Method Statement for Ceramic Floor 

Tiles

The method statement for ceramic floor tiles encompasses the preparation of the surfaces, mixing
and applying the adhesive or mortar materials, laying and grouting of tiles, and
cleaning/protection of the finished work.
Floor tiles are typically manufactured materials such as ceramic, stone, vinyl, etc. which are laid
upon an existing floor surface as a means of providing a hardwearing durable surface. Aside
from that floor tiles also enhance the aesthetic feature of the surfaces as it covers the floors.

Activities associated with the method for laying of

ceramic tiles include:

 Planning and set out for the laying of tiles as per the approved shop drawings

 Preparation and approval of mock-up

 Assessment of work environment for hazard and risks

 Preparation of existing or new surfaces to be covered with tiles

 Setting out position and pattern of tiles to be laid

 Mixing of sand-cement mortar, adhesive materials, and grout

 Laying tiles to adhesive/mortar bed, placement of tile spacers, etc.

 Cleaning of excess materials such as mortar, adhesive, and grout from the finished tile surface

 Selection and use of personal protective equipment

 Strict compliance and implementation of Safety Requirements and Project Specifications to

complete the work both for either floor and wall tiling

Structured Method Statement for Ceramic Floor

Tiles

Table of Contents
1. PURPOSE
2. SCOPE
3. REFERENCES, STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
4. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
5. RESPONSIBILITIES
6. PROCEDURE
7. MATERIALS
8. MANPOWER
9. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
10.  EMERGENCY /INCIDENT PROCEDURES
11.  ATTACHMENTS
1. PURPOSE
This method statement defines the activities and the sequences which are to be carried out and to
describe in general, the methodology to be used in work execution related to ceramic floor tiling
works for (Name of Project) to ensure compliance with the conditions of contract, contract
specifications and Health, Safety and Environmental requirements consistent with the approved
drawings, relevant specifications and BOQ.
2. SCOPE
This method statement specifically addresses the ceramic tiling works in general for (Name of
Project) at (Locations in the project) and as shown in the drawings.
3. REFERENCES, STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Project specifications and BOQ
Project Quality Plan
Project HSE Plan
Quality Control Procedures
Contract Drawings and Specifications
Manufacturers’ brochures/ literature and other details as a part of this method statement.
All work shall be executed in compliance with the requirements of Project Specifications &
Emergency Response Procedures, and other applicable standards
Approved drawings for constructions with code A and B for works, materials approval
submitted/ to be submitted as applicable and related approved method statement & ITP’s
(Inspection and Test Plan)
4. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
xxxxx Consultant
xxxxx Contractor
PM Project Manager
CM Construction Manager
PE Project Engineer
QCM Quality Control Manager
QCE Quality Control Engineer
SM Safety Manager
SR Surveyor
SF Section Foreman
QCP Quality Control Procedure
ITP Inspection and Test Plan
ITL Independent Test Laboratory
BOQ Bill Of Quantities
MS Method Statement
FM Form
NCR Non-Conformance Report
ITR Inspection & Test Request
5. RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Manager is responsible for the preparation and approval of this work procedure.
The Construction Manager and/or his nominee are responsible for the overall execution of the
works in accordance with the steps outlined in this procedure and consistent with the approved
project schedule. He shall be responsible for the controlling the coordination between all
involved parties to ensure Safety, Quality, controlling the progress of work, civil and MEP
clearance prior to start tiling work and to ensure final approval is obtained prior to starting next
activity.
Notifying QC engineer and issuing the checklist (inspection request for approval/checklist –
Annex A, including all clearances as applicable in a timely manner when work is ready for
inspection.
Accompanying the Engineer’s representative for ongoing inspection and obtain his approval to
proceed with next activity.
The QA/QC Department is responsible for the overall inspection and documentation of works in
compliance with the work procedure and Project Specifications and shall be responsible for
coordination with Client/Consultants for inspection activities and close out of the NCR/ SON, if
any, with Consultants representatives.
The Survey Department is responsible for all the layout I setting-out and establishing the
reference elevations related to the work.
6. PROCEDURE
The scope of Work for Tile Installation
1. Materials Handling on Worksite and Storage
