Tiling – British Standards
With the advent of porcelain paving (in particular), with some packs being described as ‘Tiles’,
it is important to understand that there are two separate and distinct British Standards relating
to floor paving works. Although we may be working with the same prima facie products e.g.
porcelain paving, the difference relates to the thickness of the product, and their requisite
laying techniques.
In simple terms, a ‘tile’ is deemed to be between 6mm and 18mm in thickness, and a ‘paving
slab’ is 18mm and more. Paving falls under British Standard BS7533 (101 and 102) (see
Paving British Standards) whilst Tiling comes under BS5385 – 1 2018, which includes
a clause regarding workmanship, stating that work ‘should be carried out with efficient
supervision and the employment of properly trained operatives, skilled to an appropriate level
of confidence, certified by a recognised authoritative body’.
Tiling joints are recommended as a minimum of 2mm, which effectively precludes external
use due to temperature variations causing flexing within the product. In essence, BS3585 is
meant for internal tilers, using thin materials, under site conditions that enable adhesives and
regulated techniques to be employed. Larger tiles, up to 1200mm require 3mm minimum
joints, laid over a solid base.
There may be some instances when a landscaper will need to understand the specification
for tiling – when working in areas under cover such as an outdoor kitchen or entrance to a
swimming pool shower for example, where both Paving and Tiling standards may apply. The
primary difference between the two methods is the nature of the sub-base, as paving may be
carried out over MOT Type1 and a sharp sand/cement laying bed, whilst tiling requires a solid
(concrete) base. In general terms, BS5385 is for internal works only.
Some packs of 20mm porcelain paving slabs have been erroneously labelled as ‘Tiles’ when
in fact they should have been called Paving Slabs. This mis-labelling may cause problems in
future in case of a dispute, as one Party could claim that they had not been laid in accordance
with BS5385, having been formally referred to as tiles. Every unit with a thickness greater
than 18mm should be referred to, and treated as, a paving slab.
