how thick is tile and thinset

Ceramic, Porcelain, and Stone Facing Material Dimensions & Installation Mortar Layer

Facing Material Nominal Dimensions

Finished flooring and wall coverings composed of fired clay, stone, or composite materials vary considerably in measured dimensions. Common sizes range from mosaics less than one inch square to large format panels exceeding four feet per side. Actual depth, also, varies by material and manufacturer specifications.

Typical Thickness Ranges

  • Ceramic: From approximately 1/4 inch (6mm) to over 3/4 inch (19mm), influenced by size and intended use.
  • Porcelain: Generally denser and often thinner than ceramic, ranging from 1/8 inch (3mm) for some mosaics to over 3/4 inch (19mm) for large format options.
  • Natural Stone: Varies widely depending on the type of stone (granite, marble, slate, etc.) and its intended application. Can range from 3/8 inch (10mm) to several inches for some flagstone or dimensional stone.

Installation Mortar Characteristics

This mortar provides adhesion between the facing material and the substrate. It is typically composed of cement, finely graded aggregates, and polymers or additives to improve workability, bond strength, and flexibility. Variations exist for different applications and materials.

Mortar Layer Considerations

  • Purpose: The purpose of the mortar is to create a solid bond and even plane.
  • Coverage: Proper trowel technique is important to achieve mortar coverage as specified in ANSI A108.5
  • Substrate Preparation: Proper substrate preparation is imperative to achieve the thickness described below.

Application Layer Variations

The application layer is variable depending on the facing material size, substrate condition and mortar type. The layer depth may also be called the bed thickness.

  • Small Format Facing Material: Typically, a thinner application layer is required, from 1/8 inch (3mm) to 3/16 inch (5mm).
  • Large Format Facing Material: Requires increased bed thickness to ensure proper support and leveling, from 1/4 inch (6mm) to 1/2 inch (12mm) or more. Specific recommendations should be obtained from the manufacturer of both the facing material and the installation mortar.
  • Uneven Substrates: May require increased mortar bed thickness to compensate for variations in the substrate. Self-leveling underlayments are often recommended for optimal results.

Important Considerations

Adherence to manufacturer specifications for both facing materials and installation mortars is critical for a successful installation. Variations in materials and site conditions may necessitate adjustments to the layer during application.