Installation Guide

Large Format Shower Floor
Field tiles larger than 6”x6”, that meet appropriate DCOF values based on final use, that cannot be sloped towards a center drain on a shower floor, may be sloped to one side using a linear
drain. For proper sloping, reference to ANSI installation standards is required.
Joint Width
ANSI standards recommend that the actual grout joint size be at least three times the actual variation of facial dimensions of the tile supplied. Example: for tile having a total variation of
1/16” in facial dimensions, a minimum of 3/16” grout joint shall be used. Nominal centerline of all joints shall be straight with due allowances for hand molded or rustic tiles. The actual grout
joint size may of necessity vary from the grout joint size specified or recommended by the manufacturer.
Lippage Allowance
For grout joint widths 1/8”-1/4”, a 1/32” lippage is allowed during installation. ANSI standards recommend that the total lippage be calculated by adding this allowable lippage for
installation to the inherent warping of a product. Installation lippage + warping in manufacturing (within tolerance) = total allowable lippage of a finished assembly. This can be as much as
the thickness of a quarter (coin), slightly over 2mm. The presence of lippage can be exaggerated by a number of factors: uneven subfloors, laying large format tiles in a 50% brick joint
offset, not back buttering large format tiles, grout joint width being too narrow and natural and artificial light sources making standard variances more noticeable. Industry standards allow
for a certain amount of lippage to be present based on various factors. In backsplashes the most common unavoidable issue that accentuates lippage is under-cabinet lighting, lighting from
a hood range washing the tiled wall. Whenever possible all light sources should be a minimum 24” from the wall to prevent shadowing.
Universal Cove Installation
Emser Tile’s cove bases are designed to be universal top mount, or inline, with a 3/8” radius to comply with health codes. To use the cove as a top mount, the bottom lip should be cut at the
curvature to ensure the curve feathers into the floor it is being placed on top of. This would be most commonly used over existing tile or concrete floors. To be used as an in-line cove, the
lip should remain intact and be installed adjacent to the floor tile (not on top of it), so the curvature feathers into the surface of the field tile. To comply with codes, the lip should never be
placed on top of an existing floor covering creating a 90 degree angle between perpendicular surfaces. The lip either must be cut off, or sunken in behind the tile/floor. To tile above a universal
cove base, the bullnose edge simply needs to be cut off. Alternatively, the top bullnose edge can be left in place when the cove is used as a base trim.
33% Offset
For running bond/brick joint patterns utilizing tiles (square or rectangular) where the side being offset is greater than 18” (nominal dimension), the running bond offset will be a maximum of
33% unless otherwise specified by the tile manufacturer. If an offset greater than 33% is specified, specifier and owner must approve mock up and lippage. In some cases, tiles with an edge
larger than 48”, by necessity, may only accept a maximum 20% offset. Should tiles in the actual shipment received be completely flat, the final offset can be determined by the specifier and
owner and can be 50% only if the tiles and substrates allow it. Some patterns such as a weave, pinwheel or herringbone are considered a 50% offset.
Remove and Replace Modules
When working with any mosaic sheet, especially those with a linear pattern, freeform pattern, or interlocking edge, manipulation by cutting individual modules from the mesh may be
necessary to ensure that the product interlocks properly and creates a seamless look. Hand placement of individual pieces should also be considered for best results when working with
certain types of freeform patterns to avoid small perimeter cuts.
Preventing Chatter During Glass Cuts
To avoid chipped edges when cutting with a wet saw, position the blade 1/32” short of cutting entirely through the glass. When the cut is complete, simply snap the edge off for the cleanest cut.
GROUT:
Grouting High Relief Edges
Grouting high relief products may not be necessary in a dry application when the tile is just being used as a decorative wall covering. However, when using tiles in a wet application such as
a shower, exterior, or any area that will come in contact with moisture, grease, food, or other types of debris, it may be necessary to grout in between the tiles to prevent water damage,
mold growth and other undesirable effects. The best way to do this is with a grout bag and/or brush, to ensure the grout is forced into the joint properly. In some cases where the joint width
is very narrow, caulking may be a more suitable option instead of grout.