Tile Work SOP

1. Purpose

To establish a standardized procedure for tile installation in both interior and exterior applications, ensuring quality workmanship, proper adhesion, and durability in compliance with relevant standards and specifications.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all ceramic, porcelain, vitrified, and natural stone tile installation activities in floors, walls, countertops, and other applicable surfaces in residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects.

3. Responsibilities

Site Engineer

Oversees tile work and ensures compliance with specifications

Tile Supervisor

Manages tile installation teams and quality control

Tile Installer

Executes the tile installation as per SOP guidelines

Quality Control Inspector

Conducts inspections before, during, and after tile installation

Safety Officer

Ensures safety protocols are followed during all tile work

4. Tools & Equipment

Measuring Tools

Laser measure, spirit level, square, measuring tape

Cutting Tools

Tile cutter, wet saw, angle grinder with diamond blade

Application Tools

Notched trowels (various sizes), margin trowel, rubber float

Hand Tools

Rubber mallet, spacers, nippers, carborundum stone

Safety Equipment

PPE, dust masks, safety goggles, knee pads, ear protection

Cleaning Tools

Sponges, buckets, microfiber cloths, scrub pads

5. Materials

Tiles

Ceramic, porcelain, vitrified, or natural stone as specified

Adhesives

Cement-based or epoxy-based as per application

Grout

Cementitious, epoxy, or urethane as specified

Spacers

Plastic spacers for uniform joint width

Primers & Sealers

For substrate preparation and tile protection

Movement Joints

Silicone or polyurethane sealant for expansion joints

6. Procedure

1

Site Inspection & Preparation

Inspect surface for levelness, cracks, moisture, and structural integrity
Ensure substrate is clean, dry, and free from dust, oil, and debris
Verify cement floors are cured for at least 28 days
Repair cracks, holes, or uneven areas with suitable fillers
Check for adequate lighting and ventilation in the work area

2

Layout Planning & Measurement

Measure the area accurately using laser measure or tape
Determine the starting point and layout pattern
Create a dry layout to visualize pattern and minimize cuts
Mark reference lines and levels on the substrate
Calculate tile quantity with 10% wastage allowance

3

Surface Preparation

Remove dust and debris using vacuum and damp cloth
Apply primer to porous surfaces for better adhesion
Install waterproofing membrane for wet areas if specified
Allow primer/waterproofing to cure as per manufacturer's specifications
Create expansion joints at wall junctions and every 25 m²

4

Adhesive Preparation

Select appropriate adhesive based on tile type and location
Mix adhesive according to manufacturer's recommended ratio (typically 4:1 powder:water)
Achieve lump-free consistency resembling thick peanut butter
Allow mixed adhesive to slake for 5-10 minutes
Only mix quantity that can be used within 30-45 minutes

5

Tile Installation

Apply adhesive with appropriate notched trowel (10mm for floors, 6mm for walls)
Work in small sections of 1m² to prevent adhesive from drying
Comb adhesive in one direction to create ridges
Place tiles firmly into adhesive with a slight twisting motion
Insert spacers between tiles for uniform joints (2-3mm for walls, 3-5mm for floors)
Tap tiles with rubber mallet to ensure full contact with adhesive
Check level and alignment after every few tiles

6

Cutting & Fitting

Measure and mark tiles that need cutting with a wax pencil
Use manual tile cutter for straight cuts
Use wet saw for complex cuts or hard materials
Employ nippers for small irregular cuts
Smooth cut edges with carborundum stone
Position cut edges against walls or where they will be least visible

7

Curing & Initial Setting

Allow adhesive to set for minimum 24 hours (no foot traffic)
Cover tile installation with plastic sheet in hot/dry conditions
Protect from direct sunlight and strong drafts during curing
Remove spacers after initial set but before grouting
Clean any adhesive residue from tile surface and joints

8

Grouting

Mix grout according to manufacturer's instructions
Achieve toothpaste-like consistency without lumps
Apply grout with rubber float at 45° angle to joints
Work in sections of 2-3m²
Remove excess grout from tile surface with damp sponge
Clean diagonally across joints to avoid removing grout
Allow 30-40 minutes setting time before final cleaning
Remove grout haze with clean water and microfiber cloth

9

Expansion Joints & Sealant Application

Install expansion joints where tiles meet walls, columns, or other materials
Maintain expansion joints from substrate through tile layer
Fill expansion joints with appropriate elastic sealant
Apply silicone sealant in corners and along plumbing fixtures
Tool sealant with wet finger or appropriate tool

10

Final Cleaning & Protection

Allow grout to cure for 24-48 hours
Clean entire tile surface with pH-neutral cleaner
Apply sealer to grout lines and natural stone tiles if specified
Protect finished installation with cardboard or construction paper
Restrict foot traffic for at least 24 hours after grouting
Avoid heavy traffic for 7 days to allow complete curing

7. Quality Control

Verify surface preparation adequacy before installation

Check adhesive coverage by removing random tiles (minimum 85% coverage required)

Confirm floor flatness with 2m straightedge (maximum 2mm deviation)

Verify wall verticality and plumbness (maximum 2mm in 2m)

Perform hollow sound test by tapping tiles with coin or wooden handle

Ensure consistent joint width and alignment throughout installation

Inspect grout joints for voids, cracks, or inconsistencies

Check for lippage between adjacent tiles (maximum 1mm for floors, 0.5mm for walls)

8. Safety Precautions

Personal Protection

Wear safety goggles, dust masks, gloves, knee pads, and appropriate footwear

Cutting Hazards

Use wet cutting methods to minimize dust, ensure proper ventilation

Electrical Safety

Use GFCI-protected outlets for all power tools, especially in wet areas

Chemical Hazards

Read SDS for all materials, avoid skin contact with adhesives and grouts

9. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Hollow Sounds

Remove and reinstall with proper adhesive coverage

Lippage

Use leveling system for large format tiles, adjust during installation

Grout Cracking

Ensure proper expansion joints, use flexible grout for high movement areas

Efflorescence

Clean with specialized efflorescence remover, ensure proper substrate sealing

10. Professional Tips

Pattern Planning

Start from the center of the room for a balanced appearance

Large Format Tiles

Use 12mm notched trowel and back-butter tiles for better adhesion

Temperature Control

Maintain 10-30°C during installation and curing for optimal results

Moisture Management

Allow substrates to dry completely, use moisture meters for verification

11. Conclusion

Following this SOP ensures tile installations are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and compliant with industry standards. Proper surface preparation, material selection, and installation techniques are critical for quality results.

Regular quality checks at each stage guarantee long-lasting performance and customer satisfaction.