Tile Adhesives & Grouts

Learn more about tile adhesives and grouts

Tile adhesives fix the tile to a surface. Grout fills the joints once the adhesive has set. The right choice depends on where you're tiling, what you're fixing to and how much movement or moisture the area sees.

For standard ceramic tiling on stable backgrounds, cement based tile adhesive is often suitable. For porcelain, quarry tiles or larger format tiles flexible tile adhesive or latex modified tile adhesive is usually the better fit. For floor work, floor tile adhesive needs to suit the load, substrate and tile format.

Standard grout suits dry internal areas, while waterproof and mould resistant tile grout is a better match for wet areas.

Typical uses

• Fixing wall tiles in kitchens, bathrooms and splashback areas with wall tile adhesive.

• Bedding floor tiles in kitchens, utility areas and hallways with adhesive for floor tiles.

• Tiling showers and wet rooms with a grout and adhesive that suits the moisture exposure.

• Working over timber based substrates or areas with slight movement, where flexible tile adhesive is usually the better option.

• Carrying out grout repair and regrouting where existing joints need renewing.

How to choose the right tile adhesive and grout

• Start with the tile material, location, moisture exposure and expected movement.

• Use cement based tile adhesive for standard ceramic tiling on stable, non flexing backgrounds.

• Choose flexible tile adhesive or latex modified tile adhesive for porcelain, larger format tiles, underfloor heating or substrates that move slightly.

• Use rapid set tile adhesive when the task calls for quicker setting.

• Match the grout to the setting, standard grout for dry internal walls and waterproof tile grout for wet areas.

• Confirm if you need grout and adhesive for internal or external use.

Before you order

• Check the surface is sound, clean and suitably prepared, and confirm whether a primer or waterproofing membrane is needed.

• Work out coverage from tile size, weight and area so you order enough adhesive and grout with some allowance for wastage.

• Confirm the working time, set time and when the surface can be walked on, if that information is shown on the product specifications.

Explore our range of tile adhesives and grouts

Browse tile adhesives, grouts and related tile fixing products from leading manufacturers. Compare product specifications for setting time, flexibility and water resistance, then pick the right product for the job.