The Essential Checklist Before Starting a Tile or Stone Installation

Why Preparation Is Everything

A flawless installation doesn’t start with the first tile, it starts with preparation.Before applying adhesive or leveling the surface, there are several key steps that determine whether the final result will be durable or if, over time, cracks, detachment, or uneven joints will appear.At Céramique Costa, we believe that excellence isn’t only in the execution, it’s in every detail that comes before. This checklist brings together the fundamental steps that ensure a professional installation and results that stand the test of time.

1. A Clean, Dry, and Stable Surface

Everything begins with a solid foundation. The surface must be completely free of dust, grease, old paint, moisture, or debris.Any particles between the adhesive and the substrate will reduce adhesion and can cause tiles to loosen over time.It’s also essential to check that the subfloor or wall is stable and free of structural cracks, as any movement will transfer directly to the finished surface.

2. Perfect Leveling

Leveling is one of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, steps. A difference of just a few millimeters can disrupt grout alignment, create water accumulation, or even cause tiles to crack.Before installation, the level should be checked with precision tools, and, if necessary, a self-leveling compound or adjustment layer should be applied.A properly leveled surface ensures visual uniformity and makes installation faster and more accurate.

3. The Right Adhesive for Each Material

Not all adhesives are the same. Each material, ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, has unique requirements:

• Porcelain tiles need flexible, high-adhesion mortars.

• Natural stone requires reinforced adhesives to handle weight and absorption.

• Outdoor areas demand products resistant to humidity and temperature changes.

  
  

Choosing the right adhesive prevents tile movement, cracking, and loss of bonding over time.

4. Ideal Ambient Temperature

Climate matters. Installing under extreme conditions, intense cold, high heat, or direct sunlight, can compromise the adhesive’s curing process and the final bond.The optimal temperature for tile installation is between 10°C and 30°C (50°F–86°F), with low humidity and no direct exposure to sun or rain.Patience at this stage translates into long-lasting, stable results once the installation is complete.

5. Planning and Tools Ready

Good preparation also means good planning. Before starting:

• Double-check all measurements.

• Calculate at least 10% extra material for cuts and future replacements.

• Make sure all tiles come from the same batch to avoid shade variations.

• Prepare your tools: notched trowels, spacers, levels, and mixing paddles.

  
  

An organized start prevents delays, waste, and costly mistakes later on.

Perfection Starts Before Installation

The final quality of a tile installation doesn’t depend solely on the material, it depends on the process that comes before it. Every step, cleaning, leveling, selecting the right adhesive, controlling temperature, and planning, builds the foundation for a durable and visually perfect finish.At Céramique Costa, we make sure every project starts with meticulous preparation, because precision and order are the true foundations of great design.