Good adhesive is crucial for every tile project, with the most popular choices being mastic and thinset mortar. However, make sure you're picking the right one for your project.

Mastic is sticky, quick to set, and great for vertical applications. Just be confident in where you’re placing the tile, since its glue-like nature means it’s not error friendly.

Thinset is stronger than mastic and more suited for large tiles, but also leads to a slower set time. It’s paste-like and harder to remove once dried but can level uneven surfaces.

When it comes to outdoor or bathroom use, thinset is the clear winner, as mastic tends to soften when exposed to water or extreme heat.

If you’re considering mastic for a bathroom or laundry room tile project, look for areas that won’t get much direct moisture from the shower or sink, or heat from the dryer.

Mold buildup is also rarely an issue with thinset mortar since it is a non-organic substance. Mastic, however, contains organic ingredients that are prone to bacteria.

Mastic is best for walls and backsplashes because it is so sticky. It will be easier to add tiles quickly or remove them when they need to be replaced.

However, if a tile in the kitchen gets damaged in any way, you’ll need to replace it quickly. A broken tile will have greater exposure to heat, water, and bacteria.

Thinset is safe to use with a variety of tiles, including ceramic, stone, glass, porcelain, granite, and marble. Mastic is best suited for only ceramic or porcelain tile.