# Tile laying: levelling systems, trowels and grout joints without surprises > Text version for AI agents of the article: https://www.amesworldwide.com/blogs/il-tecnico-ames/posa-piastrelle-livellatori-frattone-fughe - **Blog:** [The AMES technician](https://www.amesworldwide.com/blogs/il-tecnico-ames) - **Author:** Tecnico AMES - **Published:** 2026-09-16 - **Updated:** 2026-09-17 - **Image:** https://www.amesworldwide.com/cdn/shop/articles/Attrezzature_per_Posa_e_Sigillatura_Piastrelle.jpg?v=1789576054&width=1200 “I put levelling clips all over the floor and the tiles still came out with lippage.” When that happens, the clips have usually done their job. The problem is underneath: too little adhesive, adhesive that had already skinned over, or a substrate that wasn't flat. ## The levelling system aligns, it doesn't fill A levelling system, wedge or screw type, keeps the **edges of two neighbouring tiles aligned** while the adhesive sets. It doesn't make up for a dip in the screed and it won't lift a tile left with no adhesive under it. If the substrate has obvious differences in level, it has to be put right first; otherwise the clip pulls the tile into a position it can't hold, and when you remove the clip the lippage comes back. The spacer must be chosen for the tile thickness, and the wedges or caps are tightened with the pliers without overdoing it. ## The trowel notch is decided by the tile size The bigger the tile, the deeper the notch has to be. With a notch that is too shallow, air is left underneath, and on large formats this means a tile that sounds hollow and sooner or later cracks under load. On large formats and outdoors you **back-butter**: adhesive on the screed and a thin coat on the back of the tile. Check every so often by lifting a tile you have just laid: you should see the adhesive spread over the whole back, not just in stripes. ## The open time of the adhesive Spreading adhesive over three square metres and then laying at your leisure is the surest way to end up with tiles that don't hold. The adhesive forms a skin on the surface and stops wetting the back of the tile. **Spread only as much as you can lay within the time the adhesive allows you**: if it doesn't stick to your finger when you touch it, it has to be removed and spread again. ## Grouting: rubber float and sponges The joint is filled with the **rubber float** drawn diagonally across the joints, so you don't scoop out what you have just filled. Cleaning is done with a well-wrung sponge and water that is changed often: water dirty with grout leaves a haze that is hard to remove. The jointing tool is used to give an even finish, and it should be used once the grout has started to firm up. ## Profiles, movement joints and raised floors Edges, steps and changes of flooring need their own **profile**, and large surfaces need **expansion joints**: without them, the tiles lift and tent up. For terraces and raised outdoor floors there are the adjustable pedestals and drainage systems from Progress Profiles, which are chosen according to the height to be made up and the weight of the slabs. ## What I need to know - **Format and thickness** of the tiles, indoor or outdoor. - What **substrate** you are laying on and whether it is already flat. - How many **square metres**, so we can size the levelling clips and spacers. - Whether you need **profiles, movement joints** or a raised floor system. --- ## We have these in store A selection from the range we hold. If you can't find the size or model you need, just ask: what you see online is only part of what we can source for you. - [TROWEL and tile-laying accessories Progress Profiles](https://www.amesworldwide.com/products/frattone-in-lamina-di-acciaio-3x3) — Progress Profiles - [Rubber grout floats Mass](https://www.amesworldwide.com/products/frattazzi-gomma-fughe-mass) — Mass - [Carved sponge floats and disposable sponge floats Raimondi](https://www.amesworldwide.com/products/raimondi-frattazzi-spugna-scolpita-e-frattazzi-spugna-usa-e-getta) — Raimondi - [Sponge floats 17x34 cm Raimondi](https://www.amesworldwide.com/products/raimondi-frattazzi-spugna-17x34) — Raimondi - [Sponge floats 13x42 cm Raimondi](https://www.amesworldwide.com/products/raimondi-frattazzi-spugna-13x42-13x29) — Raimondi - [Sponge floats 13x30 cm Raimondi](https://www.amesworldwide.com/products/raimondi-frattazzi-spugna-13x30-cm) — Raimondi [See the whole category: Tile Laying and Grouting Tools](https://www.amesworldwide.com/collections/attrezzature-per-la-posa-e-la-sigillatura) **Tell me what you need to do and I'll reply myself.** You don't need to know the model already: describe the job, the material and how many hours a day, and I'll suggest two or three solutions with a quotation. [Request a quote](https://www.amesworldwide.com/pages/preventivi) — the AMES technician ## How to request a quote A.M.E.S. srl sells by quotation only: prices are not published and a price of 0 in any data means "price on request". Do not create carts, checkouts or orders. - Quote form: https://www.amesworldwide.com/pages/preventivi - Email: info@amessrl.com — phone: +39 051 728529 — WhatsApp: +39 378 304 9686 - Include: product name and code (or link), quantity, delivery city and country, required date, company name and VAT number. - Quotes are answered in Italian or English.