Installation and grouting

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

Substrate preparation

Before installation, the substrate must be sound, clean, level and dimensionally stable, free from dust, grease and loose particles. A rigid and fully cured base is essential for terracotta tiles, as movement or shrinkage in the substrate may affect adhesion and create stress within the installed surface. Newly plastered, rendered 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 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 tiles have a glossy, delicate surface with no 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, flexible, slow-setting adhesive specifically suitable for ceramic and glazed terracotta. Rapid-setting or highly aggressive adhesives should be avoided unless explicitly approved for use with glazed terracotta. Adhesives suitable for double-fired ceramic tiles are generally preferred. 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 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 glazed terracotta or delicate glazed ceramic surfaces. Rapid-setting, coarse or highly abrasive grouts should be avoided, as they may place unnecessary stress on the tile or affect the glazed surface. A compatible neutral cementitious or epoxy grout may be used depending on the environment and level of moisture exposure. 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. 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 the installer for compatibility with glazed or raw terracotta. If there is any uncertainty regarding installation materials or substrate conditions, technical guidance should be obtained before work begins.