Laying tiles requires patience and preparation. It can seem like a task best left for a tradesperson but with a little bit of extra care and attention, you will be able to lay tiles like a pro.

After you’ve read our guide, you will know which tools to use and how to use them. By following our simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll have everything you need to carry out the job. 

The next step is to prepare your room for tiling. Here are the steps to take to effectively get ready for laying a floor tile.

Tiles can be laid on almost any surface, even other tiles. The surface needs to be even and free from damp. Ensure you choose the correct adhesive for the job.

Step 1 – Clean the floor surface. Remove debris and dust, and make sure the floor is completely dry before starting. If you can, remove the old flooring as well; even though you can tile over old flooring it is best to start as if from scratch.

Step 2 – Plan the layout of your tiles in the room. Measure the room and find the centre point, tile from the centre of the room outward, this ensures an even appearance to the tiles. You can even dry-lay the tiles to get a good idea of what the completed job will look like. This will also show you any problem areas before you begin.

Step 3 – Using tile spacers as you dry lay, move out toward the edge of the floor. Ideally, you will want to have at least half a tiles width between the last whole tile and the wall. This is because it gives a more professional-looking finish. Mark the position of the last whole tile on the floor so you know how many whole tiles you will be using to cover the space.

Make sure you read the instructions for the preparation of your tile adhesive. Since it can vary depending on your tile type etc, it is best to check before you start.

Start at the position you have marked out in the centre of the room. Use a trowel to apply the adhesive and then a notched trowel to spread it over an area of 1m2. It is best to use the smooth side of the trowel to spread and then drag the serrated edge back through it to create ridges. These tooth ridges allow air to escape when you are laying the tile, ensuring there are no voids and helping to provide a firmer hold.

Place the first tile firmly into the adhesive and twist it to better bed it in place. Using tile spacers between each tile, repeat the process, ensuring each tile is evenly spaced. When placing spacers, make sure they are below the surface of the tiles, that way they’ll be hidden after you have applied the grouting.

As you continue to lay the tiles, check every now and then with the spirit level. If tiles are not level, you can use the mallet to gently tap the tile and bring it level with the floor. Remove the extra adhesive that bulges up between the gaps in the tile as you go with a wet sponge. Take your time and you should be fine.

Inevitably, the last tiles you will have to deal with will probably need cutting. Floor tiles are usually heavier than wall tiles so you will need a heavy-duty tile cutter to deal with them. We advise wearing goggles and gloves when you cut tiles.

Make sure you think about the space needed for grouting when you cut tiles to go up against walls. You can even use a paper template to cut the shape before marking your tile. Once marked, cut them and if the edges are rough after cutting, use a tile file to smooth it off.

Tile adhesive can take up to 48 hours to dry. If you are tiling a room that is often used, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it may be best to tile half the room, wait for it to dry, and then tile the other half.

After you have laid your tiles, there is one more job to carry out. Tile grout comes in many colours so you can select a colour that compliments your tiles. Follow these steps to effectively grout your tiles.

Step 1 – Remove any dust or debris from the surface of your beautifully laid tiles, make sure there aren’t any tile spacers sticking up over the surface level of the tiles.

Step 2 – Work the grout diagonally across the surface with a grout float, ensuring the grout fills all of the gaps in between the tiles. Grout should be level with the surface of the tile. Remove any excess as you go.

Step 3 – During the process, smooth the joints with a grout finisher. This compacts the grout down and leaves a neat, clean finish. Once again, wipe any excess away with a damp sponge.

Step 4 – Once finished, avoid walking across the floor until the grout has set.

Step 5 – When dry, clean the surface of the tiles again if necessary.

Step 6 – This step can be optional. Think about applying a sealant to the tiles. This provides a flexible seal that allows any movement or expansion of the tile to be easily accommodated.

And there you have it, in a nutshell. Tiling can often be a time-consuming task but ultimately worth it. With patience and attention to detail, you will achieve a professional looking result.

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