How to choose the right tile adhesive (S01, S02, S03 or S04)
Picking the wrong grade is the cheapest way to a failed floor. Here is how the SUMO S-series (S01–S04) maps to your tile, substrate and setting — straight from the brochure.
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Tile adhesives are graded to European standard EN 12004. The letters tell you the performance: C1 is a standard cementitious adhesive, C2 is improved (higher bond); T means slip-resistance (good for walls and big tiles), E means extended open time, and S1/S2 mean the adhesive is deformable (flexible) or highly deformable. Match those to your tile, background and setting and the job holds.
This guide translates the SUMO S-series into plain terms so you can pick the right grade with confidence.
What you’ll need
Step by step
S01 — everyday porous tiles
A C1T adhesive for high-porosity ceramic, clay, terracotta and quarry tiles of regular size on internal floors and walls. The economical choice where conditions are undemanding.
S02 — vitrified tiles & tile-on-tile
An improved C2T adhesive for ceramic, semi-vitreous and vitrified tiles indoors — and the grade recommended for tile-on-tile application.
S02+ — natural stone, indoor & outdoor
A flexible C2TE adhesive that adds natural stone and glass mosaic, and works internally and externally — a step up in bond and flexibility for regular-size stone.
S03 — large-format tiling
A highly flexible C2TE (T3) adhesive formulated for large-size tiling, all tile and stone types, in wet and dry areas indoors and out — also used for window and door framing.
S04 — pools, heavy traffic, movement
A deformable C2TES1 adhesive for the most demanding work: large tiles in commercial and heavy-traffic areas, wet areas, and swimming pools, where it absorbs shock and movement.
Care, tips & what to avoid
- !Using C1 under porcelain or stoneDense tiles need the higher bond of a C2 adhesive. A standard C1 can debond.
- !A rigid adhesive on a moving substrateHeated floors, timber and tile-on-tile need a deformable (S1) grade or the tiles crack.
- !Ignoring open time on big jobsWithout extended open time (E), the bed skins before you tile it — hollows follow.