Tuscan Leveling System Installation Guidelines
Professional Tile Leveling Instructions for Large Format Tile and Stone Installations
The Tuscan Leveling System is designed to help reduce tile lippage while improving alignment, spacing consistency, and overall installation quality for porcelain tile, ceramic tile, and natural stone applications.
This installation guide provides step-by-step recommendations for proper strap preparation, tile leveling procedures, mortar application, and professional installation techniques.
Preparing Tuscan Straps Before Installation
For best results, Tuscan straps should be soaked before use to improve flexibility and installation performance.
- Soak straps in room temperature or lukewarm water for approximately 2 hours
- Alternatively, soak in hot water for approximately 30 minutes
- Soaking is only required one time before use
The proprietary nylon composition is engineered to absorb moisture and increase strap flexibility during installation while allowing the straps to break cleanly after the mortar has cured.
The Tuscan Leveling System creates a standard 1/32" grout joint. Wider joints may be achieved by using additional tile spacers.
Thinset and Mortar Recommendations
Many professional installers prefer using slightly thinner mortar consistency while remaining within manufacturer specifications.
Pre-assembling straps and caps before installation can help speed up the installation process and improve efficiency on large tile projects.
Installing Tuscan Straps and Caps
Insert pre-assembled straps and caps beneath the tile edge approximately 2" to 3" from each corner.
Most installations require at least two straps per tile side, with additional straps recommended for large format tile or flexible stone materials.
Recommended spacing between straps is typically 6" to 10" apart.
Important: Never position straps directly at tile corners. Incorrect placement may affect tile alignment, grout joint consistency, or cause tile corner damage during strap removal.
Always back butter tile prior to installation for improved mortar coverage and bonding performance.
Tightening the Tile Leveling System
Once straps and caps are positioned correctly, install adjacent tiles and tighten the system using either the ergonomic installation tool or manual installation tool.
Tighten only until neighboring tiles become level and aligned.
Cleaning Grout Joints During Installation
Keep grout joints clean throughout installation by removing excess thinset using a stiff nylon brush or similar tool.
Preventing thinset buildup around the straps helps ensure clean strap removal after mortar curing.
Continuing Installation the Following Day
If installation must continue the following day, remove excess mortar from the final tile row before stopping.
Create a small space beneath the tile edge to allow insertion of new straps during continued installation.
When resuming installation, pack fresh thinset beneath the tile edge before inserting additional straps and caps.
Using the Ergonomic Installation Tool
Set the ergonomic installation tool lever to STD mode and adjust tension using the red adjustment knob.
Increase tension gradually depending on tile size and installation requirements.
The HVY setting should only be used when breaking straps after mortar curing.
Using the Manual Installation Tool
Place the manual installation tool onto the strap and squeeze the handle until the desired tile leveling tension is achieved.
Breaking the Straps After Mortar Cures
After the mortar has fully cured, straps may be removed by snapping them at the designed break point.
Some installers lightly kick the caps in the direction of the grout joint for faster removal. Use caution to avoid scratching tile surfaces or damaging reusable caps.
Under normal use, Tuscan caps may be reused 25 or more times.
Installation Do's and Don'ts
| Recommended Practices | Avoid These Mistakes |
|---|---|
| Place straps approximately 2" from tile corners | Do not place straps directly at tile corners |
| Soak straps before installation for best results | Do not bend straps before use |
| Install only above 50°F after soaking | Do not install frozen straps |
| Always back butter tile or stone | |
| Keep grout joints clean during installation |
Substrate Preparation
All installation surfaces should be clean, stable, and free from dust, contaminants, or loose materials prior to installation.
Self-leveling underlayment systems may be used when necessary to achieve proper substrate flatness for large format tile installations.
Recommended Installation Materials
Thinset Mortars: Polymer-modified mortars such as MAPEI Ultraflex LFT, Kerabond/Keralastic, or Granirapid systems.
Self-Leveling Underlayments: MAPEI Ultraplan or Novoplan systems with proper primers.
Waterproofing: MAPEI Mapelastic AquaDefense or equivalent waterproofing membranes.
Grouts: Exterior-rated sanded, unsanded, or epoxy grout systems depending on grout joint width and project requirements.
Expansion Joints
Expansion joints should be installed wherever changes in plane occur, around penetrations, and at wall-to-floor transitions.
Always follow the latest TCNA EJ171 movement joint recommendations.
Setting and Grouting Tile
Key mortar into the substrate using the flat side of the trowel before combing with the notched side.
Proper mortar transfer should achieve approximately 85% to 95% tile coverage depending on application type.
All grout joints should be completely filled and free from voids.
Warranty Information
Installation recommendations may qualify for manufacturer warranty coverage when approved installation materials and methods are properly followed.
Always consult current manufacturer technical data sheets and warranty guidelines before installation.
Helpful Installation Resources