Types of Tile Adhesive and How to Choose the Right One

Picking out tile is the fun part of a tiling job, but choosing the right adhesive is just as important. Whether laying tile yourself or hiring a contractor to install it, using the appropriate tile glue will ensure you have a strong, great-looking tile job that lasts for decades to come. Here’s a guide to the types of tile adhesive and the pros and cons of each.

What Is Tile Adhesive? 

Tile adhesive is the glue that bonds tiles to the underlayment, ensuring they stay firmly in place on your walls or floors. Some types of tile adhesive are premixed, while others come as a powder that you mix yourself.

Are All Tile Adhesives the Same? 

You might think glue is glue, right? But there are several tile adhesives to choose from, each with its own unique properties. Some types of tile glue are DIY-friendly, for example, while others are water-resistant. If you’re hiring a tile installer near you to do the job, they’ll be able to recommend the right adhesive based on the type of tile you’ve selected, the room where it will be installed, and how much use the area will get.

Types of Tile Adhesive 

Choosing the right type of tile adhesive will ensure your tile job looks great and lasts for years to come. 

Thin-Set Mortar

Thin-set mortar is the most common type of tile adhesive and works well on most types of tile, including ceramic, stone, and porcelain.

Unmodified thin-set mortar is made of sand, cement, and water retention ingredients. Modified thin-set mortar uses the same ingredients but also includes liquid latex polymers.

Pros:

• Works on most types of tiles

• Resistant to moisture and mold

• Heatproof and resists contracting and expanding

Cons:

• May need additives for certain types of tile, including porcelain

• Is susceptible to cracking without a latex additive 

Epoxy Mortar 

Epoxy mortar comes in two to three components you must mix before use. Be sure you have the right mixing tools in your tiling tools to properly mix it.

Epoxy works well with most tiles, including ceramic and porcelain, and provides a stronger bond than thin-set mortar. It also resists staining. But because it cures quickly and can be challenging to work with, it may not be appropriate for an inexperienced DIYer.

Pros:

• Resistant to moisture, mold, and stains

• No latex additives needed to prevent cracking

• Sets in a few hours

Cons:

• Costs more than thin-set adhesive

• Takes longer to cure in colder temperatures

• May be challenging for a DIYer

Mastic 

Mastic adhesive is completely different from thin-set and epoxy mortar; it’s made of acrylic and has a stickier texture. Mastic comes premixed in a bucket and takes longer to cure than other types of tile adhesive, so it’s DIY-friendly. But it’s not meant for flooring—mastic is best used on kitchen backsplashes and any other walls without direct water access. Mastic is also not appropriate for every type of tile—it’s not recommended for heavy, large-format tiles, for example.

Pros:

• Can save any leftovers for future use

• Easily removable if you make a mess

• Comes premixed to the perfect consistency

Cons:

• Can’t be used to tile floors or areas with a lot of moisture

• Not as durable as some other tile adhesives

• Not recommended for all types of tile 

Tips to Choose the Right Tile Adhesive 

These additional guidelines will help you choose the right tile adhesive for your project. 

• Consult the manufacturer’s instructions: Your tile manufacturer will usually have specific directions as to what type of adhesive to use. Keep this in mind when looking at kitchen and bathroom tile trends you might like. Mosaic tiles do well with most types of adhesives, for example, whereas larger, heavier tiles need an adhesive like epoxy that has very strong bonding to resist movement.

• Choose well-known brands: When considering the cost to install a tile floor, include the cost of tile glue from a reputable brand. Choosing lesser-known brands to save a few dollars could cause you more stress and money down the road if the tiles prematurely fail.

• Consider the area you’ll be tiling: Factors such as humidity and moisture levels, whether you’re tiling on the floor or walls, and how much use the area will get will all help dictate which tile glue is best.

• Research the setting time: Consider how much time you have to devote to tile installation. If you have a deadline, a faster-setting adhesive will allow you to grout sooner.