ASTM C1732-19
(Practice)Standard Practice for Installation of Concrete Floor Tiles
Standard Practice for Installation of Concrete Floor Tiles
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is intended to provide technical information for designers, architects, and installers of CFT units in residential and light commercial construction. This practice does not address installation methods or techniques for floor tile units manufactured from other materials.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the installation of concrete floor tile (CFT) units for application as exterior and interior flooring. Units described by this practice shall be manufactured to meet the requirements of Specification C1731. This practice is limited to the installation of CFT units.
1.2 This practice covers aspects of installation relating to performance in service.
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2019
- Technical Committee
- C15 - Masonry – Manufactured Masonry Units, Mortars and Grouts
- Drafting Committee
- C15.05 - Masonry Assemblies
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2015
Overview
ASTM C1732-19: Standard Practice for Installation of Concrete Floor Tiles provides essential guidelines for the installation of concrete floor tile (CFT) units in both exterior and interior flooring applications. Developed by ASTM International, the standard targets designers, architects, and installers involved in residential and light commercial construction, ensuring consistency, safety, and reliable performance. The practice is applicable only to concrete floor tiles complying with ASTM C1731 and does not extend to tiles made from other materials.
ASTM C1732-19 covers key considerations for materials selection, substrate preparation, tile setting, grouting, sealing, and environmental conditions that affect installation quality and service performance. The standard emphasizes compliance with referenced ASTM, ANSI, and other industry standards when selecting mortars, membranes, grout, and sealants.
Key Topics
Material Compliance
- Concrete floor tiles must meet ASTM C1731 specifications
- Approved mortar types, grouts, admixtures, pigments, and backer boards must conform to relevant ASTM and ANSI standards
Environmental Conditions
- Guidance for hot and dry vs. freezing or low temperatures
- Recommendations for protecting materials and ensuring proper cure times
Substrate and Surface Preparation
- Requirements for new/existing concrete slabs and adapting plywood floors
- Mandatory surface profiles and cleaning protocols to ensure optimal tile adhesion
Installation Procedures
- Detailed instructions for thin-set, standard bed, and medium bed/large format mortar applications
- Coverage requirements, mortar mixing methods, and placement recommendations to maximize bond strength
Grouting and Finishing
- Appropriate grout selection based on joint width
- Methods for applying and finishing grout, including presealing to prevent staining
Cleaning and Sealing
- Best practices for cleaning excess mortar and grout
- Sealer selection, preparation, and application tailored to the installation environment
Safety and Compliance
- User responsibility for establishing proper safety, health, and environmental practices
Applications
ASTM C1732-19 provides practical value throughout the lifecycle of concrete floor tile installations in scenarios such as:
- Residential Flooring: Enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal in homes by ensuring proper installation techniques for living rooms, kitchens, and entryways.
- Light Commercial Projects: Supporting reliable performance in commercial environments such as retail spaces, offices, and hospitality venues.
- Interior and Exterior Use: Guiding installation for patios, walkways, foyers, and wet areas where exposure to moisture or temperature variations is a concern.
- Renovation and Retrofits: Outlining requirements for installing CFT units over new or existing substrates, ensuring longevity and performance upgrades.
By adhering to ASTM C1732-19, professionals can minimize installation failures, reduce maintenance needs, and meet regulatory and performance benchmarks.