Materials shall be received in parts as per site requirements and in standard boxes and/or packs,
pallets etc. Materials shall be stored in the proper way and handled as per manufacturers’
recommendations if any.
Obtain each color, grade, finish, type, composition, and variety of tiles from the single source.
For grout and setting materials, obtain ingredients of uniform quality from one manufacturer for
each cementitious and admixture component and from one source or producer.
2. Preliminary in Tiling Works
Work shall comply with all project specifications, rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances of all
authorities having jurisdiction.
Tiles type & color, mortar mix, grout, adhesives, etc., shop drawings and method statements
shall be approved by the consultant prior to commencing any tiling works.
Tiling mockup shall be arranged for final approval at the location designated by the consultant.
Approved mockup and sample shall be preserved and always readily available at the site during
the entire duration of the work.
Ensure that the MEP clearance is obtained for the particular tile work area.
In wet areas, ensure that the waterproofing is completed and tested for leakage & any applicable
inspections.
Obtain the required safety and health clearance from Safety Department prior to starting the
work.
Restrict the area from foot and wheel traffic prior to and during the tiling, activity to prevent
damages from the finished work.
Inspection requests (checklist Annex A) along with the key plan showing area to be executed
will be raised to Engineers progressively for the tiling/flooring works. All inspections will be
carried out in phases to cover a part of the total work.
3. Worksite Preparation
The areas of the concrete substrate to be tiled are to be brushed clean and dampened and the
finished floor level is to be established.
The mortar for bedding the tiles shall be as shown in the drawing and/or project specifications.
Setting out shall be done by the surveyor and approved by the consultant.
Engage an experienced installer who has successfully completed tile installations.
4. Tiles Installation and Fixing Procedure
Laying ceramic tiles by Semi-Dry Mix Method. It shall consist of 1 part of cement to 4 parts of
sand by volume to form the sand cement mortar, mixed semi-dry in a mechanical mixer with
only sufficient water added to give a crumbly consistency that retains its shape when squeezed in
the hand. To maintain the consistency of mix, the volume of water added is to be kept same for
each batch.
The minimum thickness of bedding with this system of laying is to be 40 mm.
The mix is to be spread to a thickness approximately 10 mm greater than that actually required
for the bed and be thoroughly compacted by tamping and drawing off to the required level with a
screed board which will give even compaction and leveled surface. Only sufficient mortar is to
be mixed and spread as can be covered with tiles before it has attained its initial set.
A thin layer of the slurry of 1 part cement and 1 part sand, by volume, is to be poured over the
surface of the semi-dry mix bedding and spread with a trowel until it is approximately 2 mm
thick. Approved adhesive to be applied to the tiles to be laid while the slurry is wet and beaten
firmly into position with a wooden beater to ensure a true surface and contact between the tiles
and bedding is complete.
Get approval for tile layout through dry laying before starting tile work if SOP (Start of Point) is
not shown in the drawing. In absence of SOP or approved layout, arrange tiles so that cut tiles
occur at wall lines only and are minimum and where they do occur, they are as large as possible.
Before tile fixing check that any color, shade variations, and sizes are acceptable.
Lay the tiles side by side or keeping specified gap joint by the use of tile spacers as per approved
pattern as shown in the approved drawings. The tiles must be correctly positioned at the time
they are placed and laid with joints as shown in the approved drawing.
Carefully removed the tile spacers after the laid tiles are set enough to prevent difficulties of
pulling out the spacers.
Tiles shall be placed firmly according to the level shown in the approved shop drawing.
Tiles shall be placed firmly according to the level shown in the approved shop drawing.
A spirit level should be used to ensure that the tiles are even and level during installation.
Accurately form intersections and returns. Perform cutting and drilling of tile without marring
visible surfaces. Fit tile closely to electrical outlets, piping, fixtures, and other penetration,
collars or covers.
Tiles are to be laid level or to 1% falls/or as shown in the approved drawings in “wet” areas, as
may be required. Localized variations in level for a nominally flat floor are to be a maximum of
+/- 3 mm under a 3 m straight edge. Particular care is to be taken in “wet” areas to prevent low
spots and the pooling of water.
