Installation & Care Guide
HOW TO INSTALL TERRAZZO TILES
A detailed installation & care guide
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Please read this guide in full before beginning installation. Relative
terrazzo tiles are precision products that require appropriate tools,
adhesives, and handling. Always work with a professional tile installer
experienced in natural or terrazzo materials.
REVIEW YOUR ORDER
- Inspect all tiles carefully upon delivery.
- We recommend ordering 10–15% overage for cutting, waste, and breakage.
- Store tiles indoors in a dry, covered area. Exposure to rain or humidity may damage the product or packaging.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
FOR INSTALLATION
- High-performance elastic cement adhesive (suitable for stone/terrazzo)
- Notched trowel
- Wet sponge & buckets
- Rubber grout float
- Wet saw (for cutting)
- Straight edge or level
- Clean cloth or mop
For Protection & Maintenance:
- Fila FOB Xtreme (recommended waterproofing/stain-proofing sealer)
- Neutral detergent
- Colorless liquid wax (optional, for ongoing maintenance)
For Grouting
- Grouting cement or suitable filler (color-matched to tile)
- Clean water & sponge
- Neutral pH cleaner
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
- The substrate must be Flat, smooth, clean (free from dust, oils, waxes, and debris)
- Crack-free, compact, and dry
- Mechanically strong and dimensionally stable
- Lay tiles only on fully cured screeds that have completed their shrinkage to prevent cracking or tile detachment.
- Typical cure time is 7–10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) per cm of screed thickness unless using fast-setting binders.
TILES INSTALLATION — STEP BY STEP
DRY LAYOUT
Blend tiles from all boxes and dry lay to preview variation and layout.
ADHESIVE APPLICATION
a. Use a high-performance, elastic adhesive suitable for terrazzo/stone.
b. Apply using the double-spread technique (on both floor and tile).
c. Avoid uneven subfloors to reduce grinding and finish disruption.
TILE PLACEMENT
a. Press tiles firmly into place. Use a level to ensure even alignment.
b. Remove excess adhesive immediately.
CURING TIME
Allow adhesive to fully cure before grouting. Follow adhesive manufacturer's timing guidelines.
GROUTING
Ensure joints are clean, dust-free, and wide enough for proper grout bonding.
Use a grout or filler color-matched to the tile.
Spread grout thoroughly over the entire tile surface and into the joints, ensuring full coverage, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove excess grout while still fresh to avoid stains or film.
INITIAL CLEANING (AFTER INSTALLATION)
- Do not use acidic, alkaline, or abrasive cleaners.
- Wash with a neutral pH detergent diluted in clean water.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a soft towel or mop.
SURFACE PROTECTION
- Apply a waterproofing/stain-proofing agent like Fila FOB Xtreme once tiles are fully dry and clean.
- Recommended especially for high-traffic or spill-prone areas (kitchens, cafes, lobbies).
- Follow sealer instructions and avoid over-application.
MAINTENANCE & CLEANING
- Regularly sweep or dust-mop to remove grit and dirt.
- Clean using neutral pH cleaner with water.
- Installa'on and Care Guide | rela'vefw.com
- For enhanced maintenance, we recommend the “washing waxing” method: - Mix a colorless liquid wax into water during mopping to preserve the surface.
INSTALLATION SAFETY
- Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses while unpacking, cutting, or installing tiles.
- Use gloves when handling grout, mortar, or sealers to protect your skin.
- If you need to do a lot of cutting, try to do it outside or in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in dust.
- After finishing your work, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water — especially before eating or drinking.