Great Lakes Tile FAQs
Find answers about tile leveling systems, tile trim and profiles, and installation products.
Tile Leveling Systems
A tile leveling system helps create a flat, even tile installation by preventing lippage between adjacent tiles while the thin set cures. Tile leveling systems typically include clips, wedges, and installation tools.
Tile leveling clips are placed underneath adjacent tiles while setting them in thin set. Wedges are inserted into the clips and tightened with special pliers, pulling neighboring tiles to the same height until the thin set cures.
The number of tile leveling clips depends on the tile size, layout pattern, and room size. Larger tiles generally require fewer clips to obtain a flat installation. Refer to the Usage Table for guidance.
Our smallest spacer is 1/32 inch.
After the mortar has fully cured, use pliers, kick, or tap the wedges by pushing the larger end through the clip in the direction it was inserted. This breaks the clips cleanly at the designed break point.
Most manufacturers recommend waiting 24 hours after installation before removing tile leveling clips. Always follow the thin set manufacturer’s cure time recommendations.
Yes. Many professional installers use tile leveling systems on shower walls, backsplashes, and other vertical tile installations to reduce lippage and improve alignment.
Most tile leveling clips are single-use products but can be used as spacers on future projects. Wedges can typically be reused multiple times.
Tile Trim & Profiles
Metal tile edging protects exposed tile edges while providing a clean, professional finish. It is available in an array of anodized and powder coated finishes.
Tile trim is a broad category that includes profiles, transitions, and decorative pieces, while tile edging specifically protects exposed tile edges.
Tile edge profiles are finishing pieces designed to protect exposed tile edges and create smooth transitions between flooring surfaces.
An L-shaped tile trim creates a clean finished edge where tile meets another flooring material or exposed surface.
Metal transition strips create a transition between different height flooring materials such as tile, carpet, vinyl plank, or hardwood.
Product FAQs
Tile leveling pliers apply consistent pressure when tightening wedges into leveling clips, helping produce even tile surfaces while speeding installation.
Leveling spacers combine grout spacing with tile leveling, helping installers maintain uniform grout joints while reducing tile lippage.
