Tile installation on walls and floors requires different setting materials and techniques due to the different stress factors involved. For floors, the primary consideration is load-bearing capacity; tile must be set on a rigid subfloor using high-compression mortars that can handle foot traffic without cracking. Wall tiles, however, are subject to gravity; therefore, installers often use specialized 'non-sag' thin-set mortars or adhesives that prevent the tile from slipping before the bond cures. Additionally, floor installations often require more robust waterproofing membranes to prevent substrate damage from moisture, whereas wall installations prioritize lightweight backing boards that are stable and moisture-resistant.

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