• To properly lay tile, a material should be used that will allow for some movement of the tiles. In the past, a layer of asphalt was inserted to separate the base and the bedding underneath. Asphalt was later replaced by a layer of plastic or building paper. Inserting this layer prevents bonding between the base and the bed, and allows for some relative movement. It prevents the ceramic tile floor from arching or ridging where row(s) can pop up to relieve tension and separate from the bed.