scope:

This part of BS 5385 gives recommendations for the design, installation and maintenance of floor tiling using ceramic tiles and mosaics bedded on concrete, cement:sand screeds, timber, asphalt and existing hard floor finishes in normal conditions. For special conditions see BS 5385-4.

The following flooring materials are not included: natural stone (granite, slate, marble, etc.) tiles and slabs of terrazzo, and composition blocks (see BS 5385-5).

Individual floor tiles with a maximum facial surface area greater than 0.72 m² and with length to width ratio exceeding 2:1, might require special bedding procedures in accordance with advice from tile or adhesive manufacturers.

NOTE Where the floor tiling installation needs to meet specific functional or environmental requirements, or to assist in counteracting potentially detrimental effects on the installation and/or the structure, see BS 5385-4.

The special conditions described in BS 5385-4, for example, swimming pools, shower areas, etc.

Reference is made to tiles bedded directly to a concrete base, but for the design and construction of concrete bases see BS 8204-1.