Using a tile leveling system – convenient or not? Description of the process with photos and videos

Achieving an exact level surface when laying tiles can be difficult, particularly for inexperienced tile installers. In addition to having an amateurish appearance, uneven tiles can cause long-term durability problems. In this situation, a tile leveling system can be useful as it provides an easy-to-use and accurate solution.

We’ll investigate if utilizing a tile leveling system is really as convenient as it sounds in this post. To help you grasp the procedure, we’ll break it down step-by-step and offer visual aids like pictures and videos. This guide will help you understand what to expect when using a tile leveling system, regardless of your level of experience or interest in do-it-yourself projects.

Pros of Using a Tile Leveling System Cons of Using a Tile Leveling System
Ensures even and smooth tile surfaces, reducing lippage between tiles. Can be time-consuming to set up, especially for small projects.
Improves overall appearance and finish of the tiled surface. May require additional tools and materials, increasing costs.
Helps beginners achieve professional-looking results. Some systems may be difficult to use without prior experience.
Reduces the need for rework, saving time and effort. Not always necessary for experienced tilers who can achieve similar results without it.
Useful for large-format tiles that are harder to level manually. Removal of the system after installation can be tricky if not done correctly.

Pros and cons of a tile leveling system

Given the varying perspectives held by skilled artisans, it is imperative to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the SVP (tile leveling system).

  1. The device allows you to get a flat floor. This is achieved by setting the optimal level of coverage. It makes it possible to improve not only the appearance, but also significantly extend the service life of the facing product.
  2. You get completely identical seams. The device allows you to completely abandon the plastic crosses that were used previously.
  3. The mixture for gluing tiles is evenly distributed. This is especially important when the base has some defects. It turns out that the voids are completely filled with glue. This process is quite difficult to do manually.
  4. SVP protects the tiles from subsidence. This happens even after the final drying has occurred.
  5. The device securely fixes each element. And this means that during drying, the tiles will be in the desired position only. There will be no differences or displacements.

However, there are drawbacks as well:

  • You have to spend time to install the wedges correctly and remove them.
  • Cleaning the seams becomes much more difficult.
  • Additional expense item appears.
  • Large tiles must be laid on a double layer of glue. Otherwise, the system does not cope with the functions assigned to it.

When making an investment in an SVP, remember to take material quality into account. Ultimately, many fakes break when they’re in use.

Different types of leveling systems

There are two primary categories of tile-laying equipment:

  1. Economical option. Used on a surface that does not have significant irregularities. The product consists of a base that is clamped with a special wedge. This allows you to fix the tiles, which leads to the alignment of joints and correction of minor irregularities.
  2. A more expensive product with increased reliability and functionality. The device has a curved shape, which at first can be misleading. But it is precisely due to this feature that the desired effect is achieved. The system first shifts the tile, and then self-levels it. It adjusts to the required parameters, setting a single plane of the surface and evenly distributing the glue.

It is incorrect to believe that using this tool will take care of the surface leveling and more precise mastic distribution. It’s merely an extra tool that lets you fix the mistakes that happened while doing the work.

Note: To achieve the desired effects with the SVP tile leveling system, only high-quality tile material should be used. It must be perfectly level.

VIDEO: Using the leveling system to lay tiles

By reducing lippage—the unevenness between tiles—a tile leveling system makes the process of installing tiles easier and ensures an even, smooth surface. Professionals and do-it-yourselfers who want to produce results that look professional but require less work will find it especially helpful. The system is a practical option for many tiling tasks because it is simple to use, expedites installation, and improves the overall quality of the completed project.

Using the SVP

This device is quick and simple to use. Of course, you must grasp the basic concepts and put some practice into it. Here is the technology:

  • Glue is applied to the prepared surface with a trowel. It is distributed over the specified area with a notched trowel.
  • Now it is necessary to lay the first element. It is important to understand that it needs to be leveled to set the base for other parts.
  • Next, the actions depend on which tile leveling system will be used. There are two main options:
  • installation of clamps along the edges of the tile, which means that there are two devices on each side (at a distance of five centimeters from the edge);
  • installing clamps at the intersection of adjacent elements (exactly in the center of the corners of four products).
  • In any case, the following is done:
  • the stop platform is bent at the clamp;
  • it is inserted under the bottom of the tile so that a tail with a window sticks out of the seam;
  • the wedge will be inserted into this connector.
    • The wedge is inserted until it is completely fixed. It is inconvenient to do this by hand. It is better to use special pliers that have the ability to adjust (depending on the type of ceramics).
    • It is necessary to ensure that the glue does not get on the installed device. The fixing point must be completely clean.
    • Excess mastic is immediately removed.
    • The entire surface is laid in this order. The SVP remains until the tile adhesive dries completely.
    • It is time to remove it. The wedges are pulled out of the connector, they can be used further, and the remaining clamp is knocked down by breaking off. That is, its lower part remains under the coating. This part is a consumable.

    Naturally, each component is installed precisely in its designated location, and the installation is continuously examined by level.

    Your tiling projects will look much better if you use a tile leveling system. It helps guarantee that the tiles are placed uniformly, lowering the possibility of lippage and producing a finish that looks polished. This is particularly helpful for larger tiles, as variations in height can be easier to see.

    Even though the system adds a step to the process, the time saved in later corrections and adjustments frequently outweighs the setup time. Inexperienced tilers or those working on larger projects may find that this has a significant impact on the final product and overall satisfaction.

    It’s crucial to consider your unique needs in comparison to the expense and learning curve of utilizing such a system. A tile leveling system can be a useful addition to your toolkit if you’re willing to invest in the appropriate equipment and are striving for a flawless finish. But, it might be more of a luxury than a requirement if you’re working with smaller tiles or on a less noticeable area.

    Video on the topic

    HOW TO WORK WITH SVP (TILE LEVELING SYSTEM) CORRECTLY

    YOU STILL USE THE SVP ? WHY ?

    Instructions for using the tile leveling system. SVP. TLS-Profi

    SVP for tiles, life hack from Eduard

    Three reasons NOT to do THIS! Don"t install the SVP like this! Laying tiles.

    What interior style do you like the most?
    Share to friends
    Veronica Gerasimova

    Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

    Rate author
    Vash-Variant.com
    Add a comment