No soaking is required for fully vitrified tiles or when the adhesive is used.
Install edge strip at the following (1.) At openings without thresholds and similar discontinuous
edges of thin-set tile floors. (2.) Where ceramic tile floors are adjacent to other flooring materials
at the same level. (3.) Where ceramic tile cove base is combined with other types of flooring and
(4.) As shown in the drawing.
Control and expansion joints: Provide control and expansion joints as per approved
Shop Drawings. (1.) Locate control joints as indicated on the approved drawings, but maximum
4.5 meters on center each direction for interior condition and 3.65 meters exterior condition.
Provide control joints at all perimeters. (2.) The width of joints must match the width of grout
joints. (3.) Seal joints after completion of tile work.
Do not saw-cut tiles control/expansion joints after installation the tiles.
5. Joint Grouting
The grouting mix shall be an approved grout as per submittal ref.: (reference goes here).
Grouting of the joints shall be carried out after 24 hours of the completion of the laying of the
tiles so that the grout will attach itself firmly to the bedding. Care should be taken to avoid
disturbing the tiles during grouting application.
Clean the joint before filling with approved grout.
Apply tile grout to the joint spaces between tiles using a sponge or soft cloth.
6. Cleaning of Finished Work
Remove excess grout, setting bed material, mortar, adhesive with clean clothes or sponge.
Clean the affected surface area when mortar and adhesive are still in wet form by cotton waste or
any other such material.
When the mortar, grout, and adhesive were dry, remove them with scrapper lightly and clean
with dampening cotton waste or cleaner as specified by the manufacturer.
Clean all tile surfaces and remove cement/tile grout residue from tiles as soon as day’s work is
finished.
7. Protection and Preservation of Finished Work
Remove defective tile and replace with sound tile.
Remove and replace tiles with hollow bearing sound when tapped with steel rod after
installation.
Prohibit traffic until tiles are completely set.
Cover floor area with hard boards, tarpaulins, plastics or gypsum powder to prevent damages to
the installed tiles and preferably area has to be barricaded or restricted for normal entry or by
locking the area.
Repairing of damaged tiling work: If by any reason, any tile is broken or damaged, remove the
tile and replace with sound and similar tile.
7. MATERIALS
1. Approved materials for various types of tiles such as unglazed ceramic tiles, glazed ceramic
tiles, Refer to ANNEX – E
2. Material submittal for adhesive for tiles refer to ANNEX- C
3. Cementitious grout for tiles for general purpose refer to ANNEX- D
4. Cement, sand, water etc. Portland cement: ASTM C150
Type 1 Sand: ASTM C 144 natural or crushed stone
Grout Sealer, Latex Additive, Cold Applied Waterproofing, Aluminum trims & Acid Cleaner
8. MANPOWER
The sufficient number of workers will be employed as per site/planning requirement to perform
their duties and they will have sufficient tools to tackles the work assigned to them.
Mason/Tile Setter
Helper/Laborers
Foreman
9. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Tape Measure
Framing Square
Marker
Rubber Gloves
Screed Board
Buckets
Tile Trowel
Rubber Mallet
Sponges
Tile spacers
Chalk Line
Carpenter’s Triangle
Gloves
Safety Glasses
Manual Tile Cutter
Tile Cutter
Tile Nipper
Grout Float
Spirit Level
One-bagger mixer
Mechanical mixer for dry mixing
Scrapper
10. EMERGENCY /INCIDENT PROCEDURES/ RISK ASSESSMENT
Emergency / Incident procedures are to be carried out as per the PLQ Project Safety Plan.
Note: This page must be displayed at the workplace

Risk Assessment for Tiling Work

11. ATTACHMENTS
1. ANNEX A: Checklist Form
2. ANNEX B: Method statement for Screeding Works
3. ANNEX C: Material submittal for tile
4. ANNEX D: Cementitious grout for tiles for general purpose
5. ANNEX E: Approved materials for various types of tiles

Insights for QA/QC Engineers related to inspection

(ITP) for post floor tiling installations
Key important points to consider during the final inspections and approval of finished floor tile
installations:

 Joints should be aligned and consistent with the skirtings and wall tiles

 Consistent and neat pointing where joints should be properly filled with grout

 No presence of mortar stains and paint drips on the floor tiles

 Consistent tonality of pattern and shade of tiles should be well blended

 Approved  tiling layout and pattern should be followed

 The surface should be even and within the tolerable level.  For wet areas, level the proper
falls or slope. No ponding should occur at any part of the floor

 Lippings between the two tiles, tiles and trims should not be more than 1 mm

 No scratches, chips, cracks or any visible damages at the installed tiles

 No hollow sound when tapped with a hard object