UK Tile Adhesive Coverage Rates
Tile adhesive coverage rates by tile size and substrate for walls and floors, with notch trowel size selection guide.
Adhesive Coverage by Trowel Size
| Notch Size (mm) | Bed Thickness (mm) | Coverage (kg/m²) | Suitable Tile Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | ~2 | 1.5–2.0 | Mosaics, small tiles (up to 100 mm) |
| 6 | ~3 | 2.0–3.0 | Wall tiles up to 300 x 300 mm |
| 8 | ~4 | 3.0–4.0 | Floor tiles 200–400 mm |
| 10 | ~5 | 4.0–5.0 | Floor tiles 300–600 mm |
| 12 | ~6 | 5.0–6.5 | Large format 600 mm+ |
| 15 | ~7.5 | 6.0–8.0 | Very large format, natural stone |
Adhesive Types (BS EN 12004)
| Class | Type | Use | Open Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Standard cementitious | Internal walls, dry floors | ~20 mins |
| C2 | Improved cementitious | Floors, wet areas, external | ~20 mins |
| C2 S1 | Flexible (deformable) | UFH, timber substrates, large tiles | ~20 mins |
| C2 S2 | Highly flexible | High movement, external, heated floors | ~20 mins |
| C2 F (rapid) | Fast-set cementitious | Quick turnaround, commercial | ~10 mins |
| D1 / D2 | Ready-mixed (dispersion) | Internal walls only (not floors) | Variable |
Coverage Per Bag
| Bag Size | 6 mm Trowel (m²) | 10 mm Trowel (m²) | 12 mm Trowel (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kg | 3–5 | 2–2.5 | 1.5–2 |
| 20 kg | 7–10 | 4–5 | 3–4 |
Coverage varies by product, substrate and technique. Always check manufacturer data for the specific adhesive.
Related Calculators
See the Grout Coverage Rates for grout quantities, or the Floor Tile Calculator for tile quantities.
How We Calculate This
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: April 2026
All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.