Tile Adhesive & Grout Selection for Kitchens in Commercial Settings
ARDEX ENDURA
03 Dec 2025
04 Min
Why Choosing the Right Tile Adhesive & Grout Matters in Commercial Kitchens
Tiles used in commercial kitchens are designed to handle extreme conditions. They are typically industrial-grade, non-porous, and can withstand high temperatures, moisture, and exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals. Because of this, they require high-performance polymer-based tile adhesives that can maintain strong bonds even under demanding conditions.
For grouting, food-grade epoxy grouts are the best choice. They provide excellent chemical resistance and prevent the growth of mould and bacteria. They can also withstand frequent cleaning with hot water and detergents.
Hence, with the best tile adhesives and right grout, you can ensure a safe, durable and hygienic commercial kitchen.
What Characteristics Commercial Kitchen Adhesives & Grouts Need
Adhesives Should Provide:
- High bond strength: The best tile adhesives don’t weaken under moisture or heat expansion.
- Flexibility: To absorb minor substrate movement without cracking.
- Extended working time: This allows installers to adjust tiles as needed.
Grouts Should Provide:
- Chemical and stain resistance: They should be resistant to oils, fats and detergents, making it easier to keep them clean.
- Food-safe performance: Grouts should be safe and comply with hygiene standards, such as FDA compliance, especially in sensitive cooking or storage areas.
- Easy cleaning and low maintenance: The best tile grout will help in saving time during daily scrubs.
ARDEX ENDURA Tile Adhesives Suitable for Commercial Kitchens
ArdiFlex S1
ArdiFlex S1 is a fibre-reinforced, deformable, polymer-modified adhesive that’s ideal for wet, high-traffic zones. It’s rated C2TES1 under EN standards and IS 15477:2019 Type 4TS1. With extended open time, strong slip resistance, and up to 15 mm bed thickness, it works brilliantly for your large-format ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Diamond Star
The Diamond Star is one of the best-performing cementitious tile adhesives, classified as C2TE. It delivers excellent non-slip properties and long adjustability, making it suitable for both wall and floor tiling. Its high bond strength makes it reliable in kitchens with constant load and moisture.
Silver Star
Our Silver Star is amongst the best polymer-modified tile adhesives (C1T) and is recommended for the ceramic and vitrified tile installations. It offers you greater flexibility, water resistance, and is suited for both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
ARDEX ENDURA Grout Options Suitable for Commercial Kitchens
Epoxy Grout
Our Epoxy Grout is one of the best tile grouts with Microban® protection. It’s resistant to harsh chemicals, oils, and fats, making it a solid choice for your hygiene-sensitive areas. Suitable for joint widths 1–12 mm, and compliant with FDA and EN standards.
Super Grout
The Super Grout is a polymer-modified cementitious material, recognised as one of the best tile grouts due to its improved stain resistance and wide colour range. It works for joints up to 6 mm. Further, with ADMIX GT 1, it can handle wider joints and tougher conditions. This product by Ardex Endura is also FDA certified, hence safe for food contact.
Step-by-Step Selection & Application Guide
Surface Preparation:
- Clean the substrate and remove grease or loose material.
- Let new concrete or screeds cure properly.
- Prime or dampen if the TDS recommends it.
Adhesive Application:
- Select the adhesive based on tile size and site conditions.
- Use the correct notch trowel and stay within open times.
- For large-format tiles, choose ArdiFlex S1 or Diamond Star.
Grouting Post-Installation:
- Allow adhesives to cure as per TDS guidelines.
- Use Epoxy Grout in wet zones for best hygiene and resistance.
- For standard needs, apply Super Grout with ADMIX GT1 for extra durability.
Do’s & Don’ts for Commercial Kitchen Tiling
Do’s:
- Pick a non-slip adhesive like Diamond Star for safety.
- Keep a track of the pot time and open time for proper tiling.
- Clean grout joints quickly after application to prevent haze.
Don’ts:
- Don’t grout over uncured adhesive.
- Avoid cement grout in constantly wet or greasy zones.
- Don’t skip ADMIX GT1 if you want better performance with standard grouts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right adhesive and grout is the foundation of a long-lasting, hygienic, and safe commercial kitchen. Ardex Endura comes to you with tested solutions. Right from flexible adhesives like ArdiFlex S1 to chemical-resistant Epoxy Grout.
These solutions are purpose-built for high-wear, high-moisture environments. But always refer to the individual manual before application, for the best results. And the outcome? You’ll have a tiling system that performs for years.
