Can you tile using normal cement and sand?

[JessiAimee]

I want to start tiling tomorrow and buying tile adhesive is to expensive for my family... Can I use normal cement and building sand to tile? or what alternative can I use?

 

[Newboy]

tile adhesive - the clue's in the name!


oops just seen the date of your post - by now all the sand and cement will have dried and the tiles will have fallen off

 

[IJWS15]

My dad used to say the mortar used in bricklaying was to hold the bricks apart.
Won't stay stuck for long after it dries.

 

[ree]

FWIW: for two and a half thousand years tile was fixed using sand and "cement". Into the nineteen fifties domestic bathrooms were tiled and grouted using a portland cement and sand mix - so were public swimming pools. Done properly it will last for a very long time. Typically, its the background that fails.

I was taught how to do it but its definitely a skill that has to be taught hands on - its not difficult to learn but one has to be shown how to get a feel for the proportions & timings.

AAMOI: the cementitious powder adhesives - the modern "Thin Sets" - are derived from the old methods.

 

[HawkEye244]

FWIW: for two and a half thousand years tile was fixed using sand and "cement". Into the nineteen fifties domestic bathrooms were tiled and grouted using a portland cement and sand mix - so were public swimming pools. Done properly it will last for a very long time. Typically, its the background that fails.

I was taught how to do it but its definitely a skill that has to be taught hands on - its not difficult to learn but one has to be shown how to get a feel for the proportions & timings.

AAMOI: the cementitious powder adhesives - the modern "Thin Sets" - are derived from the old methods.

Very interesting bit of info there.

I'd fear cleaning the grout lines though the day after and before grouting