requirements and product manufacturer instructions.
Why Buy Tile Spacers and Levelling Systems from Joshua Tiles?
One-Stop Tiling Supply Store
Purchase your tiles, spacers, levelling clips, wedges, adhesives, grout, silicone, waterproofing products and installation tools from one convenient supplier.
Expert Product Advice
Not sure which clip thickness, spacer width or levelling system suits your tiles?
Our team can help you choose based on your tile dimensions, thickness, surface, installation area and layout.
Products for Tilers, Builders and Renovators
Our range is selected for:
- - Professional tilers
- - Builders
- - Bathroom renovators
- - Flooring contractors
- - Property developers
- - Handymen
- - Homeowners
- - DIY customers
Melbourne Showroom and Local Support
Visit the Joshua Tiles showroom in Keysborough, Melbourne, to view tiles and discuss the right installation accessories for your project.
Australia-Wide Delivery
Selected tile spacers, clips, wedges and tiling tools can be delivered across Melbourne, regional Victoria and interstate, subject to product availability and delivery conditions.
FAQ
Q1. What is the difference between tile spacers and a tile levelling system?
Tile spacers control the width of the grout joint between tiles.
A tile levelling system helps align the top surfaces of adjoining tiles to reduce lippage.
Some levelling clips perform both functions because the clip body also creates a consistent joint between the tiles.
Q2. Do I need both tile spacers and levelling clips?
Not always. Many levelling clips create the grout joint as well as helping align tile surfaces. However, additional spacers may still be useful around walls, corners, cuts, niches or areas where the levelling clip cannot be positioned. Check the design of your chosen system before ordering.
Q3. Do tile levelling systems completely eliminate lippage?
They can significantly reduce lippage, but they cannot guarantee a perfectly flat surface on their own. The final result also depends on substrate flatness, tile warpage, adhesive coverage, installation technique and correct positioning.
Q4. Are tile levelling systems suitable for large-format tiles?
Yes. Levelling systems are particularly useful for large-format tiles because small height differences become more visible along longer tile edges. The correct number and placement of clips will depend on the tile dimensions and system instructions.
Q5. Can I use a levelling system on wall tiles?
Many levelling systems can be used on both wall and floor tiles.
For wall installations, compatible pliers and supports may make it easier to maintain alignment while the adhesive cures. Check the product specifications before use.
Q6. What size tile spacers should I use?
The correct size depends on the type of tile, edge finish, layout, location and recommended joint width.
Rectified tiles may allow a narrower joint than pressed-edge or handmade-look tiles, but tiles should not generally be installed without a grout joint.
Speak with your tiler or Joshua Tiles for project-specific guidance.
Q7. Can I use 1.5mm or 2mm spacers with rectified tiles?
They may be suitable for some rectified tile installations, depending on tile dimensional accuracy, substrate condition, project requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Always
confirm the appropriate minimum joint width for the selected tile and application.
Q8. Are levelling clips reusable?
Standard breakaway levelling clips are normally single-use. The upper section breaks away after the adhesive cures, while the lower section remains beneath the tile.
Q9. Are tile levelling wedges reusable?
Yes. Levelling wedges are generally reusable if they are removed carefully, cleaned after use and not damaged.
Q10. When should I remove tile levelling clips?
Remove the clips only after the tile adhesive has cured sufficiently.
Curing time depends on the adhesive, temperature, tile type, substrate and site conditions. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions rather than relying on a fixed time for every installation.
Q11. How do I remove tile levelling clips?
Once the adhesive has cured, strike the clips in the direction of the grout joint using a rubber mallet or suitable tool.
Do not strike across the joint, as this may cause the clip to break incorrectly and leave material protruding above the tile surface.
Q12. How many clips should be used per tile?
The quantity depends on tile dimensions and the levelling system.
Small tiles may only require clips near corners, while large-format tiles often need additional clips along every edge. Follow the system instructions and increase the number where additional control is required.
Q13. Where can I buy tile spacers and levelling systems in Melbourne?
Joshua Tiles supplies tile spacers, levelling clips, wedges and tiling accessories from our Keysborough showroom in Melbourne. You can shop online or contact our team for assistance choosing products for your tile size and project.
