How much tile adhesive do I need per square metre?

Tile adhesive coverage depends on the trowel notch size, which depends on tile size. For small tiles (up to 200mm) with a 6mm notched trowel, use approximately 2-3 kg/m². For medium tiles (200-400mm) with a 10mm notched trowel, use 3-5 kg/m². For large format tiles (over 400mm) with a 12mm notched trowel, use 5-7 kg/m². Back-buttering large or heavy tiles adds approximately 1-2 kg/m². A 20kg bag typically covers 4-6 m².

What is the difference between ready-mixed and powder tile adhesive?

Powder (cementitious) tile adhesive is mixed with water on site and is suitable for most applications — it comes in flexible and standard grades and sets by chemical reaction. Ready-mixed (dispersion) adhesive comes pre-mixed in tubs and is convenient for small areas and wall tiles only — it is not suitable for floors, external use, or wet areas as it sets by evaporation and remains water-sensitive. Powder adhesive is almost always the correct choice for floors and wet areas.

How many tubes of grab adhesive do I need?

A standard 350ml cartridge of grab adhesive covers approximately 3-5 m² when applied in beads at 200-300mm spacing. For solid coverage (full bed of adhesive), one tube covers approximately 0.5-1 m² only. Coverage varies significantly by bead size and spacing. For panel adhesive (fitting plasterboard, cladding), one tube per 1-2 m² is typical. Always apply in beads rather than a solid bed for best adhesion.

What PVA dilution should I use?

For bonding/priming plaster: dilute PVA at 1:5 (1 part PVA to 5 parts water). For sealing/stabilising dusty surfaces: 1:3 to 1:5. For bonding agent (slurry coat with cement): 1:1 to 1:3 mixed into a cement slurry. For wood glue (undiluted): apply neat to both surfaces. Coverage at 1:5 dilution is approximately 50-100 ml of neat PVA per m², or 300-600 ml of diluted solution per m².

Adhesive Coverage Rates — UK Reference

Coverage rates for common construction adhesives: tile adhesive, PVA, grab adhesive, wood glue, epoxy, and flooring adhesives. Quantities per square metre.

Tile Adhesive Coverage

Tile Size	Trowel Notch	Coverage (kg/m²)	20kg Bag Covers
Mosaics (<100mm)	4mm	1.5 – 2.0	10 – 13 m²
Small (100-200mm)	6mm	2.0 – 3.0	7 – 10 m²
Medium (200-400mm)	10mm	3.5 – 5.0	4 – 6 m²
Large (400-600mm)	12mm	5.0 – 7.0	3 – 4 m²
Extra large (>600mm)	12-15mm + back-butter	7.0 – 10.0	2 – 3 m²

General Adhesive Coverage Rates

Adhesive Type	Application	Coverage Rate	Notes
PVA (bonding agent)	Plaster primer	50-100 ml/m² (neat)	Dilute 1:5 with water
PVA (wood glue)	Timber joints	150-200 g/m²	Applied neat to both faces
Grab adhesive	Panel bonding (beads)	1 tube per 3-5 m²	350ml cartridge, bead application
Dot and dab adhesive	Plasterboard to wall	2-3 kg/m²	Gyproc Dri-Wall or equivalent
Floor levelling compound	Self-levelling screed	1.5 kg/m² per mm depth	Typical 2-5mm application
Carpet adhesive	Full stick carpet	300-500 ml/m²	Depends on substrate porosity
Vinyl/LVT adhesive	Sheet/tile vinyl	250-400 ml/m²	Pressure-sensitive or full bond
Wood floor adhesive	Engineered wood to screed	800-1200 g/m²	MS polymer or polyurethane
Epoxy adhesive	Structural bonding	200-500 g/m²	Two-part, varies by gap-fill
Contact adhesive	Laminate/worktops	150-250 ml/m²	Applied to both surfaces