Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling Method Statement with Waterproofing and ITP

More than a static template

Unlike a downloadable Word or PDF template, this method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point connected directly to a matching Inspection and Test Plan. Every section is structured, project-adaptable, and ready to export.

AI-assisted drafting — Customize every section with AI for your specific project scope.
Linked ITP — A matching inspection and test plan is generated alongside the method statement.
Multiple export formats — Download as a formatted PDF or editable Excel spreadsheet.
Editable starting point, not a final document — Review, verify, and adjust all content against your project requirements before use.

Static template vs. Quollnet workflow

Feature	Static template	Quollnet
Project-specific content	Manual fill-in required	AI-assisted customization
Linked ITP	Separate document, no link	Matching ITP included
Export formats	Usually PDF only	PDF and Excel
Structured sections	Free-form layout	13 standardized sections
Saved to your account	Local file only	Cloud-saved, reusable
Content accuracy	You verify everything	AI-assisted, you still verify
Cost	Often free but time-intensive	Free to customize and download

What you can customize

When you save this method statement to your account, every section becomes editable. The following 13 sections are included:

Scope — Defines the activity and its boundaries.
References — Standards, specifications, and drawings.
Responsibilities — Roles and accountabilities.
Resources — Labour, plant, and equipment summary.
Materials — Materials and compliance requirements.
Equipment — Tools and equipment details.
Prerequisites — Hold points and pre-conditions.
Method sequence — Step-by-step construction sequence.
Safety controls — HSE risk controls and PPE.
Environmental controls — Environmental mitigation measures.
QA/QC — Quality inspection and test requirements.
ITP — Inspection and Test Plan table (has its own page).
Attachments — Referenced drawings and documentation.

Why this method statement is used

This method statement is used to define and communicate the approved procedure for carrying out method statement — ceramic wall and floor tiling works (wet and dry areas) on site. It ensures the work is planned in advance, the correct resources and controls are in place, and all personnel understand responsibilities, sequence, quality requirements, and safety controls before work begins. It aligns site execution with the documented scope and acceptance expectations.

Who uses this method statement

This method statement is used by contractors, site supervisors, project engineers, QA/QC engineers, HSE officers, consultants, and client representatives. It serves as a shared reference for planning, execution, supervision, inspection, and approval of the activity on site.

When it is prepared and submitted

The method statement is prepared before the work activity starts and submitted as part of the pre-construction documentation package for review and approval.

Who reviews or approves it

The method statement is usually submitted to the client representative, consultant, resident engineer, or project management consultant for review and approval before the work commences.

Important approval note

This method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point, not a pre-approved document. Before use on any project, all content must be reviewed and approved by the relevant parties (superintendent, principal contractor, or client representative) in accordance with your contract and project quality plan.

For example: if your specification requires a departure from a referenced standard, that departure must be documented and approved separately — this method statement will not capture that automatically. Always verify against your applicable drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Method statement content

Scope

Overview

This method covers supply, coordination, installation, and quality control of ceramic/porcelain wall and floor tiling works in wet (showers, bathrooms, kitchens, plant rooms) and dry (corridors, lobbies, rooms) areas. It includes substrate assessment and preparation, waterproofing interfaces, layout and setting out, adhesive mixing and application, tile placement and alignment, movement joints, grouting, sealing, protection, and inspections up to final handover.

Inclusions

Substrate inspection and preparation (concrete, screed, render, cement boards)
Coordination and verification of waterproofing works in wet areas
Setting out, control lines, and mock-up
Adhesive selection and application, back-buttering (as required)
Tiling to walls and floors, internal and external corners, thresholds, and perimeters
Movement joint installation and perimeter gaps
Grouting and sealants (including sanitary grade in wet areas)
Cleaning, curing, protection, rectification of snags
QA/QC inspections, hold/witness points, and records per ITP

Exclusions

Structural works, screed/render placement by others unless specified
Supply/installation of drains, hobs, and fixtures by others unless specified

Key Performance Targets [Verify per project specifications]

Substrate flatness: ≤3 mm deviation under 2 m straightedge; ≤1 mm under 300 mm
Floor falls in wet areas: 1.0%–2.0% to drains without ponding
Joint width: walls 2–3 mm (rectified ≥2 mm); floors 3–5 mm; consistent throughout
Lippage (finished surface): ≤1.0 mm for joints ≤3 mm; ≤1.5 mm for joints >3 mm (plus inherent tile warpage where applicable)
Adhesive coverage: ≥95% wet areas/exteriors; ≥80% dry internal areas; 95% for large-format tiles ≥400×400 mm
Perimeter/movement joint gaps: 6–10 mm or per detail
Waterproofing: DFT typically ≥1.0 mm (liquid-applied) with fully sealed penetrations
Flood test (showers/wet rooms): 24 h, no leakage, water level drop ≤2 mm/24 h after evaporation correction
Cure periods and traffic restrictions per manufacturer’s TDS

