Quick answer
Use a cement-based tile adhesive (often called tile bond) instead of a sand-cement mortar bed: it grips better, needs a thinner layer and avoids hollow tiles. For ordinary ceramic tiles SikaCeram-90 (20 kg and 40 kg bags) is the economical choice; for porcelain, large tiles and marble use the flexible C2TE-rated SikaCeram-205, or the white SikaCeram-103 for marble and light stone. Coverage is roughly 3–4 kg/m² for normal 20×20–40×40 cm tiles with an 8 mm notched trowel.
Common causes
- Hollow or loose tiles from mortar beds that don't fully contact the tile
- Porcelain and vitrified tiles that don't absorb water, so plain cement can't grip them
- Large-format tiles needing a flexible adhesive and back-buttering
- Cracked or dirty cement grout letting water under the tiles
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose the adhesive
Ceramic wall and floor tiles: SikaCeram-90. Porcelain, vitrified, large tiles and marble: SikaCeram-205 (C2TE). White marble and light natural stone: SikaCeram-103 (White).
- 2
Work out the quantity
Small tiles with a 6 mm trowel use 2–3 kg/m², normal 20×20–40×40 cm tiles with an 8 mm trowel 3–4 kg/m², large tiles or double spreading 4–7 kg/m².
- 3
Prepare the surface
The surface must be level, sound and clean. Fill hollows and remove dust, paint and oil.
- 4
Mix and spread
Mix the powder with clean water to a smooth paste, spread with a notched trowel, and back-butter large tiles.
- 5
Lay and level
Press the tiles in with a slight twist and use tile spacers and levelling clips for even joints and a flat, lippage-free finish.
- 6
Grout
After the adhesive sets, grout with SikaCeram-600 (cement grout, 7 colours) or SikaCeram-850 Design epoxy grout for wet and kitchen areas.
Always follow the current Sika Pakistan product datasheet for surface preparation, temperatures and curing.
Products for this job
SikaCeram-90 PKEconomical cementitious tile adhesive for ceramic tiles — 20 kg and 40 kg bags.From Rs. 680
SikaCeram-205 PKFlexible C2TE adhesive for porcelain, large tiles and marble.From Rs. 4,500
SikaCeram-103 PK (White)White high-performance adhesive for marble and natural stone.From Rs. 2,100
SikaCeram-600 Tile Grout PKCementitious tile grout in seven colours.From Rs. 320
SikaCeram-850 DesignTwo-component epoxy grout for bathrooms and kitchens.From Rs. 4,299
Tile Levelling ClipLevelling clips for a flat, lippage-free floor.From Rs. 835
Tile SpacerSpacers for consistent 2 mm or 3 mm joints.From Rs. 275
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of tile bond in Pakistan?
Live prices for each Sika tile adhesive are on its product page — SikaCeram-90 is sold in 20 kg and 40 kg bags, SikaCeram-205 in 25 kg bags and SikaCeram-103 in 20 kg bags.
How many bags of tile adhesive do I need?
For normal 20×20–40×40 cm tiles with an 8 mm notched trowel, plan on about 3–4 kg/m², so a 20 kg bag covers roughly 5–6 m². Small tiles use less (2–3 kg/m²) and large tiles more (4–7 kg/m²).
Is tile adhesive better than cement for fixing tiles?
Yes. Tile adhesive bonds better, especially to porcelain and vitrified tiles that plain cement cannot grip, needs a thinner layer, and avoids the hollow, loose tiles common with a sand-cement bed.
Which tile adhesive is best for porcelain or marble?
A flexible, deformable C2TE adhesive such as SikaCeram-205; for white marble and light stone, the white SikaCeram-103 avoids staining through the stone.