Ceramic Adhesives

• One method of attaching ceramic, porcelain and similar tiles to a floor uses an adhesive designed specifically for floor tiles. These adhesives typically have more elasticity than Portland cement products and do a better job anchoring the tiles on floors that flex.
  
  A tile installation with glue is very similar to using mortar. The installer uses a notched trowel to apply the adhesive to the floor underlayment. The tile is laid on top and pressed into the adhesive and leveled flush with the surrounding tiles.
  
  

Mortar

• Mortar is a Portland cement product. The Portland cement mixed into the product is the glue that holds the mortar bed together and then binds to the ceramic, porcelain or stone tiles and to the floor underlayment. Mortar works best on surfaces that don't flex much and have sturdy floor systems.
  
  The mortar bed for small to medium tiles is applied with a notched trowel and the tiles are laid on top of it. Large and extra-large tiles have mortar applied directly to the back of the tile prior to setting in place.
  
  

Vinyl

• Vinyl tiles come in two types. Vinyl tile uses a contact adhesive and peel-and-stick tile has the glue already applied to the back of the tile.
  
  A trowel with small notches is used to apply the adhesive to the floor, much like ceramic adhesive or mortar. After application, the adhesive begins to set, or cure. The installer waits for this process to begin before laying the tile on top of the adhesive. Once the adhesive begins to set, the tiles are laid on top. A roller is used to press the tiles into the adhesive.
  
  

Choosing Adhesives

• The situation will determine the type of adhesive used. Some adhesives require a porous substrate, others do not. Unsealed concrete, cement board underlayment and plywood are examples of porous substrates. Older vinyl floors, linoleum and sealed concrete are non-porous substrates.
  
  Mortar usually requires a porous substrate, although some types are suitable for non-porous applications if additional setting time is allowed. Some mortars also allow foot traffic the same day while others require a 24 hour or longer setup time.
  
  Use the tile manufacturer's guidelines and check the warranty information. Some manufacturers void the tile warranty if you use another manufacturer's adhesive.