Rubi Tile Level Quick System - Complete Installation Guide and Benefits
Installing large format porcelain and ceramic tile requires precision, proper preparation, and the right tools. Even experienced tile installers can encounter tile lippage caused by slight variations in tile thickness, substrate irregularities, or tile movement while the mortar cures.
The Rubi Tile Level Quick System is designed to minimize these problems by helping keep adjacent tiles at the same height during installation. The system uses disposable leveling strips together with reusable quick caps to apply even pressure across the tile surface, resulting in a flatter, more professional-looking installation.
Whether you're installing tile in a bathroom, shower, kitchen, living area, or commercial project, using a quality tile leveling system can improve both installation speed and the finished appearance of the floor or wall.
In this guide, we'll explain how the Rubi Tile Level Quick System works, its advantages, where it should be used, and provide installation tips to help you achieve professional results.
Suggested Image: Rubi Tile Level Quick System complete kit with Quick Caps and Quick Strips.
What Is the Rubi Tile Level Quick System?
The Rubi Tile Level Quick System is a professional tile leveling system designed to reduce tile lippage during installation. It is especially useful when installing large format porcelain and ceramic tiles where even slight movement can create uneven edges between neighboring tiles.
The system consists of two primary components:
- Rubi Tile Level Quick Strips
- Rubi Tile Level Quick Caps
The disposable strips slide beneath adjacent tiles while the mortar is still fresh. The reusable caps thread onto each strip and apply consistent pressure, holding neighboring tiles at the same level until the thin-set mortar cures.
Once the mortar has hardened, the strips are removed by striking them in the direction of the grout joint. The lower portion remains beneath the tile while the upper section separates cleanly above the base.
Suggested Image: Close-up showing a Quick Strip installed beneath two porcelain tiles before tightening the Quick Cap.
Why Use a Tile Leveling System?
Today's porcelain tiles continue to become larger while manufacturing tolerances become increasingly precise. Although large format tile creates beautiful, modern installations, it also makes controlling tile lippage more challenging.
A tile leveling system helps stabilize the tiles while the mortar cures, reducing movement caused by handling, vibration, or the natural settling of the tile into the mortar bed.
Using the Rubi Tile Level Quick System provides several important advantages:
- Helps minimize tile lippage
- Produces a flatter finished tile surface
- Maintains consistent pressure between adjacent tiles
- Reduces the amount of tile adjustment during installation
- Improves installation efficiency
- Suitable for both floor and wall tile installations
- Reusable caps help reduce long-term installation costs
- Ideal for professional contractors and experienced DIY installers
While a tile leveling system does not replace proper substrate preparation or correct mortar coverage, it is an excellent tool for producing consistently professional results.
Suggested Image: Side-by-side comparison of tile lippage versus a properly leveled tile installation.
Where Can the Rubi Tile Level Quick System Be Used?
The Rubi Tile Level Quick System is suitable for many residential and commercial tile installations, including:
- Bathroom floors
- Walk-in showers
- Kitchen floors
- Kitchen backsplashes
- Living rooms
- Commercial buildings
- Retail stores
- Hotel projects
- Large format porcelain tile installations
- Large ceramic wall tile installations
It works with many popular tile materials, including porcelain, ceramic, marble, granite, and other natural stone products within the recommended thickness range.
Suggested Image: Large format porcelain floor installation using the Rubi Tile Level Quick System.
Rubi Tile Level Quick Strips
The Rubi Tile Level Quick Strips are disposable leveling strips that are placed beneath adjacent tiles while the thin-set mortar is still workable. Each strip is designed to create consistent spacing and provide the foundation for the leveling system.
Once the strip is positioned, the tile is set into the mortar and the reusable Quick Cap is threaded onto the strip. As the cap is tightened, pressure is applied evenly across both tiles, helping reduce lippage while the mortar cures.
After the adhesive has fully cured, the exposed portion of the strip is removed by striking it in the direction of the grout joint. The strip is engineered to break cleanly at its designed breaking point, leaving the base hidden beneath the tile.
Suggested Image: Rubi Tile Level Quick Strips installed between two large format porcelain tiles.
Rubi Tile Level Quick Caps
The Rubi Tile Level Quick Caps are reusable and designed to work exclusively with the Rubi Tile Level Quick Strips. The caps thread easily onto each strip and apply controlled pressure that keeps adjacent tiles aligned during the curing process.
Because the caps are reusable, only the strips need to be replaced on future installations, making the system an economical choice for professional tile contractors and homeowners who regularly install tile.
For larger projects, having additional caps available allows installers to work more efficiently without waiting for previous sections to cure.
Suggested Image: Installer tightening a Rubi Tile Level Quick Cap onto a leveling strip.
Compatible Tile Thickness
The Rubi Tile Level Quick System is designed to accommodate tile thicknesses from approximately 3 mm to 16 mm, making it suitable for most ceramic, porcelain, and many natural stone installations.
It is especially recommended for large format tiles measuring 12" x 12" (30 x 30 cm) or larger, where controlling tile lippage becomes increasingly important.
Always verify that your selected leveling strips are appropriate for your tile thickness before beginning installation.
Suggested Image: Various porcelain tile thicknesses compatible with the Rubi Tile Level Quick System.