Related Standards
Several related standards are referenced or complement ASTM C1732-19, including:
- ASTM C1731 - Specification for Concrete Floor Tile (CFT unit manufacturing requirements)
- ASTM C270 - Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
- ASTM C920 - Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
- ASTM C1325 - Specification for Fiber-Mat Reinforced Cementitious Backer Units
- ASTM C1714/C1714M - Specification for Preblended Dry Mortar Mix for Unit Masonry
- ANSI A108/A118 - American National Standards for the Installation of Ceramic Tile and related materials
- ICRI Guideline No 310.2-1997 - Guidelines for Concrete Surface Preparation
For comprehensive compliance and best practices, these documents should be reviewed alongside ASTM C1732-19 to ensure successful installation of concrete floor tiles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C1732-19 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Installation of Concrete Floor Tiles". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice is intended to provide technical information for designers, architects, and installers of CFT units in residential and light commercial construction. This practice does not address installation methods or techniques for floor tile units manufactured from other materials. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the installation of concrete floor tile (CFT) units for application as exterior and interior flooring. Units described by this practice shall be manufactured to meet the requirements of Specification C1731. This practice is limited to the installation of CFT units. 1.2 This practice covers aspects of installation relating to performance in service. 1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice is intended to provide technical information for designers, architects, and installers of CFT units in residential and light commercial construction. This practice does not address installation methods or techniques for floor tile units manufactured from other materials. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the installation of concrete floor tile (CFT) units for application as exterior and interior flooring. Units described by this practice shall be manufactured to meet the requirements of Specification C1731. This practice is limited to the installation of CFT units. 1.2 This practice covers aspects of installation relating to performance in service. 1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM C1732-19 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.060.30 - Ceilings. Floors. Stairs; 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products; 97.150 - Floor coverings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C1732-19 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C1732-15, ASTM C1232-23, ASTM C1384-23, ASTM C270-19ae1, ASTM C270-19a, ASTM C270-19, ASTM C1714/C1714M-19, ASTM C1384-18, ASTM C1384-18e1, ASTM C920-18, ASTM C1384-17, ASTM C1232-17, ASTM C1714/C1714M-16, ASTM C979/C979M-16, ASTM C1232-15a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C1732-19 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C1732 − 19
Standard Practice for
Installation of Concrete Floor Tiles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1732; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C1714/C1714M Specification for Preblended Dry Mortar
Mix for Unit Masonry
1.1 This practice covers the installation of concrete floor tile
C1731 Specification for Concrete Floor Tile
(CFT) units for application as exterior and interior flooring.
2.2 ANSI Standard:
Units described by this practice shall be manufactured to meet
ANSI A108⁄A118 American National Standards for the In-
the requirements of Specification C1731. This practice is
stallation of Ceramic Tile
limited to the installation of CFT units.
2.3 International Concrete Repair Institute Standard:
1.2 This practice covers aspects of installation relating to
ICRI Guideline No 310.2-1997 Selecting and Specifying
performance in service.
Concrete Surface Preparation for Sealers, Coating, and
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
Polymer Overlays
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
2.4 The Masonry Society Standard:
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
TMS 602-16 Specification for Masonry Structures
information only and are not considered standard.
3. Terminology
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1 birdcage mixer attachment, n—mixer attachment with
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
open paddles designed to prevent air entrainment.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.2 cementitious backer board, n—a fiber-reinforced
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
cement-based substrate sheet for CFT installation.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.3 concrete floor tile (CFT), n—a manufactured masonry
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
unit that is a blend of cementitious material, aggregates,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
pigments, chemical admixtures, and water formed into the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
appropriate shape and cured in order to be applied by way of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
masonry mortar to an approved substrate.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.4 membrane, n—a coating applied to the substrate as a
liquid or sheet and used to protect the CFT installation from
2.1 ASTM Standards:
water intrusion, substrate cracks, thermal expansion/
C270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
contraction, cement shrinkage, and subfloor deflection.
C920 Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Membranes include but are not limited
C979/C979M Specification for Pigments for Integrally Col-
to anti-fracture, cleavage, crack isolation, uncoupling, and
ored Concrete
waterproofing membranes.
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
C1325 Specification for Fiber-Mat Reinforced Cementitious
3.1.5 retemper, v—to add water to mortar or grout to replace
Backer Units water lost to evaporation.
C1384 Specification for Admixtures for Masonry Mortars
3.1.6 sealer, n—water- or petroleum-based material applied
as a liquid to provide protection from water, stains, and
contaminants.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on
Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C15.05 on Masonry Assemblies.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published January 2020. Last previous Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
edition approved in 2015 as C1732 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/C1732-19. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from International Concrete Repair Institute 10600 West Higgins
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Road, Suite 607 Rosemont, IL 60018, http://www.icri.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from The Masonry Society 105 South Sunset Street, Suite Q,
the ASTM website. Longmont, CO USA 80501-6172, http://www.masonrysociety.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1732 − 19
3.1.7 setting bed, n—the mortar subsurface to which CFT 6. Environmental Conditions
units are adhered.
