Adhesive Coverage Rates — UK Reference

Tile adhesive coverage depends on the trowel notch size, which depends on tile size. For small tiles (up to 200mm) with a 6mm notched trowel, use approximately 2-3 kg/m². For medium tiles (200-400mm) with a 10mm notched trowel, use 3-5 kg/m². For large format tiles (over 400mm) with a 12mm notched trowel, use 5-7 kg/m². Back-buttering large or heavy tiles adds approximately 1-2 kg/m². A 20kg bag typically covers 4-6 m².

Powder (cementitious) tile adhesive is mixed with water on site and is suitable for most applications — it comes in flexible and standard grades and sets by chemical reaction. Ready-mixed (dispersion) adhesive comes pre-mixed in tubs and is convenient for small areas and wall tiles only — it is not suitable for floors, external use, or wet areas as it sets by evaporation and remains water-sensitive. Powder adhesive is almost always the correct choice for floors and wet areas.

A standard 350ml cartridge of grab adhesive covers approximately 3-5 m² when applied in beads at 200-300mm spacing. For solid coverage (full bed of adhesive), one tube covers approximately 0.5-1 m² only. Coverage varies significantly by bead size and spacing. For panel adhesive (fitting plasterboard, cladding), one tube per 1-2 m² is typical. Always apply in beads rather than a solid bed for best adhesion.

For bonding/priming plaster: dilute PVA at 1:5 (1 part PVA to 5 parts water). For sealing/stabilising dusty surfaces: 1:3 to 1:5. For bonding agent (slurry coat with cement): 1:1 to 1:3 mixed into a cement slurry. For wood glue (undiluted): apply neat to both surfaces. Coverage at 1:5 dilution is approximately 50-100 ml of neat PVA per m², or 300-600 ml of diluted solution per m².