References

Document Type	Reference / Number	Revision	Notes
	ISO 13007 / EN 12004 (adhesives); EN 13888 (grouts)		Adhesive class C2TE S1 typical for porcelain and wet areas [Verify].
	ANSI A108/A118; TCNA Handbook EJ171 (movement joints)		Use if project governed by ANSI/TCNA. [Verify per project specs].
	EN 14891 (liquid-applied waterproofing beneath tiles); ANSI A118.10; ASTM C836/C836M		Membrane class/type per TDS and area use [Verify].
	BS 5385 series (wall and floor tiling) / ISO 17966 (where relevant); Project specs		Do not quote clause numbers unless issued. [Verify].
	ISO 10545 series (ceramic tile test methods)		Slip resistance per project (e.g., DIN 51130/EN 16165 or ANSI A326.3) [Verify].
	ISO 45001, ISO 14001, local regulations, Project HSE Plan		Permits to work, chemical handling, noise/dust, electrical safety [Verify].

Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility	Name / Party
Project Manager	Ensure programme compliance and resolve constraints	Contractor
Site Engineer	Check levels/falls, verify tolerances, maintain as-builts	Contractor
QA/QC Engineer	Manage hold/witness points and acceptance records	Contractor
HSE Officer	Toolbox talks, inspections, compliance with HSE Plan	Contractor
Tiling Foreman	Ensure workmanship, coverage, joint control, curing	Contractor
Approved Applicator	Comply with EN 14891/ANSI A118.10 and TDS	Specialist
Land Surveyor	Confirm datum and fall set-out to drains	Contractor
Engineer/Consultant	Approve mock-ups, substrate acceptance, waterproofing and flood tests	Employer

Resources

Resource Type	Description	Quantity
Manpower	Skilled masons/tilers	1 per 15–25 m²/day (floor); 1 per 12–18 m²/day (wall) [Verify]
Manpower	Mixing, logistics, cleaning	1 per 1–2 tilers
Manpower	RCD checks, equipment connections	Shared

Materials

Material	Specification / Grade	Remarks
Tiles	Size/finish per drawings; water absorption and PEI/Class per spec	Comply with ISO 10545 performance; slip resistance per project [Verify].
Cementitious/Polymer-modified adhesive	Open time, pot life, bed thickness per TDS	EN 12004 (C2TE S1) or ANSI A118.4/A118.15 [Verify].
Cementitious or Epoxy Grout	Colour per schedule; water absorption; flexural/compressive per standard	EN 13888 CG2 WA (polymer modified) or RG (epoxy) [Verify].
Liquid-applied membrane + accessories	DFT ≥1.0 mm typical; crack-bridging per standard; primer as needed	EN 14891 class (e.g., DM O/P) or ANSI A118.10 [Verify].
Primer/Bond coat	TDS-defined consumption and drying time	From same manufacturer as adhesive [Verify].
Profiles, backing rod, primer, elastomeric sealant	Width and spacing per drawings/TCNA EJ171/BS 5385 [Verify].	Sealant ISO 11600, low-modulus sanitary for wet areas [Verify].

Equipment

Equipment	Capacity / Type	Quantity	Inspection Required
Rotary/line laser		1 set/crew
Aluminium straightedge, levels		2 m and 300 mm
Steel trowels		6–10 mm notches
Wet tile saw, snap cutter, angle grinder (with guard)		1 per crew
Electric mixer		1 mixer/crew
Reusable wedges/clips		As required
Hand tools
Industrial vacuum, Ram board/kraft paper

Prerequisites

Approved shop drawings, room data sheets, and finishes schedules.
Approved Method Statement and ITP; toolbox talk conducted and recorded.
Material approvals: MIRs with COAs for tiles, adhesives, grouts, waterproofing.
Mock-up: Minimum 2 m² wall and 2 m² floor with full build-up and lighting; obtain consultant approval (hold point).
Substrate readiness:
Curing: Concrete ≥28 days; cement screed/render per TDS (commonly ≥7 days per 25 mm) [Verify].
Moisture: Cementitious screeds typically ≤4 CM% or ≤75% RH (in-situ) before tiling [Verify per TDS/spec].
Strength: Pull-off (where specified) ≥1.0 N/mm² [Verify].
Flatness and levels within tolerance; drains installed and tested for flow.
Services and penetrations coordinated and fixed; backing boards installed per manufacturer.
Waterproofing scope, details, and interfaces coordinated and approved.
Access equipment/scaffolds inspected (tagged) and lighting suitable for finish works.
RCD-protected power supply available; cutting area designated with water/drainage control.
Confirm slip-resistance class of tiles per project for area usage [Verify].