6.1 Hot and Dry Conditions—When the environmental
conditions exceed 90°F (32.2°C), installation of mortar and
4. Significance and Use
grout shall comply with the hot weather construction require-
4.1 This practice is intended to provide technical informa-
ments of local building code, the recommendations of CFT
tion for designers, architects, and installers of CFT units in
manufacturer, or hot weather construction provisions of TMS
residential and light commercial construction. This practice
602, Article 1.8 D.
does not address installation methods or techniques for floor
6.2 Freezing or Low Temperatures—Installations shall be
tile units manufactured from other materials.
protected from temperatures below 40°F (4.4°C). When the
5. Materials environmental conditions are below 40°F (4.4°C), installation
of mortar and grout shall comply with the cold weather
5.1 Materials shall comply with the contract documents. If
construction provisions of TMS 602, Article 1.8 C.
the contract documents do not include materials or there are no
6.2.1 Protect CFT units from moisture. Units containing
contract documents, then the materials in 5.2 through 5.8 shall
frozenmoisture,visibleice,orsnowonanysurfaceshallnotbe
be used.
installed.
5.2 Concrete Floor Tile (CFT)—CFT units shall comply
7. Substrate/Surface Preparation
with the requirements of Specification C1731.
7.1 New or Existing Concrete Slab:
5.3 Mortar:
7.1.1 Concrete surface profiles shall range from CSP 2 to
5.3.1 Mortar shall comply with one of the following re-
CSP 5 as described in ICRI Guideline No 310.2
quirements:
7.1.2 Light-broom-finished concrete slab surface is recom-
5.3.1.1 Thin set mortar and large format mortar shall com-
mended. Troweled smooth finished surfaces shall be mechani-
ply with the requirements of ANSI A118.4 and A118.11.
cally abraded by grinding or shot blasting or by other means
5.3.1.2 Type S or M mortar shall comply with the require-
designed to provide an adequate bond.
ments of Specification C270.
7.1.3 Allow the concrete slab to cure for a minimum of 28
5.3.1.3 Preblended dry mortar shall comply with the re-
daysorasotherwisespecifiedtoprovideadimensionallystable
quirements of Specification C1714/C1714M.
substrate for installation.
5.3.2 Admixtures shall comply with Specification C1384.
7.1.4 Inspect the surface for paint, dirt, sealer, or any other
Chloride admixtures shall not be used with colored concrete or
foreign substances that may inhibit bonding and ensure the
grout.
surface is clean and free of loose or spalling material.
5.4 Grout:
7.1.5 If a membrane is specified, consult the membrane
5.4.1 Premixed sanded or unsanded cementitious grout shall
manufacturer for substrate requirements.
comply with the requirements of ANSI A118.6.
7.2 Plywood Floor:
5.4.2 Premixed sanded or unsa
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1732 − 15 C1732 − 19
Standard Practice for
Installation of Concrete Floor Tiles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1732; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the installation of concrete floor tile (CFT) units for application as exterior and interior flooring. Units
described by this practice shall be manufactured to meet the requirements of Specification C1731. This practice is limited to the
installation of CFT units.
1.2 This practice covers aspects of installation relating to performance in service.
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
C920 Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
C979C979/C979M Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
C1325 Specification for Fiber-Mat Reinforced Cementitious Backer Units
C1384 Specification for Admixtures for Masonry Mortars
C1714/C1714M Specification for Preblended Dry Mortar Mix for Unit Masonry
C1731 Specification for Concrete Floor Tile
2.2 ANSI Standard:
ANSI A108 ⁄A118 American National Standards for the Installation of Ceramic Tile
2.3 International Concrete Repair Institute Standard:
ICRI Guideline No 310.2-1997 Selecting and Specifying Concrete Surface Preparation for Sealers, Coating, and Polymer
Overlays
2.4 The Masonry Society Standard:
TMS 602-13/ACI 530.1-13/ASCE 6-13602-16 Specification for Masonry Structures
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 birdcage mixer attachment, n—mixer attachment with open paddles designed to prevent air entrainment.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.05 on Masonry
Assemblies.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2015Dec. 1, 2019. Published January 2016January 2020. Last previous edition approved in 20142015 as C1732 – 14.C1732 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/C1732-15.10.1520/C1732-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from International Concrete Repair Institute 10600 West Higgins Road, Suite 607 Rosemont, IL 60018, http://www.icri.org.
