Ceramic tiles — Guide to the installation of ceramic tiles
Tile installation: substrate prep, adhesives, grouts, movement joints.
Overview
AS 3958 provides guidance on tile installation. It covers substrate preparation, suitable adhesives for different substrates and tile types, grouting, and the placement of movement joints. Often referenced together with AS 3740 for wet areas.
Key Requirements
- Substrate flat, clean and dry before tiling.
- Adhesive type matched to substrate, tile and exposure.
- Movement joints at internal corners, around perimeters and at regular intervals on large areas.
- Grout joints sized for tile type.
How it's used in the NCC
Supports AS 3740 compliance for wet-area tile finishes.
Practical Notes
- Missing movement joints are a common cause of debonded or cracked tiles, particularly on heated floors.
- Don't tile until membrane has been tested and signed off.
Where to obtain
The full text of AS 3958 is published by Standards Australia and must be purchased — typical price A$150–400 per part. Always work from the current edition referenced in the NCC, not an older one.