Tiling Installation Materials
Not Sure Which Adhesive, Grout or Waterproofing Products You Need?
Buying beautiful tiles is only the first step. To achieve a durable and professional finish, you also need the right adhesive, grout, waterproofing, primer, silicone and installation accessories.
The problem is that not every installation product is suitable for every tile or surface. The right materials depend on:
- - Your tile type and size
- - The area being tiled
- - Indoor or outdoor installation
- - Wall or floor application
- - The surface underneath the tiles
- - Whether the area is exposed to water
- - Whether you are installing standard or large format tiles
At Joshua Tiles, you can shop the materials you need for your complete tiling project in one place. Our team can also help you choose suitable products based on your tiles and installation area, so you can buy with greater confidence and avoid unnecessary return trips.
Everything You Need to Install Your Tiles
Shop installation materials for bathroom, kitchen, laundry, living area, balcony, patio and commercial tiling projects. Our range includes:
Whether you are completing a DIY renovation or purchasing materials for a professional tiler, you can order your tiles and
installation products together.
Avoid Costly Problems Caused by the Wrong Materials
Choosing an installation product based only on price can lead to expensive problems after the tiles have been installed. The wrong adhesive, poor surface preparation or an unsuitable grout may contribute to:
- - Loose or hollow-sounding tiles
- - Cracked or discoloured grout
- - Uneven tile edges
- - Tiles lifting or moving
- - Water leaks in wet areas
- - Poor adhesion on large format tiles
- - Mould around joints and corners
- - Expensive removal and reinstallation
Using suitable installation materials from the beginning can help improve adhesion, finish and long-term performance.
Which Tile Adhesive Do I Need?
The correct tile adhesive depends on your tiles, substrate and installation area.
For example, the adhesive required for a small ceramic wall tile may be different from the product needed for:
Before purchasing, check the product specifications and confirm that the adhesive is suitable for your tile type, tile size, substrate and application.
Not sure which one to choose? Provide our team with your tile size, installation location, surface type and approximate square metres, and we can help you narrow down the suitable options.
What Do I Need for a Bathroom Renovation?
A bathroom project often requires more than tiles and adhesive. Depending on the project and the work being completed, your shopping list may include:
- - Surface primer
- - Waterproofing membrane
- - Waterproofing accessories
- - Tile adhesive
- - Tile levelling clips or spacers
- - Grout
- - Colour-matched silicone
- - Tile trims
- - Cleaning and finishing products
Buying these materials together can make it easier to coordinate colours, quantities and product compatibility before installation begins.
Waterproofing must be completed in accordance with applicable Australian requirements and product instructions. Waterproofing and tiling should be carried out by appropriately qualified trades where required.
Installing Large Format Tiles?
Large tiles can create a cleaner, more modern appearance, but they also require more careful preparation and installation. For 600×600, 600×1200 and other large format tiles, you may need:
- - A suitable high-performance tile adhesive
- - Proper substrate preparation
- - Floor levelling compound where required
- - Large format tile levelling clips
- - Suitable trowels and installation tools
- - Appropriate grout joint spacing
A flat and correctly prepared surface is especially important because large tiles are less able to follow uneven floors or walls.
Match Your Grout and Silicone
Grout colour can change the overall appearance of your tiled space.
Choose a colour close to the tile for a softer and more seamless look, or select a contrasting grout to emphasise the shape and layout of the tiles.
For corners, movement joints and changes of plane, a suitable flexible sealant may be required rather than grout.
Where available, choosing coordinating grout and silicone colours can help create a cleaner and more consistent finish.
Complete Your Project in One Order
Instead of purchasing tiles from one supplier and searching elsewhere for the remaining materials, you can order your tiles and installation products together from Joshua Tiles. This makes it easier to:
- - Match the correct products to your tiles
- - Estimate the required quantities
- - Coordinate grout and silicone colours
- - Reduce extra shopping trips
- - Arrange one collection
- - Keep your project organised
Customers can arrange pickup from our Keysborough location, subject to product availability.
Need Help Choosing?
You do not need to know the technical name of every product before shopping.
Send or bring us the following information:
- - Tile type and size
- - Wall or floor installation
- - Indoor or outdoor area
- - Approximate square metres
- - Surface being tiled
- - Whether it is a wet area
Our team can help you identify suitable installation materials for your project.
Product recommendations are general guidance only. Final product selection, surface assessment and installation methods should be confirmed by the installer and completed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable Australian requirements.
FAQ
Q1. What materials do I need to install tiles?
A typical tile installation may require primer, tile adhesive, spacers or a tile levelling system, grout, silicone and cleaning products. Wet areas may also require a complete waterproofing system. The exact materials depend on the tile, substrate and installation location.
Q2. How do I know which tile adhesive to buy?
Check your tile type, tile size, substrate and installation area. Porcelain tiles, large format tiles, natural stone, outdoor areas and wet areas may require different adhesive types. Ask for advice before purchasing when you are unsure.
Q3. Can I use the same adhesive for wall and floor tiles?
Not always. Suitability depends on the product specifications, tile weight, tile size, substrate and application. Always check that the selected adhesive is approved for the intended wall or floor installation.
Q4. What adhesive should I use for porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles generally require an adhesive that is specifically suitable for low-porosity porcelain. The correct product also depends on the tile size, substrate and whether the installation is indoors, outdoors or in a wet area.
Q5. How many bags of tile adhesive do I need?
Coverage varies according to the adhesive, tile size, trowel size, substrate condition and installation method. Uneven surfaces and large format tiles may use more adhesive. Use the manufacturer’s
stated coverage as a guide and confirm quantities with your installer.
Q6. Do I need waterproofing before tiling a bathroom?
Wet areas generally require waterproofing before tiling. The required areas and installation method depend on the project and applicable Australian requirements. Waterproofing should be completed by an appropriately qualified person where required.
Q7. What is the difference between grout and silicone?
Grout is commonly used to fill joints between tiles. Flexible silicone or sealant is generally used at corners, changes of plane and movement joints where some movement may occur. Your installer should determine the correct joint treatment.
Q8. Why should I use 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, although it does not replace proper surface preparation or professional installation.
Q9. Do tile levelling clips replace tile spacers?
Some levelling clips also control the grout joint width, but this depends on the system. Additional spacers may still be required in some areas or layouts.
Q10. Can I tile over existing tiles?
In some situations, tiling over existing tiles may be possible if the existing surface is stable, properly prepared and compatible with the selected primer and adhesive. The surface should be professionally assessed before installation.
Q11. Do you sell installation materials for DIY projects?
Yes. DIY renovators can shop adhesives, grout, spacers, levelling systems, trims and other accessories. However, waterproofing, substrate preparation and complex installations may require a
qualified professional.
Q12. Can Joshua Tiles help me calculate quantities?
Our team can provide general guidance when you supply the tile size, project area, square metres and installation details. Final quantities should be confirmed with your installer because coverage can vary according to site conditions and installation methods.
Q13. Can I purchase tiles, grout and adhesive together?
Yes. Purchasing your tiles and installation materials together can make it easier to select suitable products, coordinate colours and arrange collection for the project.
Q14. Do you offer trade pricing for tilers and builders?
Trade or project pricing may be available for eligible tilers, builders, developers and commercial customers. Contact Joshua Tiles with your business and project requirements for further information.
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