How to choose a tile leveling system – clips, wedges, pliers and starter kits

The first visit to a DIY store with a tile leveling system in mind can be overwhelming. Several types of clips, wedges in different colors, tongs in two versions, starter kits and packages of 100, 300 and 900 pieces. What is really needed and how to choose it for a specific job?

What is a tile leveling system and how does it work?

The leveling system consists of three elements: clips, wedges and pliers. Clips are disposable stands that are inserted under the edges of two adjacent plates. You push the wedge through the eyelet protruding above the surface of the plate, which presses both plates against one plane and keeps them in this position throughout the adhesive setting. After drying, you break out the protruding part of the clip along the joint and put the wedges aside for the next use.

The result is an even surface without the so-called LipPage – unevenness between the edges of adjacent tiles, which are especially visible with large formats and rectified tiles.

How to choose the thickness of the clip?

Clips are available in various thicknesses – usually 1 mm and 1.5 mm. The thickness of the clip corresponds to the minimum width of the joint at which you can work with the system. If you are planning a 1mm grout, you choose 1 mm clips. If the fugue is to be 1.5 mm or more, you can use 1.5 mm clips. Remember that to get the target width of the grout you still use distance crosses – the clip only sets the minimum.

The clips fit tiles with a thickness of 7 to 15 mm and work well on both floors and walls.

Wedges – reusable

Wedges are reusable. After each use, you take them out, clean them and put them back for another job. Therefore, in starter kits, the ratio of clips to wedges is usually 3 to 1 – you always use more clips.

Wedges are universal – the same wedge fits any type of Marten-Level series clip, regardless of thickness.

Pliers – are they necessary?

Pliers are used for precise pressure of the wedge in the clip. Technically speaking, the wedge can be pressed by hand or with a shoe – but the pliers give better control of the pressure force, especially with more delicate plates or work on the wall. If you are laying the tiles for the first time or you care about precision, the tongs are a good complement to the set.

Where to start – starter kit or separate elements?

If you don’t have any system components yet, the starter kit is the easiest choice. It contains clips and wedges in proportions ready to work, often in a practical bucket. With subsequent purchases, you can buy clips separately – you will use much less wedges.

For larger projects, it is worth choosing collective packaging right away – the unit cost is lower, and the breaks for buying material during work do not help to keep the pace.

How many clips do you need?

The number of clips depends on the format of the board. With small formats (30×30 cm) you use much more per square meter than with large formats (60×60 cm or 120×60 cm). Indicative values can be found in the product descriptions – it is worth counting before buying so as not to be halfway without material.

The tile leveling system is not complicated – but a good selection of elements at the start saves time and nerves during work.