How to Correctly Install Split Face Tiles

This traditional, no-nonsense guide covers interior and exterior walls in the UK. It assumes mechanically sound substrates and good site practice.

split face tiles

At a glance: Use a stable substrate, dry-lay and blend colours, cut with a diamond blade, fix with a white flexible tile adhesive (C2TE S1), back-butter every panel, press tight with no grout joints, clean as you go, and seal where appropriate.

Suitable Locations

  • Interior feature walls, fireplaces* (observe appliance clearances and heat ratings).
  • Hallways, stairs and living spaces (avoid constant impact zones).
  • Exterior garden and house walls with sound backgrounds and proper weathering.

Tools & Materials

  • Spirit level, straightedge, measuring tape, pencil line
  • 6–8 mm notched trowel and flat trowel
  • Tile spacers/wedges for temporary shimming only
  • Angle grinder or wet saw with continuous-rim diamond blade
  • Rubber mallet and grout float for gentle tapping
  • White flexible tile adhesive rated C2TE S1 for stone
  • Primer/backer board where required (e.g. 12 mm fibre-cement)
  • Stone impregnating sealer (clear, breathable) for light colours
  • pH-neutral stone cleaner, clean buckets and sponges
  • Optional: stainless steel angle/ledger for the first course

Substrates & Preparation

  • Masonry/Render: Sound, flat, fully cured, dust-free. Make good hollows; prime if specified.
  • Stud Walls: Fix 12 mm fibre-cement backer boards to manufacturer’s fixing pattern. Do not use standard plasterboard in wet/external areas.
  • Paint/Contamination: Remove loose paint; degrease and abrade to a key or over-board.
  • Straight & Level: Snap a level datum line. For heavy panels, fit a temporary ledger.
  • Dry & Clean: Background and tiles must be clean and dry before fixing and sealing.

Dry-Lay & Blending

Open multiple boxes and mix panels to balance natural shade and texture. Dry-lay a metre or two on the floor to plan the bond and avoid repeating patterns. Reserve any imperfect pieces for cuts.

Cutting

  • Use a wet saw or angle grinder with a continuous-rim diamond blade; cut from the face side for the neatest edge.
  • For external corners, stagger joints by alternating cut/uncut returns to mimic a natural stone wrap.

Adhesive & Fixing Method

  1. Mix adhesive to a creamy, non-slump consistency per the manufacturer’s data sheet.
  2. Trowel the wall: Comb a uniform bed with a 6–8 mm notch. Knock down ridges on very uneven stone to avoid voids.
  3. Back-butter every panel: Apply a thin coat to the back of each piece to achieve near 100% contact.
  4. Press tight with no grout joint: Split face tiles are designed to butt together. Tap gently with a mallet to align faces.
  5. Work off a ledger: Start from a level batten or the second course to keep lines true; return to fit the bottom row once cured.
  6. Check plumb and level every course; step back frequently to assess the blend.
  7. Clean as you go: Immediately wipe away squeeze-out with a damp sponge; do not allow smears to dry on textured faces.

Corners & Edges

  • Create interlocking corners by alternating lengths so vertical joints do not line through the arris.
  • For exposed edges, mitre cut where practical or dress with a neat, minimal return.

Sealing (Highly Recommended for Light Colours)

  • After adhesive has cured, apply a breathable impregnating sealer (matt, non-film-forming) to help resist soil, water marks and organic stains.
  • Apply thin, even coats; allow dwell time, then remove excess. A second coat may be required on porous stone.
  • Re-seal periodically according to exposure and manufacturer guidance.

Aftercare

  • Use pH-neutral stone cleaners only. Avoid acids, bleach, steam and abrasive pads.
  • Outdoors, keep splash zones and planting soil off the face; maintain good drainage and drip details.

Typical Sequence

Step What to do
1 Survey substrate; level datum; fit ledger if needed
2 Dry-lay, blend colours, plan cuts and corners
3 Trowel wall with white C2TE S1 adhesive
4 Back-butter panels; press tight, no grout joints
5 Cut and form interlocking corners and returns
6 Clean as you go; allow to cure per data sheet
7 Seal (especially light stones); set out maintenance plan

Do & Don’t

  • Do use white, flexible adhesive suitable for natural stone.
  • Do back-butter every piece for full contact.
  • Do plan blends and bonds before committing.
  • Do protect adjacent finishes and keep faces clean.
  • Don’t use grey/black adhesive behind light stone (shadowing risk).
  • Don’t install on weak, dusty, damp or recently painted walls.
  • Don’t force warped pieces flush; select and rotate instead.
  • Don’t leave excess sealer on the surface (risk of patchiness).

Notes on Fireplaces & Externals

Near solid-fuel or gas appliances, follow appliance and building-regs clearances; use heat-resistant backgrounds as specified. Externally, ensure sound weathering details (copings, drips, flashings) and stable substrates. Avoid persistent wetting or soil contact at plinth level.

Prepared for UK practice. Always follow the specific product data sheets for adhesives, primers and sealers used on your project.

PAVING | SANDSTONE | GRANITE | PORCELAIN | LIMESTONE | STONE CLADDING | SPLIT FACE TILES