What is a tile levelling system?
A tile levelling system helps you lay tiles evenly. Depending on the system, you can use wedges or screw caps, along with matching threaded clips or pull straps.
However, to achieve a clean finish, the tiles must already be laid on a level substrate, because the system does not compensate for uneven areas or hollow spots.
What types of tile levelling systems are there?
A distinction is made between an ergonomic system and a wedge levelling system. In principle, both systems meet the same requirements, but they mainly differ in the head design and in how they are used depending on tile thickness.
With the wedge levelling system—as the name suggests—plastic wedges are used. These ensure a flat surface when laying tiles.
The ergonomic system is an innovation: the screw-on cap has an opening that allows you to see the grout joint and the tile underneath the turning cap. This provides better control during levelling than other comparable systems.
Which head variant is right for you depends on the thickness of your tiles. The ergonomic system is ideal for tile thicknesses of 3–15 mm (approx. 0.12–0.59 in). By contrast, the wedge tile levelling system is designed for tiles with a thickness of 1–12 mm (approx. 0.04–0.47 in).
Laying tiles with a levelling system – how does it work?
Fitting the ergonomic tile levelling system:
With this system, two threaded clips per tile side are pushed into the prepared adhesive bed between the tile and the adhesive.
Next, position the second tile against the threaded clips. Then place the screw cap on top and tighten it to bring the tiles to the same height.
In the final step, remove the cap and clip from the tiles using a rubber mallet or by kicking them off.
Fitting the wedge tile levelling system:
This system additionally requires levelling pliers, which are used to push the wedges through the pull strap. The procedure is similar to the ergonomic system. Here, the foot of the pull strap must also be placed under the tile, making sure that the opening sits above the tile.
Now position the second tile against the pull straps. First push the wedges through the pull straps by hand, then press them in firmly with the levelling pliers until the tile edges form a flush surface. Here too, wedges and straps are removed in the final step using a rubber mallet or by kicking them off.
Is there a difference between laying floor and wall tiles with a tile levelling system?
The tile levelling system can be used on both floors and walls. The individual steps are the same. However, it is important to start with the wall tiling first to avoid getting dirt on your newly tiled floor—for example from tile adhesive.