Method Sequence

Step	Activity	Description	Responsibility	Inspection / Hold Point
1	Pre-start and area release	Confirm area is released; review drawings, details, and mock-up acceptance. Conduct toolbox talk focusing on cutting, chemicals, and manual handling.	Tiling Foreman / HSE Officer	Pre-start checklist; work permit if required
2	Substrate survey and preparation	Check flatness (≤3 mm in 2 m; ≤1 mm in 300 mm), soundness, cleanliness. Remove laitance, dust, and contaminants. Fill voids, repair cracks as specified; apply primer/bond coat as per TDS.	Site Engineer / Tiling Foreman	Straightedge, level checks; surface pull-off if specified
3	Waterproofing (wet areas)	Prime (if required). Install pre-formed corners, banding at junctions, and collars at penetrations. Apply first coat of membrane (WFT per TDS). After cure, apply second coat at right angles. Upstands: showers to ≥1.8 m, other wet perimeters ≥150–300 mm; floors fully covered with returns up walls ≥100 mm or per drawings.	Approved Waterproofing Applicator	Wet film gauge per coat; visual continuity checks
4	Flood test (wet rooms/showers)	Plug drain; fill to threshold or 25–50 mm depth. Maintain 24 h. Mark level at start/end; inspect below for leaks.	QA/QC Engineer	Visual leakage survey; measure level drop
5	Setting out and dry layout	Establish control lines and datum. Dry-lay tiles to confirm joint width and cuts (prefer ≥1/2 tile at perimeters). Align with drains/thresholds; coordinate movement joints and trims.	Site Engineer / Tiling Foreman	Consultant review of layout
6	Adhesive mixing	Measure water per TDS; mix 2–3 min to lump-free; rest (slake) 5 min; remix. Use within pot life; discard skin-formed or expired material.	Tiling Foreman	Check batch, expiry, mix ratio, pot life
7	Adhesive application	Spread with notched trowel sized to tile; comb one direction. Bed thickness typically 3–6 mm. Back-butter for tiles ≥400×400 mm or profiled backs. Avoid skinning; refresh adhesive as required.	Tilers	Open time checks; lift-and-check
8	Tile laying and alignment	Press tile and slide perpendicular to ridges. Use spacers/leveling clips. Tap lightly with rubber mallet. Maintain joint width: walls 2–3 mm, floors 3–5 mm. Check plane/level frequently.	Tilers / Foreman	Coverage verification by lifting 1 tile per ~10 tiles and each start; straightedge and level checks
9	Cuts and penetrations	Mark and cut using wet saw; maintain 3–5 mm clearance around penetrations; fit collars/trims. Smooth edges; no chips visible at 1 m normal viewing.	Tilers	Visual and measurement
10	Movement and perimeter joints	Honor structural joints; provide intermediate joints: interiors typically at ≤6–8 m or ≤25–40 m² floors; walls ≤3–4.5 m in both directions; perimeters 6–10 mm. Install profiles/backer rod and sealant as detailed.	Site Engineer / Tilers	Spacing and width verification
11	Pre-grout curing and clean	Allow adhesive to cure (typically ≥24 h; rapid set per TDS). Remove spacers; clean joints to ≥2/3 tile thickness depth; surface dust removed.	Tiling Foreman	Cure time check; joint cleanliness
12	Grouting	Mix grout per TDS. Force grout diagonally across joints. Compact fully. Initial clean with damp sponge; final clean when haze forms. For epoxy, follow pot life and cleaning agents carefully.	Tilers	Visual; joint fullness checks
13	Sealant (sanitary and movement)	Install primer (if required), backer rod, and sealant. Tool to concave finish. Use sanitary grade in wet areas.	Tilers / Finishing crew	Adhesion and finish check
14	Protection and curing	Restrict traffic for ≥24–48 h (cementitious grout may require longer). Protect with breathable boards; avoid plastic films. Prevent water ponding for ≥7 days in newly grouted wet areas.	Tiling Foreman	Barricades/signage in place
15	QA/QC and final inspection	Verify levels, falls, alignment, joint widths, lippage, finish, and cleanliness under final lighting. Compile records and as-builts.	QA/QC Engineer / Consultant	Final punch and acceptance

Health, Safety, and Environment — Safety Controls

For each significant hazard: hazard, likely consequence, engineering/procedural control, PPE, collective measure, inspection/permit.

