Our commitment to Australian Tiling Standards
At autilinggroup.com.au, we believe in exceptional quality and lasting results. Discover how our strict adherence to Australian Tiling Standards (AS 3958) ensures every project is built to last, providing you with peace of mind and a superior finish.
Why standards matter: precision in every tile
When installing wall tiles larger than 300mm, we always adopt a double buttering (double notch) method. The notches must be applied in a vertical direction, and the tiles are bedded using a back-and-forth collapsing motion rather than tapping or hammering them level. Only by repeatedly collapsing the ridges through this shifting movement can the air be fully expelled to achieve the coverage required by Australian Standard AS3958:2023.
When installing bathroom or wet area floor tiles, we must maintain a fall between a minimum of 1:80 and a maximum of 1:50. Consequently, if a standard smart waste (square floor waste) is used, diagonal cuts (envelope cuts) in the tiles are inevitable to ensure the water drains correctly. Alternatively, a linear grate can be chosen, which allows for a single-plane fall across the entire floor, meaning large format tiles can be used without any diagonal cut.
The hidden risks of non-compliant tiling
Failure to adhere to Australian Standards (AS3958:2023) leads to several critical risks for your home or business:
- Waterproofing failure: Improper falls (less than 1:80) cause water ponding, which is the leading cause of structural rot and mould in Australian homes.
- Adhesion failure: Not using the "double notch" method on tiles greater than 300mm results in hollow spots ("drummy" tiles) that crack or de-bond under stress.
- Safety hazards: Incorrect gradients in wet areas significantly increase slip risks.
- Legal & insurance issues: Non-compliant work can void home insurance policies and lead to costly rectification orders from the VBA or Fair Trading.
Our commitment to these standards protects you by ensuring longevity, with 90%+ adhesive coverage for internal and 100% for external tiles, ensuring they stay bonded for decades. Correct falls and expansion joint placement protect your home's foundation from water damage and structural movement.
Our meticulous approach to compliance
We don’t just follow the standards; we integrate them into every movement. To ensure a lifetime bond and perfect finish, our team executes:
- Mandatory double buttering: For any tile over 300mm, we apply adhesive to both the substrate and the tile back (double notch) to eliminate voids.
- Vertical notching & shifting: We ensure all adhesive ridges run vertically. Instead of "tapping" the tiles, we use a back-and-forth collapsing motion (sliding perpendicular to the ridges) to expel air and achieve maximum coverage as per AS 3958.
- Precision fall management: In wet areas, we strictly enforce a 1:80 to 1:50 gradient. We use professional laser levels and expert envelope/diagonal cuts to ensure water flows perfectly to the waste without ponding.
What makes us better is our focus on coverage and bond integrity over speed. We strictly refuse to use "spot fixing" (dot and dab), which is a common but illegal practice that compromises the integrity of your tiling.
Benefits you can trust
The core benefits our customers enjoy include:
- Ultimate longevity: By achieving maximum adhesive coverage and using correct movement joints, we ensure your tiles won't crack, pop, or become "drummy" even as the building naturally settles.
- Leak-free assurance: Strict adherence to fall gradients (1:80 to 1:50) means efficient drainage and zero ponding, protecting your home’s subfloor and waterproofing membrane from long-term damage.
- Reduced maintenance costs: Professional installation prevents grout cracking and mould growth caused by stagnant water, saving you thousands in future repairs or premature renovations.
- Increased property value: A fully compliant installation, documented to Australian Standards, provides peace of mind for future building inspections and adds tangible value to your property.
- Stress-free experience: We do it right the first time. Our customers get the "peace of mind" that comes from knowing their home is built to the highest technical specifications.