Tile Leveling Systems: How to Choose and Install Them

Why use a tile leveling system

A leveling system keeps the edges of neighbouring tiles in the same plane while the thin-set cures. It prevents lippage (height differences between tiles), stops tiles from moving during setting and sets the grout joint width at the same time.

It becomes almost essential with large formats, plank tiles and thin-joint rectified porcelain: the longer the tile, the more a slight bow shows. Rubi, for example, recommends its DELTA LEVEL system from the 12 x 12 in (30 x 30 cm) format up.

What it does not do: it does not replace a flat substrate. It aligns one tile with its neighbour; it does not correct a dished or crowned floor, which must be prepared before installation with a patching compound or self-leveler.

Clip and wedge, or screw cap: two ways to level

Every system sold at Ceramed relies on a disposable base slid under the tiles. What changes is the part that tightens.

Clip and wedge is the most common system, offered by seven brands at Ceramed. The Rubi and Raimondi screw caps tighten by hand; Raimondi presents its R.L.S. VITE as ideal for wall installation and large formats.

A third format exists for thinner tile: the one-piece Tuscan SeamClip, with no wedge or cap, which snaps in by hand. It is limited to tiles 1/8 to 1/2 in thick; for thicker tile and all large formats, Tuscan points to its cap and strap system.

Comparison of the systems available at Ceramed

Tile thickness is the fastest deciding factor: each clip is designed for a specific range. The joint widths listed are the ones we carry.

In all these systems, the wedge or cap is reused from job to job; the clip or base is single-use.

How to choose, in three questions

1. What tile thickness? For standard porcelain (8 to 11 mm), almost all of them work; check the clip range in the table. For stone or 2 cm pavers, you need a tall clip: Raimondi R.L.S. 12-20 mm, R.L.S. VITE 14-26 mm, Rubi CYCLONE (up to 20 mm), PLM T-Lock L and XL, Peygran stone clip or QEP XL.
2. What joint width? For a joint under 1 mm, Rubi DELTA LEVEL 0.5 mm and Peygran 0.5 mm. For a wide joint, the 3/16 in clips from Pearl and QEP Xtreme, or a clip combined with standard spacers (QEP allows up to 1/4 in).
3. Pliers or not? On a large area, pliers speed up installation and give an even pressure. For a small job without tools, a screw-cap system or a clip and wedge that installs by hand.

How many clips you need

The smaller or narrower the tile, the more clips per square foot. As a guide, here is the consumption published by Perfect Level Master for its T-Lock clips:

Example: 150 sq ft of 12 x 24 in tile takes about 300 clips. Consumption varies slightly between brands and with the layout pattern; check your system manufacturer's chart and allow extra for edges and cuts.

Wedges and caps are reused: you need enough to cover the area set in one day, not the whole job.

Installation, step by step

The method is the same for all clip and wedge systems; cap systems follow the same steps, with the screw cap replacing the wedge.

1. Spread the thin-set following its manufacturer's instructions, with a notched trowel suited to the format. Remove the excess along the edges.
2. Slide the clips under the set tile, about 2 in (5 cm) from each end, never at the corners. On a large format, add more along each side.
3. Set the neighbouring tile against the clips and press it firmly into the thin-set.
4. Insert the wedge in each clip, tip toward the tiles already set, and tighten by hand or with pliers until you feel resistance: the edges are then level.
5. Clean fresh thin-set from around the clips with a putty knife: once dry, it prevents the clip from breaking cleanly.
6. Let the thin-set cure, without removing the wedges.
7. Remove the clips with a rubber mallet or your foot, always in the direction of the joint: the clip breaks below the tile surface. Collect the wedges, then grout.

Never pull the wedges out by hand before breaking the clips: the clip must stay under tension to break at the right spot. If it does not break cleanly, Peygran recommends pulling it with pliers.

Common mistakes

• A clip outside its thickness range: too short, it does not tighten; too long, it lacks tension. Check the actual tile thickness before buying.
• Clips at the corners: place them along the sides, about 5 cm from the ends.
• Dried thin-set on the clips: the clip breaks poorly and leaves a piece in the joint.
• Striking across the joint, or removing the wedges too early: the clip does not break below the surface.
• Relying on the system to fix an uneven substrate: it aligns edges, not the floor.

Frequently asked questions

Can a leveling system be used on walls?

Yes. The manufacturers of the systems covered here design them for floors and walls.

Are the clips reusable?

No. The clip or base breaks off below the tile; only the wedges and caps are reused.

Can brands be mixed?

We advise against it: each wedge is designed for the window of its own clip. Stay within one system.

My joint must be wider than my clips.

Some manufacturers, such as QEP, allow their clips to be combined with standard spacers, up to 1/4 in for QEP.

Where to find these products

• All systems: tile leveling clips, wedges and spacers
• By brand: Rubi, Raimondi, QEP, Perfect Level Master, Peygran, Mapei, Pearl Abrasive, Tuscan Leveling
• To get started: the Rubi DELTA LEVEL V4 kit with pliers or the T-Lock kits with 300 clips and 100 wedges
• The tools that go with them: rubber mallet, putty knife, notched trowels

Order online and pick up your order at one of our 90+ pickup locations across Canada.