Installation Technique: Setting Tile on Florida Jobs
Crack isolation, large-format handling, waterproofing, screed and SLU prep, written for installers who specify and set tile in Florida every day. Each section below covers the industry standard, what it means on a slab-on-grade job, and where to go deeper in the Pro installation library.
Tile Outlets of America is not in the installation business. We supply the material and tools, and we refer homeowners to installers. Standards cited here are ANSI A108/A118 and TCNA references. Always follow the manufacturer's written instructions for the specific products you set.
1. Substrate prep on Florida slabs
- Flatness: for tile with any edge 15" or longer, the substrate should be within 1/8" in 10' and 1/16" in 24".
- Cracks and moisture: deal with shrinkage cracks and moisture before layout. Use a crack-isolation or uncoupling membrane where the slab calls for it.
- Leveling: fill low spots with a patch or self-leveling underlayment (SLU), not extra thinset.
Shop: Levelers · Crack suppressant · Uncoupling membrane · Moisture control
Read: Large-format porcelain over Florida slabs: what actually works · Why underlayment matters
2. Mortar choice and coverage
- Spec the mortar to the tile: ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 polymer-modified mortars. Use an LFT-rated mortar for large-format tile.
- Coverage (ANSI A108.5): at least 80% in dry interior areas, and 95% in wet areas and exteriors.
- Technique: back-butter large-format tile, key the mortar in, and comb the ridges in one direction. Pull a tile now and then to check coverage.
Shop: Thinset mortar · Tile adhesives · Trowels
Read: How to get proper mortar coverage
3. Large format, offsets and lippage
- Offset: for running bond with tile over 18" on a side, keep the offset at 33% or less unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
- Joint width (ANSI A108.02): at least 3x the tile's actual size variation, and never under 1/16". For running bond with any side over 15", use at least 1/8" for rectified tile and 3/16" for calibrated tile, plus the tile's edge warpage.
- Lippage: the allowance is 1/32" for joints from 1/16" up to under 1/4", plus the tile's actual warpage. A leveling system helps control it, but it does not fix a substrate that isn't flat.
Shop: Large-format tile · Spacers and leveling systems
Read: Rectified vs. non-rectified tile on Florida slabs · Managing lippage: why offsets matter · Consider a mockup
4. Waterproofing, shower assemblies and movement joints
- Use a tested system: a bonded sheet membrane (for example Schluter-KERDI) or a waterproof backer board with sealed seams (for example GoBoard). Don't mix components from different systems unless the manufacturer approves it.
- Movement joints: follow TCNA EJ171. Put soft joints at perimeters, at changes of plane, and at the field intervals EJ171 calls for. Florida's sun and humidity make this non-negotiable on lanais and in sunlit rooms.
Shop: Waterproofing · Shower systems · Shower kits
Read: Build a waterproof shower with Schluter · Managing moisture in tile showers · GoBoard and point-drain shower kits
5. Outdoor, lanai and pool deck
- Rated tile: use porcelain rated for exterior use.
- Slip resistance: check the DCOF for wet areas.
- Coverage and slope: aim for 95% mortar coverage and positive slope away from the structure.
Shop: Porcelain patio tile · Pool tile
Read: Outdoor porcelain lanai install in Florida · DCOF slip rating explained
6. Grout selection, grout release and sealing
- Sanded or unsanded: match the grout to the joint width. Sanded is for wider joints. Unsanded is for narrow joints and surfaces that scratch easily.
- Cement or epoxy: weigh stain resistance, working time and the service conditions.
- Grout release and sealing: use grout release on porous or textured faces, and seal cement grout according to the manufacturer.
Shop: Grout · Sanded grout · Unsanded grout · Sealers · Cleaners
Read: Epoxy vs. cement grout
7. Tools list
- Trowels: square- or slant-notch, sized to the tile and the coverage you need.
- Leveling and spacing: a leveling system and spacers.
- Cutting: a tile cutter sized to your largest format.
- Grouting: margin trowel, mixing paddle and grout floats.
- Checking: a straightedge (10') for checking flatness.
Shop: Trowels · Floats · Tile cutters · Spacers and leveling · All tools and supplies
Work with the TOA Pro desk
TOA isn't in the installation business. We're a supply partner and a referral source for installers.
- Trade Pro pricing: 5% off from your first purchase, rising to 10% once your 2026 TOA purchases reach $2,500.
- Rebate: a 3% rebate in store credit.
- Everyday materials: trade pricing on mortars, grouts and tools.
- Will-call: call your order in at least 2 hours ahead and it will be ready for pickup.
- Referrals: ask about the Installer Referral List.
Visit a Flooring Supercenter in Tampa ((813) 876-0080), Fort Myers ((239) 768-1517) or Sarasota ((941) 549-8453). Hours are Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM, Sat 8 AM–6 PM and Sun 9 AM–4 PM. You can also call 1-844-TOA-TILE.