Available from The Masonry Society 105 South Sunset Street, Suite Q, Longmont, CO USA 80501-6172, http://www.masonrysociety.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1732 − 19
3.1.2 cementitious backer board, n—a fiber-reinforced cement-based substrate sheet for CFT installation.
3.1.3 concrete floor tile (CFT), n—a manufactured masonry unit that is a blend of cementitious material, aggregates, pigments,
chemical admixtures, and water formed into the appropriate shape and cured in order to be applied by way of masonry mortar to
an approved substrate.
3.1.4 membrane, n—a coating applied to the substrate as a liquid or sheet and used to protect the CFT installation from water
intrusion, substrate cracks, thermal expansion/contraction, cement shrinkage, and subfloor deflection.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
Membranes include but are not limited to anti-fracture, cleavage, crack isolation, uncoupling, and waterproofing membranes.
3.1.5 retemper, v—to add water to mortar or grout to replace water lost to evaporation.
3.1.6 sealer, n—water- or petroleum-based material applied as a liquid to provide protection from water, stains, and
contaminants.
3.1.7 setting bed, n—the mortar subsurface to which CFT units are adhered.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice is intended to provide technical information for designers, architects, and installers of CFT units in residential
and light commercial construction. This practice does not address installation methods or techniques for floor tile units
manufactured from other materials.
5. Materials
5.1 Materials shall comply with the contract documents. If the contract documents do not include materials or there are no
contract documents, then the materials in 5.2 through 5.8 shall be used.
5.2 Concrete Floor Tile (CFT)—CFT units shall comply with the requirements of Specification C1731.
5.3 Mortar:
5.3.1 Mortar shall comply with one of the following requirements:
5.3.1.1 Thin set mortar and medium bedlarge format mortar shall comply with the requirements of ANSI A118.4 and A118.11.
5.3.1.2 Type N, S, S or M mortar shall comply with the requirements of Specification C270.
5.3.1.3 Preblended dry mortar shall comply with the requirements of Specification C1714/C1714M.
5.3.2 Admixtures shall comply with Specification C1384. Chloride admixtures shall not be used with colored concrete or grout.
5.4 Grout:
5.4.1 Premixed sanded or unsanded cementitious grout shall comply with the requirements of ANSI A118.6.
5.4.2 Premixed sanded or unsanded high performance cementitious grout shall comply with the requirements of ANSI A118.7.
NOTE 1—High performance grouts include latex/polymer powder or a liquid latex admixture for improved tensile strength, flexural strength, and lower
water absorption.
5.4.3 Modified epoxy emulsion grout shall comply with the requirements of ANSI A118.8.
5.4.4 Pigments used in grout shall comply with the requirements of Specification C979C979/C979M.
5.5 Membranes:
5.5.1 All membranes shall meet applicable ASTM International and ANSI standards and be installed per the membrane
manufacturer’s installation instructions.
5.6 Sealer:
5.6.1 Sealer material and installation shall meet applicable ASTM International and ANSI standards and local environmental
requirements.
5.7 Cementitious Backer Boards:
5.7.1 Cementitious backer boards shall comply with Specification C1325 and shall meet requirements of ANSI A118.9.
5.8 Joint Sealants:
5.8.1 Joint sealants shall comply with the requirements of Specification C920.
6. Environmental Conditions
6.1 Hot and Dry Conditions—When the environmental conditions exceed 90°F (32.2°C), installation of mortar and grout shall
comply with the hot weather construction requirements of local building code, the recommendations of CFT manufacturer, or hot
weather construction provisions of TMS 602/ACI 530.1/ASCE 6, 602, Article 1.8 D.
C1732 − 19
6.2 Freezing or Low Temperatures—Installations shall be protected from t
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