laatoitus

Laatoitus is the Finnish term for tiling, the process and finished work of covering floors or walls with tiles. It includes planning, substrate preparation, installation with adhesive, grouting, and finishing. Tiles used include ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, and mosaic; common settings are bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and exterior surfaces.

Substrate preparation and waterproofing: Substrates must be flat, clean, and dry. In wet areas a waterproof membrane or moisture barrier is usually required; on floor substrates, leveling is often needed. Backer boards or appropriate subfloors improve stability and moisture resistance.

Installation process: Layout and cutting are planned before fixing. Tiles are fixed with an adhesive (cement-based thin-set is common; mastic may be used for light or vertical applications). Adhesive is combed with a notched trowel to achieve uniform thickness, tiles are placed, aligned, and checked for level. After curing, joints are filled with grout (cementitious or epoxy). Movement joints are installed at changes in plane, room perimeters, and around fixtures to accommodate movement.

Finishing and maintenance: Cleaning is done according to manufacturer instructions. Sealing is required for natural stone and some porous tiles. Regular cleaning and prompt repair of cracked tiles or degraded grout extend service life.

Standards and safety: Tiling work often follows regional standards such as EN 14411 for ceramic tiles, EN 12004 for adhesives, and EN 13888 for grouts; local building codes apply. The choice of materials and methods can affect durability, slip resistance, and water tightness.