How to Tile a Floor: Step-by-Step Guide
Now you’ve done the hard part of choosing the perfect tile for your project, it’s time to get down to business.
Ready to lay your floor tiles? Follow these steps to help achieve a clean, level and professional-looking finish:
What you’ll need
Before you start laying your floor tiles, make sure you have the tools and materials at hand, ready for the job. This includes:
- Floor tiles
- Tile adhesive
- Notched trowel or adhesive spreader
- Tile cutter
- Tile spacers
- Tile levelling system, if required
- Spirit level
- Measuring tools
- Bucket, clean water and sponge
Not sure how many tiles to order? Use our tile calculator to work it out before you start. Head to our trade centres and factory outlet, where you can find the tools and adhesives you’ll need for your project.
Before you start
Make sure your tiles and installation area are prepared before you begin. The substrate should be clean, dry, and sufficiently flat for tiling. Any required repairs, levelling or falls should be addressed before tiling begins. For example, a concrete floor base may need any bumps to be ground down, or dips and holes filled with a self-levelling compound so that you have an even, smooth surface to work on.
The surface you tile on is one of the most important things to get right for a professional, lasting finish.
Your Tiles
Check your tile boxes to make sure they are from the same batch. The shade can vary slightly between batches, therefore using tiles from the same batch will help ensure a consistent colour throughout your installation. The tiles you use will also need to be rated for use on floors – porcelain is a great option for this, hard wearing and able to withstand foot traffic.
Generally, tile batches include a calibre and a shade. The calibre refers to the actual size of a tile after it has been fired. During manufacturing, tiles shrink by different amounts, so they are then sorted into ‘calibres’ to ensure all tiles in a box are a consistent size.
Check the back of your tiles for small arrows indicating the recommended laying direction. Keep the arrows pointing in the same direction to ensure a consistent appearance.
1. Planning the layout
Dry-lay your tiles where appropriate to check the layout before you begin. Plan the layout to avoid narrow cuts along walls or edges and to ensure the tiles work well around features and other elements of the room.
Dry laying allows you to visualise where cuts will fall and adjust the layout so they are as unobtrusive as possible. Depending on the space, you may choose to centre the layout in the room, or position the tiles so that cuts are placed towards the rear or least noticeable areas of the space.
Once you have established your layout, mark your reference lines using a chalk line. A spirit level can be used to check that your lines are straight and to help mark your starting point. Tile in manageable sections, working from your established reference lines.
2. Mix the tile adhesive
Mix the tile adhesive according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The adhesive should have a smooth, workable consistency suitable for the application. Avoid making the adhesive too runny, as it needs to be firm enough to support the tiles and maintain their level.
3. Spread the adhesive
Using a notched trowel, spread the adhesive evenly across the prepared surface. When it comes to choosing a notched trowel, it’s important to use the right trowel notch size for your tile format/size.
When applying the tile adhesive to the area to be tiled, work in manageable sections so that the adhesive doesn’t dry before you have time to lay the tiles. Comb the adhesive with the notched edge of the trowel to create an even bed for the tile. Avoid spreading adhesive too far ahead of yourself, and clean up any adhesive that gets onto surrounding surfaces while it is still wet.
4. Lay your first tile
Carefully place the first tile into the adhesive, following your established layout lines. Press the tile firmly into position to create good contact with the adhesive. Check the tile with a spirit level so that it is flush and level, and make any adjustments needed before moving on.
Take your time with the first few tiles. A straight and level starting point will make it much easier to keep the rest of the floor aligned.
5. Use tile spacers and a levelling system
Place spacers between the tiles to maintain consistent grout joints. Tile spacers help create a consistent gap between your tiles, ensuring your grout lines are even throughout the installation. The ideal gap can vary depending on the type of tile you’re using. Rectified tiles have precisely cut, uniform edges (mechanically trimmed to give it a rectified edge), so they can generally be installed with narrower grout joints. Pressed-edge tiles have slightly more variation along their edges and typically require wider grout joints. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate grout joint width for your tiles.
If you’re using a tile levelling system, position the clips between the tiles and insert the wedges as you go. The system helps pull adjacent tiles into alignment and minimise lippage, creating a more even, flush finish.
Continue checking your tiles with a spirit level as you work.
6. Measure and cut tiles
When you reach an edge, corner or other area that requires a cut, carefully measure the remaining space first.
Cut tiles at the perimeter should stop short of walls and fixed structures rather than fitting tight against them. Where a perimeter or movement joint is needed, the gap is typically a minimum of 6mm, to be kept free of adhesive and later filled with a flexible sealant or covered by skirting, so the tile has room to fit without being forced into position. Follow the relevant installation standards and manufacturer’s recommendations for joint placement.
Mark the tile and use a suitable tile cutter to make the cut. For larger cutting tools with an integrated measuring guide, use the guide to help achieve consistent, accurate cuts. Always measure twice before cutting.
7. Continue laying the tiles
Continue spreading adhesive, laying tiles and checking your levels as you work across the floor.
Keep your tile spacing consistent and regularly check that your rows remain straight. Clean away excess adhesive as you go, as wet adhesive is much easier to remove than dried adhesive.
8. Check your finished floor
Before the adhesive sets, take a final look across the tiled area.
Check that:
- The tiles are level and properly aligned, with no noticeable lippage between adjacent tiles.
- Grout joints are consistent and clear of adhesive.
- Cut tiles fit neatly around edges and obstacles, with perimeter gap maintained.
Allow the adhesive to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding with grouting.
With the right preparation, tools and technique, you can create a clean and professional-looking tiled floor.
This is provided as general guidance only, get in touch with our team for more information.
The next step in the process is … grouting.
