Laying GeoCeramica®
Useful guide for installing GeoCeramica®
Unlike ‘standard’ ceramic tiles, the special foundation needed for a stable patio is already integrated into the GeoCeramica® tiles. This makes installation quick and efficient. Not only do you save on the cost of a separate foundation, but also on the labour hours typically required to create one. Consult this page for, among other things, an instructional video, or download the installation guide directly.
View the instructions here!
Features of GeoCeramica®
- Tiles are dimensionally stable
- Can be laid on a sand bed
- Suitable for all soil types
- Perfect joints thanks to built-in spacers
Required materials for installation
- GeoCeramica® tiles
- MBI Tilemaster cutting blades
- Jointing material (MBI Weed-Free Jointing Sand or Aqua Color Joints)
- TRASS cement for optional stabilisation
- Also suitable for installation on pedestal supports
Instructions
Sand bed as a base layer
The unique aspect of GeoCeramica® is that it can be laid directly onto a prepared sand bed. No special foundation is required, and it is suitable for virtually all soil types. We recommend using clean masonry sand to a minimum depth of 10 cm on well-draining subsoil. For soft or poorly draining soil, such as clay or peat, a minimum depth of 20 cm is advised. Optionally, the top 5 cm may be replaced with a layer of crushed stone (1–3 mm fraction) for excellent drainage. For jointing in this case, we recommend MBI Weed-Free Sand. Additional stabilisation using TRASS cement, a lime-free type of cement, is a good option to reduce the risk of settling. If you plan to use a cement-based jointing compound (rigid joint), a stabilised base is essential. For such compounds, for example AquaColor Joints, we recommend stabilisation using 25 kg of TRASS cement per 8 to 10 m² of tiling. This ensures a stable yet permeable base.
Cutting GeoCeramica®
In areas where the pattern does not fit perfectly, tiles can be cut to size. Always use water cooling (e.g., a tile saw table) when cutting to prevent damage from overheating. For cutting GeoCeramica®, we recommend the MBI Tilemaster Ceramics. These are available in two sizes and suitable for both tile saws and bench saws, thanks to their removable shaft ring. Read more about cutting GeoCeramica® to size.
Jointing GeoCeramica®
Installation is fast, and the special built-in spacers ensure perfect joints. Any skilled professional or experienced DIYer can handle this. For jointing GeoCeramica®, we recommend using our MBI Weed-Free Jointing Sand or AquaColor Ceramic Joints. Calculate the required amount of jointing material.
Installing GeoCeramica® on pedestals
GeoCeramica® can also be installed on pedestal supports – even the large format tiles. View the instructions.
Laying Instructions for 120x30 cm GeoCeramica®
Ceramic tiles generally exhibit a slight camber. This curvature is measured and must fall within defined tolerances, which are determined over a specific length. As the format increases, these values may vary more widely. In practical terms, the outer edges of our 120x30 cm tiles may show a curvature that is within acceptable limits, but still requires specific installation advice.
As mentioned, a slight camber is completely normal for ceramic tiles. However, this unique 120x30 cm format calls for extra attention. Laying the tiles in a half-bond pattern can bring the most varied levels together, sometimes resulting in an uneven appearance. Therefore, it is better to lay the tiles in a one-third bond pattern. This ensures the best visual outcome!
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