Professional Installation
SERA cement tile should be installed and sealed by a qualified professional experienced in working with handmade cement tile.
The information below provides general guidance only. The installer is responsible for selecting the appropriate substrate preparation, waterproofing system, adhesive, grout, protective treatments and installation method for the intended use, site conditions and applicable local requirements.
Preparation & Layout
Store the tiles in a dry, protected place and allow them to acclimatise before installation. Inspect the tiles and remove any loose production or transit residue.
Before work begins, open all boxes, mix tiles from different boxes and complete a dry layout. Check the pattern repeat, tile orientation, position of borders, cuts and transitions, and the distribution of colour variation.
Do not install tiles consecutively from a single box. Prepare a small test area to confirm the layout, joint appearance, grout colour and protective treatment system.
Substrate & Installation
The substrate must be sound, rigid, stable, level, fully cured, clean and dry. It must be free from dust, oil, paint, construction residue and movement that could cause cracking.
Wet areas require a professionally installed waterproofing system. Tile, grout and protective sealer do not replace the waterproofing beneath the installation.
Use a high-quality adhesive suitable for cement tile, the substrate and the intended conditions of use. Apply the adhesive to ensure full contact and to compensate for natural differences in tile thickness.
Press the tiles evenly into place using the palm of your hand. Do not strike the surface with a rubber hammer or mallet.
Use wet-cutting equipment with a suitable diamond blade. Dry cutting and grinding should be avoided.
The final joint width should be determined by the installer according to the tile size, pattern, substrate and installation conditions. Where a recommended joint width has been confirmed for the specific product, follow that value.
Pre-Grout Sealing
Cement tile is porous and must be sealed before grout is applied. The tiles must be clean and completely dry before treatment.
Use a penetrating sealer intended for unglazed cement tile. Before work begins, test the complete protective treatment system on spare tiles or a small trial area.
Apply the product in thin, even coats in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove excess before it dries and allow the sealer to cure fully before grouting.
Grouting & Final Protection
Use a grout suitable for cement tile and the intended conditions of use. A light, neutral grout is generally the safest choice.
Dark or strongly contrasting grout may stain the porous surface or leave a persistent haze. Where contrasting grout is planned, complete a test first and consider careful application with a grout bag.
Work in small sections and remove excess grout immediately using clean water and a soft sponge. Do not allow grout, adhesive or construction residue to dry on the tile surface.
After the grout has cured fully, clean and dry the surface before applying the final protective treatment recommended for the project.
Wet Areas, Floors & Exterior Use
For floors, showers and other wet surfaces, the installer must assess slip performance, tile format, joint width, drainage, slope, waterproofing and expected traffic before work begins.
Exterior applications require a stable exterior-rated substrate, suitable waterproofing and drainage, and a protective treatment system intended for outdoor conditions.
Do not use cement tile in pools, fountains, water features or other areas of permanent water immersion.
Exposure to intense sunlight may gradually alter the colour of cement tile. Exterior surfaces should be understood as materials that naturally weather and develop a patina over time.
Cleaning & Care
For regular cleaning, gently sweep or vacuum the surface and use clean water with a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for cement or natural stone.
Do not use acidic products, vinegar, bleach, harsh chemicals, abrasive powders, metal brushes, scouring pads or aggressive mechanical cleaning equipment.
Clean spills immediately, particularly oil, grease, wine, coffee and strongly coloured substances, as they may penetrate the surface and cause staining.
Reapply protective treatment as required, following the sealer manufacturer’s instructions and taking account of traffic, moisture exposure and wear. Wet areas and high-traffic locations may require more frequent maintenance.
A natural patina and signs of use will develop over time. These changes are part of the character and normal ageing of handmade cement tile.
Safety
Wear gloves, safety glasses and suitable respiratory protection when unpacking, cutting and installing the tiles.
Cut the tiles using wet-cutting equipment in a well-ventilated work area. Follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturers of adhesives, grouts, protective treatments and installation equipment.
Full Installation Guide
Please review the full guide with your installer before work begins: view full cement tile installation guide.
