Lesson 1Adhesive curing times, open time, pot life and temperature/humidity effectsSee how glues set, with open time, pot life, and tweak time, plus how heat, damp, and base soak-up change workability, bond power, and when to grout or walk on it.
Definitions: curing, open time, pot life, adjustabilityReading climate icons and timing on data sheetsEffects of temperature, humidity, and draftsSubstrate absorption and membrane influenceField checks for skinning and ready-to-grout timeLesson 2Waterproofing details for shower corners, floor-to-wall junctions, and window/door revealsFocus on waterproofing at shower corners, floor-wall joins, and window/door edges, using ready bits, fabrics, and steps with drains and sills.
Preformed corners, bands, and sealing tapesFloor-to-wall junction buildup and overlapsDetailing around windows, niches, and revealsIntegrating drains, thresholds, and curbsLeak testing and inspection before tilingLesson 3Grout types and selection: cementitious grout, epoxy grout, additives for wet areas and stain resistanceCompare cement and epoxy grouts, extras for wet spots, stain block, and flex. Pick gap sizes, colours, and strength for showers and busy wet rooms.
Cementitious grout classes and water resistanceEpoxy grout: benefits, limits, and applicationsAdditives for flexibility, stain and mold resistanceJoint width, color choice, and visual impactCleaning, sealing, and maintenance expectationsLesson 4Backer boards and support systems for walls: cement board, water-resistant gypsum board and fixingsWall backers for wet areas like cement boards and damp-proof gypsum, with framing, screws, joint work, and links to waterproofing and glue.
Cement board types, thickness, and applicationsWater-resistant gypsum board: limits and usesFasteners, screw spacing, and framing stiffnessJoint taping, seams, and movement allowancesTransition details to masonry and existing wallsLesson 5Tile selection fundamentals: ceramic tile characteristics, rectified vs non-rectified, tile deformation limitsTile picking for wet areas, ceramic traits, cut vs uncut edges, bend limits, grip, and how they shape layout, gaps, and lasting power.
Tile water absorption and suitability ratingsRectified vs non-rectified: pros, cons, tolerancesTile flatness, warpage, and deformation limitsSlip resistance ratings for floors and showersTile size, pattern, and substrate flatness needsLesson 6Waterproofing systems: cementitious, liquid-applied membranes, sheet membranes — where and why to use eachCompare cement, liquid, and sheet waterproof layers. Know best spots for each, edge details, and dodge common flops in wet tiling.
Cementitious membranes: uses, limits, key detailsLiquid-applied membranes: build, coverage, defectsSheet membranes: overlaps, corners, penetrationsChoosing systems for showers, tubs, and wet roomsCompatibility with substrates, adhesives, and groutsLesson 7Recommended tools and consumables tied to materials: notched trowels, mixing paddles, membrane materials, grout float typesMatch tools and bits to materials, like notched trowels, mixers, membrane gear, grout spreads. Right picks boost cover, stick, and neat finish.
Selecting notch size for tile and adhesive typeMixing paddles, drill speeds, and bucket choiceRollers, brushes, and knives for membranesGrout floats for cement and epoxy productsSponges, cleaning tools, and protection filmsLesson 8Adhesive selection for interior wet areas: cementitious polymer-modified thinset types and selection criteriaPolymer cement thinsets for inside wet spots, strength classes, base and tile matches, and fitting glue to job and site setup.
Thinset classifications and performance ratingsSelecting adhesives for ceramic and porcelain tilesMatching adhesive to substrate and waterproofingSlip resistance, deformability, and vertical workManufacturer data sheets and approval checksLesson 9Movement and perimeter joints: recommended elastomeric sealants and compatibility with tiles and groutMovement and edge gaps in wet areas, placement, flex sealants, matches with tiles and grout, and prep and finish steps.
Types of movement joints and where to place themPerimeter joints at walls, columns, and fixturesSealant types: silicone, hybrid, and PUJoint backing, bond breakers, and joint depthColor matching and finishing visible sealantLesson 10Tile spacers and joint size considerations: 2 mm walls vs 3 mm floors — implications for movement jointsSpacers and gap sizes, like 2mm walls and 3mm floors. See how width hits movement gaps, grout work, looks, and fit tolerances.
Choosing spacer types and sizes for wet areasJoint width vs tile size, edge, and flatnessImpact of joint size on grout cleaning and cracksCoordinating joint layout with movement jointsAdapting joint size to site and substrate limitsLesson 11Primers, bonding agents, and compatibility with different substrates (gypsum, old tile, concrete)Primers and bonders for bases like concrete, gypsum, old tiles. Focus on glue and membrane matches, damp issues, and surface prep.
Primer types: acrylic, epoxy, and specializedPriming concrete, screeds, and leveling compoundsTreating gypsum plasters and boards before tilingBonding to existing tile and non-porous surfacesAvoiding incompatibility, re-emulsification, failure