Tile cutting (silica dust and flying fragments)
Consequence: Respiratory illness (silicosis), eye injury, lacerations
Controls: Prefer wet cutting; use HEPA extraction for dry grinding; isolate cutting zone; use intact blade guards
PPE: Safety glasses/face shield, cut-resistant gloves, FFP3/N95 respirator, hearing protection
Collective: Designated cutting station with water management and barriers
Inspection/Permit: Equipment pre-use checks; RCD verification; [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations]
Electrical risk with wet saws
Consequence: Electric shock, burns
Controls: 230/120 V supply via RCD; IP-rated connectors; keep connections off wet floors; cable management
PPE: Dielectric gloves when connecting, dry footwear
Collective: Lockable distribution boards, drip loops, signage
Inspection/Permit: Weekly PAT, daily visual checks; permit if near water bodies [Verify]
Manual handling of tiles/adhesive bags
Consequence: Musculoskeletal injury, crush injuries
Controls: Use team lifting and tile suction lifters; split loads; mechanical aids for pallets; plan delivery near point-of-use
PPE: Gloves with grip, safety boots
Collective: Trolley/handlers, clear access routes
Inspection/Permit: Manual handling assessment; supervisor oversight
Chemical exposure (adhesives, grouts, waterproofing)
Consequence: Dermatitis, respiratory irritation, chemical burns
Controls: Review SDS; use minimum quantities; ensure ventilation; prohibit mixing in confined spaces unless controlled
PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, long sleeves; respirator if stated in SDS
Collective: Local ventilation/air movers; eyewash nearby
Inspection/Permit: COSHH/chemical permit where applicable; SDS on site [Verify]
Work at height (wall tiling, high wet areas)
Consequence: Falls, serious injury
Controls: Use inspected podiums/step-ups/scaffold with guardrails; avoid standing on buckets or unstable platforms
PPE: Non-slip footwear; fall arrest if required by risk assessment
Collective: Guardrails, toe boards, access control
Inspection/Permit: Scaffold/tagged inspection; work-at-height permit [Verify]
Slips/trips in wet works
Consequence: Sprains, fractures
Controls: Keep floors tidy; immediate cleanup; anti-slip temporary covers; segregate wet zones
PPE: Slip-resistant footwear
Collective: Barricades and warning signage
Inspection/Permit: Housekeeping inspections each shift
Noise and vibration from cutters/mixers
Consequence: Hearing damage, hand–arm vibration
Controls: Low-noise blades; limit trigger time; maintenance of tools
PPE: Hearing protection; anti-vibration gloves
Collective: Noise monitoring if required
Inspection/Permit: Compliance with project noise limits [Verify]
Sharp edges and glassy tiles
Consequence: Cuts/lacerations
Controls: Deburr edges; proper handling; store vertically in racks
PPE: Cut-resistant gloves, long sleeves
Collective: Edge guards, storage racks
Inspection/Permit: Daily tool and material storage checks
Confined wet rooms during membrane application
Consequence: Asphyxiation, solvent exposure (if solvent-based)
Controls: Prefer water-based, low-VOC products; forced ventilation; hot-work/chemical permit if required
PPE: Respirator as per SDS, goggles, gloves
Collective: Ventilation fans; gas detection if specified
Inspection/Permit: Confined space/chemical permit [Verify]

Environmental Controls

Dust control: Use wet cutting or local extraction with HEPA; enclose cutting area; vacuum with HEPA filters.
Noise management: Schedule noisy cutting in agreed windows; use low-noise blades; monitor per project limits [Verify].
Slurry and wastewater: Collect wet saw runoff; do not discharge to drains; settle solids and dispose as construction waste per local regulations.
VOC management: Select low-VOC adhesives/membranes where possible; ensure ventilation; keep containers closed.
Waste segregation: Separate tile off-cuts, bags, plastics, and pallets; recycle packaging where facilities exist.
Material storage: Keep tiles dry on flat pallets; protect adhesives from moisture and heat; FIFO to minimize expired stock.
Spill control: Trays under mixing stations; spill kits available; train crew in immediate containment and cleanup.
Water and energy: Use trigger-controlled hoses; switch off idle equipment; LED task lighting.
Protection of adjacent finishes: Masking and temporary protection; no acidic cleaners near sensitive metals/stone.
Records: Maintain waste transfer notes and SDS; environmental inspections weekly.

QA/QC Controls

Material Controls

Verify conformance to ISO 13007/EN 12004 (adhesives) and EN 13888 (grouts) or ANSI A118 equivalents [Verify].
Check batch numbers, expiry dates, and COAs. Maintain shade/batch consistency; do not mix different tile batches in one room unless approved.

