Installation and grouting

Tiles by Yvonne Koné are produced in glazed and raw terracotta and should be installed with care to ensure a stable, balanced and enduring surface. Proper installation will preserve the intended tone, reflection and material character of the tiles over time.

Substrate preparation

Before installation, the substrate must be sound, clean and level, free from dust, grease and loose particles. A stable and rigid base is essential for terracotta tiles, as movement in the substrate may affect both adhesion and surface continuity. 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 surface.

Application suitability

The tiles are designed primarily as wall tiles.

They are suitable for:
Interior walls
Ceilings
Wet room walls

They are not suitable for exterior application.

While installation on floors is technically at the customer’s discretion, glazed tiles have a glossy surface that is not anti-slip and is delicate, similar to glass. For this reason, floor installation is not recommended. If used on floors, careful consideration must be given to slip resistance and wear.

Adhesive and installation

Use a high-quality, flexible tile adhesive suitable for ceramic and terracotta. We recommend using a non-quick-setting adhesive, preferably a glue suitable for double-fired tiles. Apply adhesive evenly using an appropriate notched trowel and ensure full contact between tile and substrate. Larger formats may require adhesive on both tile and surface to achieve optimal coverage. Tiles should be pressed firmly into place and aligned carefully to maintain an even surface. Excess adhesive should be removed immediately from the face of the tiles.

Joint size

Joint size is ultimately determined by customer preference; however, the minimum recommended joint width is 1 mm. Grouting is mandatory in wet areas. In dry areas, grouting depends on customer preference, although we generally recommend grouting to ensure surface stability, durability and ease of maintenance.

Grouting – glazed terracotta

Once the adhesive has fully cured, grouting can begin. For glazed terracotta, we recommend using an unsanded grout to avoid scratching or dulling the glazed surface. A standard cementitious grout or a neutral epoxy grout can be used, depending on the environment and level of exposure to moisture. Select a grout tone that complements the tile and apply evenly using a rubber float. Remove excess grout promptly and clean the tile surface with a damp sponge, followed by a soft dry cloth once the grout has set. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaning agents during and after grouting, as these may damage or dull the glazed surface.

Grouting and sealing – unglazed, raw terracotta (YV KO 18 Burned)

The unglazed terracotta tile, YV KO 18 Burned, is left in its raw fired state and retains the natural porosity of clay. For this reason, sealing is recommended prior to or immediately after installation, particularly in areas exposed to moisture, staining or frequent use. A penetrating stone or terracotta sealer will help protect the surface while preserving its natural appearance.

When installing unglazed terracotta:
Use an unsanded, neutral cementitious grout
Avoid excessive moisture during grouting and cleaning
Remove residue promptly

After installation, clean gently using minimal water and a neutral pH cleaner, drying the surface afterwards. Spills should be removed quickly to prevent absorption. Over time, the material will develop a natural patina, reflecting its raw and honest character.

Movement joints

Movement joints should be incorporated where required, including:
Along perimeters
At changes in plane
Across larger surface areas

Flexible sealant should be used in these joints rather than grout to accommodate natural movement within the building.