1) Substrate: cement board (CBU per ANSI A108), mud bed, concrete, or uncoupling membrane. Flatness: 1/4 in in 10 ft for tiles ≤15 in, 1/8 in in 10 ft for tiles >15 in. 2) Waterproofing: liquid membrane or sheet membrane in wet areas (showers, tub surrounds) per TCNA. 3) Layout: dry-lay center lines, balanced cuts at edges, minimize cuts <half tile. 4) Thinset: ANSI A118.4 (modified), A118.1 (dry-set). Mix per manufacturer. Key-trowel: 1/4 x 3/8 x 1/4 for 12x12, 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 for 18x18+. Back-butter large format (>15 in). 5) Setting: press and slide tile into mortar, 95% coverage in wet areas (spot-check by removing). Leveling system (clips/wedges) for lippage control on large format. 6) Grouting: 24 hr cure before grouting. Unsanded for joints <1/8 in, sanded for 1/8-1/2 in. Epoxy grout for chemical/stain resistance. 7) Caulk: silicone or sanded caulk at change of plane, perimeter, penetrations. 8) Seal: natural stone sealed before and after grouting. Movement joints at 20-25 ft intervals. CSI 09 30 13.