Process Controls

Substrate acceptance checklist before starting: flatness, moisture, strength, cleanliness.
Waterproofing inspection: WFT/DFT, overlaps, corners, collars, continuity; flood test report for wet areas.
Setting-out approval: control lines, cut tile distribution, movement joints; consultant witness/approval.
Adhesive application: monitor open time and bed thickness; lift-and-check frequency: at start of shift, change of tile size, and minimum 1 per 10 tiles.
Coverage targets: ≥95% in wet areas/large-format; ≥80% in dry areas; edges and corners fully supported.
Joint control: verify width and straightness each 3 m; maintain consistent alignment with control lines.
Lippage checks: at each bay and door threshold using 300 mm straightedge/feeler gauges.

Inspection Metrics and Tolerances [Verify per project specifications]

Flatness: ≤3 mm in 2 m; ≤1 mm in 300 mm.
Falls: 1–2% to drain; no ponding after 10 min of flow test.
Lippage: ≤1.0 mm (joints ≤3 mm); ≤1.5 mm (joints >3 mm) plus inherent warpage allowance.
Movement joints: spacing/locations per approved drawings and standards.

Testing and Records

Flood test: 24 h with photos and measurements.
Adhesion (if specified): pull-off tests after curing per ASTM C1583 or EN 1542; ≥1.0 N/mm² typical [Verify].
Slip resistance: verify tile classification and finish per spec (e.g., EN 16165/ANSI A326.3) for wet areas [Verify].
Records: MIRs, SIRs, IRs, checklists, photographs, as-builts, training/toolbox records, equipment calibration, waste disposal notes.

Nonconformance and Rectification

Record NCR for out-of-tolerance work. Propose corrective action: tile removal and re-fix, re-leveling compound, re-application of membrane if damaged. Re-inspect and close NCR with Consultant approval.

Attachments

Approved shop drawings and room finish schedules
Manufacturer Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Mock-up approval records and photographs
Material approvals (MIR/COA) for tiles, adhesives, grouts, waterproofing
Substrate Inspection Reports (SIR) and surveys
Flood Test Reports and photos
In-process checklists (coverage, lippage, joint control)
Inspection Requests (IR) and approvals at hold/witness points
Equipment calibration certificates (laser levels, gauges)
Training/competency records for tilers and applicators
Waste transfer/disposal notes and environmental inspections
As-built and O&M manuals including cleaning/maintenance guidance

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ITP preview

The first inspection activities from the linked ITP for Method Statement — Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiling Works (Wet and Dry Areas):

Activity	Inspection / Test	Acceptance Criteria	Responsibility	Record
Materials receipt (tiles, adhesives, grouts, membrane)	Check COA, batch, expiry, conformity to ISO 13007/EN 12004/EN 13888 or ANSI A118	Approved MIR; materials undamaged; within shelf life	QA/QC Engineer	MIR; delivery notes; photos
Substrate acceptance (floors/walls) — HOLD	Flatness and level survey; moisture as required; cleanliness and soundness	Within tolerances; dryness per spec/TDS; sound and clean	QA/QC Engineer / Consultant	SIR; IR
Waterproofing application (wet areas) — HOLD	WFT/DFT checks; continuity at corners/penetrations; upstand heights	DFT per TDS (typically ≥1.0 mm); continuous film; details complete	QA/QC Engineer / Consultant	Waterproofing checklist; IR; photos

Showing 3 of 11 inspection activities. View full ITP →

Related Inspection and Test Plan

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is available for Method Statement — Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiling Works (Wet and Dry Areas). The ITP defines the inspection activities, acceptance criteria, hold and witness points, responsible parties, and records required to verify the work described in this method statement.

View the Method Statement — Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiling Works (Wet and Dry Areas) ITP →

Frequently asked questions

Typically an improved deformable adhesive such as EN 12004 C2TE S1 or ANSI A118.4/A118.15 is used. Verify product selection with the tile manufacturer and project specifications.

Provide a uniform fall of about 1–2% toward the drain without ponding. Verify exact values per project specifications and codes.

Typically up to 1.0 mm for joints ≤3 mm and 1.5 mm for joints >3 mm, plus any inherent tile warpage allowance. Verify per project standards (BS 5385/ANSI A108.02).

After completing and curing the waterproofing membrane in wet rooms/showers, perform a 24-hour flood test and proceed only after a pass.

Lift and check at the start of each shift, when conditions change, and at least 1 tile per approximately 10 tiles laid to confirm required coverage.

Method Statement — Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiling Works (Wet and Dry Areas) – Method Statement