Use a tile levelling system

Use levelling clips and wedges to keep large tiles flush and stop uneven edges while the adhesive sets.

TL-01Check the surface and dry-lay your tilesMake sure the subfloor or wall is flat, dry and clean before you start — a levelling system corrects small height differences between tiles, not a badly uneven surface. Dry-lay a few rows first to check the pattern, spacing and where you'll need cut tiles. Check all tiles are from the same batch so the thickness is consistent.

TL-02Choose the right clips for your tile thickness and jobLevelling clips come in different heights (1mm, 2mm, 3mm) which also set your grout joint width — pick the size you want before you start. Standard clips suit tiles from about 3mm to 12mm thick; very thick or large-format tiles need heavy-duty clips rated for that weight. For floors, use straight or cross clips depending on the layout; for walls, you'll usually combine clips with a levelling batten along the bottom row to stop tiles sliding down before the adhesive grips.

1 each · Tile levelling system kit (clips + wedges, 100 pack)

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TL-03Mix and spread the adhesiveMix the adhesive to a smooth, lump-free consistency and spread it with a notched trowel, combing it in one direction for even coverage. Only spread as much as you can tile in 20–30 minutes, or check the working time on the tub in warm weather.

1 bag · Tile adhesive (20kg bag)

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1 each · Notched trowel

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TL-04Lay the first tile and place the clipsBed the tile into the adhesive with a slight twist to spread it evenly, then push the flat base of a clip into the joint at each edge where the next tile will sit. The upright tongue of the clip should sit between where the two tile edges will meet, with the base flat against the floor or wall.

TL-05Lay the next tile and insert the wedgePush the next tile into place over the same clips, then slide the wedge into the clip tongue by hand until it's snug. Use the levelling pliers to tighten the wedge fully — this pulls both tile edges level with each other and closes any gap between them.

1 each · Levelling pliers/wrench

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TL-06Work across the area, checking as you goContinue tile by tile, placing clips and wedges at every joint. Run a spirit level across each finished section and check with your hand for any lippage between edges — adjust wedges while the adhesive is still workable, as it's much harder once it's gone off.

1 each · Spirit level

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1 bag · Tile spacers (bag of 100)

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TL-07Leave the adhesive to cureLeave the tiles undisturbed for the time stated on the adhesive tub — usually at least 24 hours — before removing wedges or walking on a floor. Don't be tempted to rush this; disturbing tiles too early can knock them out of level.

TL-08Remove the wedgesOnce the adhesive has cured, snap off each wedge by kicking it sideways with your foot or tapping it with a rubber mallet — they're designed to break away cleanly. The base of the clip may be left in the joint; it will be covered by grout. Wedges are single-use, so don't try to reuse them.

1 each · Rubber mallet

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TL-09Clean up and groutVacuum away any broken wedge fragments and wipe off adhesive residue from the joints with a damp sponge. Wait for the full cure time given by the adhesive manufacturer (often 24–72 hours) before grouting, then grout as normal and give the whole area a final clean once the grout has set.

1 bag · Grout (5kg bag)

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1 each · Sponge and bucket

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