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ARDEX X 56 Tile Adhesive

Fast-setting, highly flexible S2 tile adhesive for movement-prone substrates including prepared internal sheet timber and early-age concrete, with grouting after approximately 4 hours.

Vendor: Ardex
SKU: ARDX56/15
Availability: Out Of Stock
$136.96
$136.96
Prices do not include GST

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ARDEX X 56 is a fast-setting, highly flexible S2 tile adhesive for projects where movement and turnaround time are the main challenges. It is specifically positioned for tiling directly to suitable internal timber, over heated slabs and on early-age concrete, screeds and renders without needing a separate flexibility additive.

Compare tile adhesives: See our complete tile adhesive range from ARDEX, Gripset, Mapei and RLA to compare flexibility, setting speed, wet-area suitability and tile/substrate requirements.

Best for

  • Internal timber substrates such as suitable particleboard and plywood systems
  • Heated slabs and underfloor heating
  • Early-age concrete, screeds and renders
  • Fast-turnaround wall and floor tiling
  • Porcelain, ceramic, fully vitrified tiles, mosaics and stable natural stone

Why choose ARDEX X 56?

  • S2 highly flexible classification: designed to accommodate greater substrate movement than standard flexible adhesives.
  • Fast setting: ARDEX states tiles can be grouted after approximately 4 hours under suitable conditions.
  • Direct-to-timber capability: suitable internal timber systems can be tiled when the required ARDEX primer and preparation are used.
  • Early-age substrate capability: ARDEX lists tiling over concrete after 7 days and suitable renders/screeds after 16 hours.
  • High yield: supplier coverage is approximately 12–14m² on walls or 8–10m² on floors per 15kg bag, depending on trowel and substrate.

Tile and substrate compatibility

Suitable tile types include ceramic, porcelain, fully vitrified tiles, mosaics and non-moisture-sensitive natural stone. Compatible substrates include concrete, cement render and screeds, aerated concrete, fibre-cement sheet, plasterboard, compressed fibre-cement sheet, existing prepared ceramic tiles, ARDEX undertile waterproofing membranes and approved internal timber systems.

Important limitations

ARDEX X 56 is not recommended for swimming pools or commercial floors subject to heavy traffic. Timber preparation and priming requirements are specific and must be followed. Always work to the current ARDEX technical data sheet and AS 3958.

ARDEX system products: For compatible substrate preparation and finishing, see ARDEX Multiprime and ARDEX FG8 Tile Grout. Always match primers, membranes and grouts to the current ARDEX system specification for the job.

Can ARDEX X56 be used over timber?
Yes. It is suitable for prepared internal sheet timber such as particleboard and plywood. Strip timber floors must be sheeted with fibre-cement before tiling.

How soon can X56 be grouted?
Approximately 4 hours at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Cooler conditions, higher humidity or dense tiles can extend drying time.

How early can I tile over new concrete or screeds?
Concrete can be tiled after 7 days. Bonded screeds require at least 24 hours and unbonded screeds at least 7 days; cement render requires at least 16 hours. Follow the current TDS for substrate preparation.

Can X56 be used in swimming pools?
No. ARDEX does not recommend X56 for swimming pools.

S2 flexibility for movement-prone substrates. Grout and light traffic after approximately 4 hours at 23°C and 50% RH. Tile over concrete after 7 days when correctly prepared. Suitable for internal and external walls and floors, including heated slabs and shower recesses with correct falls.
Apply to a clean, firm, correctly prepared substrate. Prime as required, comb with the appropriate notched trowel and bed tiles while the adhesive is wet. Back-butter large-format or keyed-back tiles to achieve full coverage. Refer to the current TDS for substrate-specific preparation, mixing and fixing requirements.
Not suitable for swimming pools, heavy-load commercial floors or moisture-sensitive natural stone. Do not apply below 10°C or in external areas where ponding water may occur. Do not add water after initial mixing.
  • Concrete: Cure for at least 7 days. Mechanically prepare dense or steel-trowelled concrete above 35 MPa; prime porous concrete with ARDEX Multiprime.
  • Renders & screeds: Cement render: minimum 16 hours. Bonded screeds: minimum 24 hours. Unbonded screeds: minimum 7 days.
  • Fibre-cement & plasterboard: Suitable when structurally sound and prepared in accordance with the TDS.
  • Internal sheet timber: Particleboard and plywood only; floor deflection must not exceed 1/360. Provide underfloor ventilation and use the specified ARDEX priming system. Strip timber floors must be sheeted with fibre-cement.
  • Existing tiles & vinyl: Internal dry areas only. Remove at least 80% of glaze from existing ceramic tiles. Foam-backed vinyl is not suitable.
  • AAC: Prime with two coats of ARDEX Multiprime.
  • Metal: Mechanically prepare and use the ARDEX-specified primer system before tiling.

ARDEX X 56 Tile Adhesive Physical Properties

ARDEX X 56 Tile Adhesive Physical Properties
Property Value
Classification C1 E S2 (ISO 13007)
Bond Strength ≥0.5 MPa
Tensile Adhesion Strength (Water Immersion) ≥0.5 MPa
Tensile Adhesion Strength (Heat) ≥0.5 MPa
Tensile Adhesion Strength (Freeze Thaw) ≥0.5 MPa
Mixing Ratio 6.75 L water per 15 kg powder
Open Time Approx. 30 minutes (23°C / 50% RH)
Adjustment Time Approx. 30–45 minutes (23°C / 50% RH)
Pot Life Approx. 45 minutes (23°C / 50% RH)
Ready for Grouting Approx. 4 hours (23°C / 50% RH)
Coverage — Walls (6 mm trowel) Approx. 12–14 m² per 15 kg
Coverage — Floors (10 mm trowel) Approx. 8–10 m² per 15 kg
Shelf Life 12 months

ARDEX X 56 Tile Adhesive - Use Cases

Here are some common examples on where ARDEX X 56 Tile Adhesive used by our customers.

Tiling

Rapid Tiling Early-Age Substrates

When tiling over early-age concrete or recently installed cement render and screeds where substrate-specific cure times must be observed.

X56 combines fast setting with support for early-age substrates: grout after approximately 4 hours, tile over concrete after 7 days, and follow the current TDS cure periods for renders and screeds.

  • Grout after approx. 4 hours
  • Concrete after 7 days
  • Cement render after 16 hours
  • Bonded screeds after 24 hours

Tiling

Flexible Tiling Movement-Prone Substrates

Tiling over internal sheet timber floors, metal, or early age concrete where substrate movement could lead to cracking.

High flexibility (S2) accommodates thermal and shrinkage movement, preventing common tile and grout failures on dynamic substrates.

  • ISO C1 E S2
  • Internal sheet timber
  • Metal surfaces
  • Tensile adhesion ≥0.5 MPa

Tiling

Tile over existing surfaces

Renovating internal dry areas by tiling directly onto sound existing ceramic, solid vinyl tiles, or metal surfaces.

Formulated for direct adhesion to various existing floor surfaces and metal, streamlining renovations by avoiding substrate removal.

  • Existing ceramic tiles (internal dry)
  • Existing solid vinyl tiles
  • Metal surfaces compatible
  • ≥0.5 MPa adhesion strength

Tiling

Rapid Renovation Tiling

Refurbishing internal spaces where rapid project completion, including tiling over existing surfaces, is critical.

Fast setting, allowing grout after 4 hours, significantly reduces project downtime when tiling over existing flooring.

  • Grout after 4 hours
  • Existing ceramic tiles
  • Existing vinyl tiles
  • 30 minutes open time

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