Installation and grouting

Yvonne Koné tiles are made from glazed and raw terracotta and should be installed with care to ensure a stable, balanced and durable result. Terracotta is a natural fired material with a relatively high water absorption. The Yvonne Koné tiles have a water absorption above 10%, which means they require an installation system specifically suited to high-absorption terracotta rather than one selected primarily for low-absorption porcelain or vitrified tiles. Correct preparation, material selection, installation and curing are essential to preserve the intended surface, tone and material character of the tiles over time.

Substrate preparation

Before installation, the substrate must be sound, clean, level, fully cured and dimensionally stable, free from dust, grease, moisture issues and loose particles. A rigid and stable base is essential for terracotta tiles, as movement, shrinkage or residual moisture in the substrate may create stress within the installed surface. Newly plastered, rendered, screeded or levelled surfaces must be allowed to cure fully in accordance with the relevant material manufacturer’s instructions before tiling begins. Tiles should be dry-laid prior to fixing to establish layout, joint spacing and tonal distribution, allowing the natural variation of the material to be considered across the full surface.

Application suitability

The tiles are designed primarily for wall application.

They are suitable for:

Interior walls
Ceilings
Wet room walls

They are not suitable for exterior application. Floor installation is not recommended. Glazed terracotta has a delicate glossy surface with no inherent anti-slip properties and may be susceptible to wear or scratching under foot traffic. If used on floors, this is at the customer’s discretion and careful consideration must be given to slip resistance, wear and the intended level of use.

Adhesive and installation

Use a high-quality, slow-setting adhesive specifically suitable for high-absorption glazed terracotta. The adhesive should not be selected solely on the basis that it is suitable for ceramic, porcelain or vitrified tiles. Products intended primarily for low-absorption tiles should only be used where the adhesive manufacturer explicitly confirms their suitability for high-absorption glazed terracotta. Rapid-setting or highly aggressive adhesive systems should be avoided unless specifically approved for this type of material. The installer is responsible for verifying compatibility between the substrate, tile, adhesive and grout before installation. Apply adhesive evenly using an appropriate notched trowel and ensure full contact between tile and substrate. Larger formats may require adhesive on both the tile and the surface to achieve consistent coverage. Tiles should be pressed carefully into place without excessive force or impact and aligned to maintain an even surface. Any adhesive residue should be removed immediately from the face and edges of the tiles. Allow the adhesive to cure fully before grouting. Curing times should follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions and may vary depending on substrate, temperature, humidity and installation conditions.

Joint size

Joint width is determined by the character of the installation and customer preference. The minimum recommended joint width is 1 mm. Grouting is mandatory in wet areas.

In dry areas, grouting depends on the intended expression, although we generally recommend grouting to support surface stability, durability and ease of maintenance.

Grouting – glazed terracotta

Grouting should begin only once the adhesive has fully cured. Use a fine, unsanded grout specifically suitable for high-absorption glazed terracotta or other delicate glazed ceramic surfaces. The grout should be selected for compatibility with the tile material and installation system. Rapid-setting, coarse or highly abrasive grouts should be avoided, as they may place unnecessary stress on the tile or affect the glazed surface.

Apply grout evenly using a rubber float and avoid excessive pressure. Remove excess grout promptly and clean the surface carefully with a damp sponge. Once the grout has set, finish with a soft dry cloth if required. Avoid acidic, abrasive or highly alkaline cleaning products during and after installation, as these may damage or dull the glaze.

Grouting and sealing – raw terracotta

YV KO 18 Burned is left in its raw fired state and retains the natural porosity and variation of terracotta.

Sealing is recommended prior to or immediately after installation, particularly in areas exposed to moisture, staining or frequent use. Use a penetrating sealer suitable for natural terracotta to protect the surface while preserving its material character.

When installing raw terracotta:

Use a fine, unsanded, neutral grout suitable for terracotta
Use an adhesive suitable for high-absorption terracotta
Avoid excessive moisture during grouting and cleaning
Remove grout residue promptly
Allow all installation materials to cure fully before use

After installation, clean gently using minimal water and a neutral pH cleaner. Dry the surface afterwards.

Spills should be removed promptly to reduce absorption. Over time, raw terracotta will develop a natural patina as part of the character of the material.

Movement joints

Movement joints should be incorporated where required, including:

Along perimeters
At changes in plane
At transitions between different substrates
Across larger tiled surfaces
Where structural or existing movement joints occur

Movement joints must remain free of rigid adhesive and grout.

Use a suitable flexible sealant in these areas to accommodate natural movement within the building and reduce stress within the tiled surface.

General installation note

Terracotta is a natural fired material and slight variation in size, tone, surface and glaze is inherent to the product. Before installation, all tiles should be inspected and the complete installation method, substrate, adhesive and grout should be assessed by a qualified installer for compatibility with high-absorption glazed or raw terracotta.

The installer is responsible for selecting an installation system suited to the specific substrate, application and tile material. If there is any uncertainty regarding substrate conditions, adhesive, grout or installation method, technical guidance should be obtained from the relevant product manufacturer before work begins.