Tile Installation

Japanese tiles should be installed with care, planning and attention to layout.

Mittsu Japanese Tiles are high quality ceramic and porcelain products. Unless stated otherwise on the product page, they do not usually require specialist installation beyond good professional tiling practice.

The final result depends on planning, setting out, grout selection and the skill of the installer.

Use a professional tiler

We strongly recommend using an experienced professional tiler.

Japanese tiles often rely on proportion, joint alignment and surface variation for their final effect. Accurate setting out is therefore important before installation begins.

Plan the setting out

The designer, client or project team should agree where the tile layout begins and how joints align with key visual points.

This may include sinks, worktops, niches, corners, openings or other architectural details.

Do not leave important layout decisions until installation starts. These decisions should be reviewed before fixing begins.

Grout colour and joint width

Grout colour has a significant effect on the final appearance of the installation.

A tile described as white does not necessarily work best with stark white grout. Softer grout tones often give a more balanced result, particularly with naturally varied Japanese glazes.

Joint width should also be considered carefully. Some long or narrow loose tiles may have small dimensional variation, which should be managed through careful setting out and joint planning.

Loose tiles and sheet-mounted tiles

Japanese tiles may be supplied as loose tiles, mesh-mounted sheets, paper-fronted sheets or other mounting formats depending on the collection.

Each format has different handling and installation considerations. Paper-fronted tiles, such as some Kaji Border formats, should be installed according to the relevant guidance.

For mounted sheets, installers should check alignment, spacing and overall tone before fixing.

Open joint tiles and wet areas

Some tiles are designed with open joints or shadow gaps rather than conventional grouted joints.

If open joint tiles are used in a wet area, the adhesive and substrate system must be suitable for moisture protection.

This should be assessed by the installer or project professional before installation.

Crackle glaze tiles

Most Mittsu tiles do not require special treatment.

The main exception is intentionally crackled glaze. If crackle glaze tiles are used in wet areas, sealing may be required before or after installation depending on the product and application.

Always check the relevant product information before installation.

Adhesive and installation guidance

Correct adhesive selection depends on the tile type, substrate, application area and installation conditions.

Download and review the relevant guidance before work begins.

Before installation begins

• Check product, colour and quantity before fixing.
• Review tiles from multiple boxes before installation.
• Confirm setting out and starting points.
• Confirm grout colour and joint width.
• Check substrate, adhesive and wet area requirements.
• Keep spare material for future repairs where possible.