Installation Guide

Installation Guidelines
1
The following is an informative general overview for basic tile
installation. As this is not a step by step guide, Andova Tiles
recommends using a licensed installer for all tile installation,
and that all TCNA guidelines are followed in accordance with
ANSI 137.1 and 137.2.
Before You Begin:
Carefully read through the product item page and
specifications for any additional documentation regarding
installation, tile care and maintenance information.
Make sure all the necessary tools and products are on hand for
the installation. The following is a list of necessary supplies but
it is not all inclusive: Safety glasses, gloves, buckets, cutting
tools such as Wet saw, tile cutters, tile nippers, etc, thin set or
other adhesive, tile spaces, trowels, rubber mallet, grout, grout
float, sponges and lint free cloth.
Prepping and Planning
Be sure to prepare the installation surface by ensuring that it is
flat, even and clean. Structure the tile layout by carefully
measuring the area. Then, dry-laying the tiles to ensure they fit
the space. All tiles in a specific area should be from the same
dye lot number, tone/shade, and/or caliber. If multiple boxes
are being used, it is recommended to pull tiles from each case
to prevent obvious color differences amongst the pieces.
Tile Cutting:
Tiles can be cut to preferred sizes by using tile nippers, tile
cutter or a diamond tipped wet saw. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS AND WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR.
Adhesives:
There are different adhesives available for tile installation.
Some options include mastic, thinset, polymer-modified
thinset and epoxy. Be sure to choose the most suitable type for
specific tile being installed. Always consult a licensed installer
on which adhesive to use. Carefully follow the directions
provided by the manufacturer of the chosen adhesive.
Tile Layout:
Spread out the thinset with a notched trowel that is
proportional in size to the tiles. After carefully following the
chosen adhesive manufacturer’s instructions, lay and press the
tiles in place with a rubber mallet using spacers accordingly.
The spacers will help create uniform grout lines.
Important Note: Before installing individual glass tiles larger
than 3”x6”, apply an additional even layer of adhesive (‘back-
butter’) to the back of the tile.