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How to Tile a Floor
If you are looking for advice on how to tile a floor, this article has everything you need to know. We will go over all of the necessary tools, materials, and safety equipment, as well as a complete guide to floor tiling installation.
Table of Contents
What Tools Do I Need to Tile a Floor?
Before tiling a floor, you need to make sure that you have the right tools to complete the job correctly. Below is a list of the tools that you will need to tile a floor:
- Drill
- Pipe and cable detector
- Battens
- Mixing paddle
- Bucket
- Trowel
- Adhesive spreader
- Floor tile spacers
- Grout spreader
- Tile scribe
- Tile nipper
- Tile file
- Cartridge gun
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Sponge
- Masking tape
- Metal ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Paper for templates
- Cloth for cleaning
What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Tile a Floor?
Below is a list of the safety equipment that you will need for this type of job:
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
What Materials Do I Need to Tile a Floor?
The materials that you will need to tile a floor are listed below:
- Floor tiles
- Tile adhesive
- Silicone sealant
- Grout
- Grout protector (optional)
There are various types of tiles, so it is essential that you explore different styles before deciding on the right tile flooring for your home. Common tile options include:
Ceramic Tiles
This tile material is one of the most popular choices in kitchens or bathrooms. This is due to ceramic tiles being extremely durable, easy to install, and also low-maintenance, although it is not the most comfortable flooring underfoot.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are favoured as different styles mimic natural stone, brick, or wood, which offers a more traditional design. The upkeep required is also minimal, so they do not need to be cleaned as regularly as real stone, brick, or wood. However, installation is more complicated than ceramic tiles.
Glass Tiles
The main benefit of glass tiles is the extensive stain resistance they provide, which makes any spillages easy to clean without the worry of permanent stains. The downsides are that glass tiles can scratch, and they're also slippery when wet. So, you should choose anti-slip glass tiles if the floor will get wet, for example in showers or wet rooms.
Cement Tiles
One of the most versatile designs is cement, as there are a variety of patterns and colours to choose from. Cement tiles have been around since the 19th century and are favoured by more traditional homes, although there are also contemporary designs available. However, cement tiles aren't always as comfortable underfoot and due to their weight often require a sturdier subfloor beneath them.
How to Prepare for Tiling a Floor
Tiling can be done as a DIY job if you have some knowledge of tiling. However, it may be easier to hire an experienced local tiler, especially for complicated layouts, which will then result in a more professional finish.
If the adhesive manufacturer requires it, you will need to prepare your floor with the primer they recommend before tiling it.
Plan how your tiles will fit, as most rooms aren't perfectly square. Ensure the surface is flat to prevent uneven tiles and trip hazards.
Aim for the most aesthetically pleasing layout by having symmetrical lengths of tile at the sides. This may require you to cut down several tiles to the right size so that they fit correctly. To do this, find the centre of your room and measure to the walls, seeing how many full tiles will fit and how much room is left around the edges.
Mark the end points for the last full tiles at all edges and fix a batten at each starting point.
Finally, prepare the adhesive as per the manufacturer's instructions and depending on the type of floor you are tiling. Floor tile adhesive comes as a powder that you have to mix with water, so refer to any guidelines that come with the adhesive to ensure you mix it correctly.
How to Tile a Floor Yourself
If you are looking for a guide on how to tile a floor, follow our simple step-by-step guide below:
Step 1
To begin tiling, start by scooping out enough adhesive to cover about a square metre and then apply it to the floor. Use a trowel at a 45 degree angle to spread the adhesive over the area where you are going to begin tiling. You should only apply adhesive a square metre at a time.
Step 2
Place your first tile square to your battens and give it a good push down to bed it into the adhesive.
Step 3
Then, place another tile alongside it. Place spacers between the tiles to ensure you leave the right amount of gap between each one.
Step 4
As you're applying the tiles, check periodically that they are level and flat using a spirit level.
Step 5
Continue laying the tiles across the floor, making sure they stay aligned with your markings and battens. Remember to insert tile spacers between each tile as you go and gently tap each tile into place to ensure it bonds securely to the adhesive.
Step 6
Periodically wipe the tiles with a damp sponge to remove any excess adhesive on the surface and to clear any adhesive in between the tiles in the grout lines too.
Step 7
Continue laying the tiles until all of your whole tiles have been laid.
Step 8
Once you have completed laying all of the whole tiles, you can then remove your temporary battens.
Step 9
If there is a gap between the wall and the tiles, measure this accurately (allowing for the grout gap between the tiles plus at least 6mm at the wall so tiles can move without cracking) so you can cut any remaining tiles to the correct size. Measure each one separately, as if the wall isn't quite straight, they may need to be cut to different sizes.
Step 10
Once you have marked the distance on new tiles, cut them down to the right size. Always wear protective gloves and goggles when cutting tiles.
Step 11
After cutting the tile, check that it fits into the gap properly. Then apply adhesive and press the tile down into the gap.
Step 12
Continue adding the remaining cut tiles around the whole room.
Step 13
When tiling around obstacles, always leave the other tiles to dry first, as they may move while you try to fit the tiles around the obstacles. The best way to fit tiles around an obstacle such as the bottom of the toilet is to map it out on paper first.
Cut a piece of paper to the same size as a tile and then line it up to your obstacle and cut it to size. This will help you to determine how you need to cut your tiles to fit around the obstacle.
Step 14
Mark out the shape of your paper template onto a tile and then cut it to size. The best way to cut strange shapes is by using a tile nipper and a tile file.
Step 15
Check that the tile fits correctly and then add adhesive and press it down into the gap.
Step 16
You should wait until the adhesive has fully set according to the setting time listed on the packaging before grouting. Only mix a small amount of grout at a time, as it will set quickly. Apply it between tiles using a grout spreader, let it firm up in the joints, then wipe off any excess with a damp sponge before it hardens.
Step 17
Finally, seal the gap between the tiles and the wall with silicone sealant.
FAQs
Can You Tile a Concrete Floor?
Yes, you can tile over a concrete floor, although any imperfections should be levelled off first before tiling to allow for a smooth and even surface.
What Are the Benefits of Tiling a Bathroom Floor?
Floor tiles in the bathroom can look great, and they are also water-resistant and durable, but remember that the grout between the tiles is not waterproof, so the floor underneath still needs to be waterproofed before tiles are laid. You can also find a vast range of floor tiles, so you can be sure to find a style that suits your taste.
How Do I Know How Many Tiles I Need?
Measure the area of your floor in square metres and divide it by the size of a single tile. For example, if your floor is 10 square metres and each tile covers 0.25 square metres, you'll need 40 tiles. Always order about 10% more to account for cuts, mistakes, or future repairs.
How Long Will It Take to Tile a Floor?
With the assumption there are few obstacles to work around, tiling a small room such as a bathroom can take as little as a day. However, larger spaces may take up to 2-3 days to complete. It really depends on the size of the area and also allowing additional time for the adhesive to cure and grout to dry.
