Tile adhesive vs Cement: What are the Pros & Cons?

February 23, 2022
Tile adhesive vs Cement

People nowadays want to adorn their homes with tiles. Since the tiles seem gorgeous once they are laid, they might give individuals an affluent sensation. Furthermore, the tiles are pretty clean once they have been laid. Because ceramic tiles can be cleaned with a moist cloth no matter where they are filthy, many people choose to use them while decorating their houses.

Not just for the floor, but many people opt for ceramic tiles to adorn their walls, which appear attractive and eliminate the need to struggle about the cause of the dampness.

Due to the advantages of tiling, an increasing number of individuals will prefer to install ceramic tile while decorating. However, there has lately been an issue in which many individuals do not know what type of materials to choose for installing tiles, or they battled with the material selection – Cement and tile glue. 

Today, we will analyze tile adhesive and cement mortar, as well as discuss what are the pros & cons of Cement and tile adhesive.

Tile Adhesive vs Cement Mortar

There are two major types of tile materials used typically: tile adhesive and Cement.

  • Tile adhesive is a kind of polymer-based adhesive substance with high hardness. It is used to adhere the tiles to the wall or the floor.
  • Cement, a kind of cementitious substance, is the most generally utilized material for placing ceramic tile. It is also the oldest material that is being used for tile walls/floors.

Benefits of using Cement

You may live comfortably in a room that has been tiled with cement mortar. Another benefit is that it is significantly less expensive than tile glue. The cost-performance ratio will be pretty high.

Benefits of using Tile Adhesives

The adhesive ability of the tile adhesives is compelling, which is why people pick it. If you tile a floor or a wall with this substance, the tile shall not come off quickly. Furthermore, the layer is consistent and thin, making it difficult for the hollowing phenomena to develop.

It is worth noting that tile adhesive may save building time and is simple to install. This is due to its high water retention capacity.

Cons of Cement mortar

The phenomena of tile hollowing or falling off will occur in the case when the installation technique is not competent or if there are flaws in the installation. You must use a considerable quantity of Cement while tilling to a specified thickness to place the floor/wall tile properly.

Tile adhesives are much cleaner than Cement mortars, whereas cement mortar gets dirtier during building or mixing.

Other than a slightly higher cost, there are no major disadvantages of using tile adhesives. However, the slightly higher cost far outweighs the benefits that tile adhesives provide over the normal cement mortar mix for fixing tiles. 

For the best quality solutions in tile adhesives and tile grouts, Perlcon is your go-to destination. We offer a wide range of tile adhesives and tile grouts to suit different needs of tile installations on walls, floors, outdoors, etc.

Difference between cement and tile adhesive

Cement and tile adhesive serve different purposes in construction. Cement is a general binding material used in masonry and concrete work, while tile adhesive is a specialized bonding agent designed for fixing tiles securely. Unlike cement, tile adhesive offers better flexibility, adhesion, and water resistance, ensuring long-lasting tile installations with minimal maintenance.

Which is better, tile adhesive or cement

When installing tiles, choosing between tile adhesive and cement is crucial. Tile adhesive offers superior bonding, flexibility, and ease of application, preventing cracks and detachment. Cement, though cost-effective, lacks flexibility and requires more curing time. For durability and efficiency, tile adhesive is the preferred choice for modern tile installations.

Can I use tile adhesive as cement?

No, tile adhesive cannot fully replace cement for general construction. While tile adhesive is designed for fixing tiles, it lacks the structural strength of cement. However, it offers better bonding, flexibility, and reduced shrinkage for tiling projects. For foundations or load-bearing applications, traditional cement remains the best choice.

Is tile adhesive stronger than cement?

Tile adhesive is generally stronger and more flexible than traditional cement for fixing tiles. Unlike cement, which can crack over time, tile adhesive provides better bonding, water resistance, and durability. It also allows for thinner application, reducing material wastage. For long-lasting tile installation, tile adhesive is the superior choice.

Can I use cement to lay floor tiles?

Yes, you can use cement to lay floor tiles, but it’s not the best option. Traditional cement lacks the adhesive strength of tile mortar, leading to poor bonding and potential cracks. For a durable, long-lasting finish, use a high-quality tile adhesive or cement-based mortar specifically designed for tile installation.

Don’t Forget to Check: What Is AAC Block?

Quick Inquiry