How to Install the Rubi Tile Level Quick System
Using the system is straightforward, but following the proper installation sequence will help produce the best results.
Step 1 - Prepare the Surface
Before installing tile, make sure the substrate is clean, structurally sound, and as flat as possible. A tile leveling system is designed to minimize tile lippage, not correct an uneven floor or wall.
Step 2 - Spread the Thin-Set Mortar
Apply the appropriate thin-set mortar using the recommended trowel size for your tile. Proper mortar coverage is essential for a successful installation.
Step 3 - Position the First Tile
Install the first tile into the mortar bed using proper back buttering techniques when required. Press and slide the tile slightly to collapse the mortar ridges and achieve proper coverage.
Step 4 - Insert the Quick Strips
Slide the leveling strips beneath the edge of the installed tile before placing the next tile. The number of strips used depends on the size of the tile and the installation pattern.
Step 5 - Install the Next Tile
Place the adjacent tile over the exposed portion of each strip while maintaining your desired grout joint spacing.
Step 6 - Thread on the Quick Caps
Thread a reusable Quick Cap onto each strip and tighten until both tiles are level with one another. Apply only enough pressure to eliminate lippage without disturbing the tile alignment.
Step 7 - Allow the Mortar to Cure
Leave the leveling system in place until the thin-set mortar has completely cured according to the mortar manufacturer's recommendations.
Step 8 - Remove the Strips
After curing, strike the exposed strip parallel to the grout joint using your foot or a rubber mallet. The strip will separate cleanly at its designed break point while the base remains beneath the tile.
Suggested Image: Sequence showing strip installation, cap tightening, and strip removal after curing.
Professional Installation Tips
- Always begin with a flat and properly prepared substrate.
- Use the correct trowel size for the tile being installed.
- Check mortar coverage frequently during installation.
- Do not overtighten the Quick Caps.
- Follow the mortar manufacturer's recommended curing time before removing the strips.
- Use enough strips to properly support larger tiles.
- Clean excess mortar around the strips before it hardens.
- Inspect tile alignment regularly with a straightedge during installation.
Following these best practices will help produce a flatter installation with fewer adjustments throughout the project.
Suggested Image: Professional installer checking tile flatness with a straightedge while using the Rubi Tile Level Quick System.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
While the Rubi Tile Level Quick System makes it easier to produce a professional tile installation, it cannot correct poor installation practices. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure the best possible results.
- Using the leveling system to correct an uneven substrate. The floor or wall should always be properly prepared before tile installation begins.
- Using too few leveling strips. Large format tiles require adequate support to maintain a flat surface while the mortar cures.
- Overtightening the Quick Caps. Excessive pressure can shift the tiles or squeeze out too much mortar.
- Not achieving proper mortar coverage. A leveling system does not replace proper troweling techniques or back buttering when required.
- Removing the strips too early. Always allow the thin-set mortar to fully cure before removing the leveling system.
- Leaving excess mortar around the strips. Cleaning excess mortar while it is still fresh makes removal much easier.
Suggested Image: Installer cleaning excess thin-set mortar around the leveling strips before it cures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Quick Caps be reused?
Yes. The Quick Caps are designed for repeated use. Only the Quick Strips are disposable and replaced with each tile installation.
Are the Quick Strips reusable?
No. The strips are designed to break away after the mortar cures and should be replaced for every installation.
Can the Rubi Tile Level Quick System be used on wall tile?
Yes. The system is suitable for both wall and floor tile installations, helping maintain consistent tile alignment while the adhesive cures.
Can it be used with porcelain tile?
Absolutely. The Rubi Tile Level Quick System is commonly used when installing large format porcelain tile, where controlling tile lippage is especially important.
Can it be used with ceramic tile?
Yes. The system works with ceramic tile as well as many natural stone materials that fall within the recommended thickness range.
Does a tile leveling system replace proper installation techniques?
No. A leveling system is designed to assist the installer, not replace proper substrate preparation, correct mortar coverage, expansion joints, or accepted tile installation practices.
Why Professional Tile Installers Choose Rubi
Rubi has earned a reputation for producing high-quality tile installation tools trusted by professional contractors around the world. The Tile Level Quick System is designed to improve installation quality while remaining fast, simple, and economical to use.
Combined with quality tile cutters, trowels, mixing tools, and other Rubi installation products, the Tile Level Quick System helps installers complete projects more efficiently while producing consistently professional results.
Suggested Image: Complete Rubi tile installation tool collection including tile cutter, trowels, leveling system, and accessories.
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Conclusion
The Rubi Tile Level Quick System is an excellent solution for reducing tile lippage and producing flatter, more professional tile installations. By combining reusable Quick Caps with disposable Quick Strips, the system helps stabilize adjacent tiles while the mortar cures, improving installation quality and reducing time spent making adjustments.
Whether you're installing porcelain tile in a residential bathroom, ceramic tile in a kitchen, or large format tile on a commercial project, using the proper leveling system can make a significant difference in the finished results. When combined with proper surface preparation, quality thin-set mortar, and good installation techniques, the Rubi Tile Level Quick System helps achieve the clean, level finish that every professional installer strives for.