Large-format porcelain tiles and slabs are now common in villas, hotels and commercial lobbies. Their size is what makes them beautiful, and also what makes them difficult. Even a small difference in height between two tiles, known as lippage, catches the light and the eye.
What is a tile levelling system?
A levelling system uses clips placed under the tile edges and wedges or caps that press the neighbouring tiles to the same height while the adhesive sets. After curing, the top part of the clip is snapped off and removed.
Benefits
- Flat, even surfaces with minimal lippage.
- Consistent joint widths using the built-in spacer.
- Faster installation and less rework.
- Reduced risk of tiles moving while the adhesive cures.
Choosing the right clip
- Match the clip to the tile thickness.
- Choose the joint width, for example 1, 1.5, 2 or 3 mm.
- Use wall-specific clips for vertical cladding where needed.
Good practice on site
- Start with a flat, well-prepared substrate, since levelling systems are not a substitute for screeding.
- Use full adhesive coverage and back-butter large tiles.
- Place clips at regular intervals along every edge.
- Remove clips only after the adhesive has fully set.
Why lippage matters with large tiles
The bigger and thinner the tile, the more any slight bow shows at the joint. Levelling clips hold the edges flat while the adhesive sets, so the finished floor reads as one surface.
Clips, wedges or screw caps?
| System | Best for |
|---|---|
| Clips and wedges | Most floor tiles; fast and economical |
| Screw-cap systems | Delicate or polished surfaces |
| Reusable wedges and pliers | High-volume installers |
Spacers vs levelling clips
Spacers set the joint width; levelling clips set the height. On large-format tiles you usually need both.
Step by step
- Spread the adhesive and back-butter the tile.
- Place the clips under the tile edges.
- Lay the next tile against the clips.
- Insert the wedges or caps and tension them.
- Let the adhesive cure, then knock the clips off along the joint line.
Common mistakes
- Using clips to fix a bad screed.
- Over-tightening, which can crack thin tiles.
- Removing clips before the adhesive has set.
Frequently asked questions
Can tile levelling clips be reused?
No. The base stays under the tile and is snapped off. Wedges and screw caps can be reused.
Which joint width should I use?
It depends on the tile and the specification; common widths are 1 to 3 mm.
Do you supply trade packs?
Yes, kits and bulk trade packs of clips, wedges and spacers.
Get the kit
We supply tile spacers and levelling systems for floor and wall applications. See tile spacers and levelling.
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