A Step-by-Step Guide On Bathroom Tiling

Although tiling a bathroom has generally been regarded as a difficult task, with careful planning and following the procedures outlined in this article, you may obtain a professional-looking result.

STEP 1:

During this planning step, it is quite beneficial to ‘dry lay’ your tiles so you know what the final arrangement will be.

To choose your starting position, measure the width of your room and mark the center point on the floor using a pencil. Then, starting from this central point, place the tiles towards one of the side walls, adding spacers between each tile. 

STEP 2:

Because a narrower edge may appear messy when laid, make sure your edge tile is at least half the width of the entire tile.

When dry laying your tiles, if the distance between the last whole tile and the wall is less than half the width of a whole tile, move all of your tiles and spacers half a tile width away from the wall. This ensures a larger and more attractive edge tile. 

STEP 3:

When the gap is more than half a tile wide, mark the location of the final entire tile on the floor. This will be the starting point for the fitting line. 

STEP 4:

Measure the distance from the first fitting mark to the center of the room and write it down. This measurement will be used to define the fitting line that runs the entire length of the room. 

Move down the chamber until you reach the midpoint again. Mark the next position of the fitting line on the floor with the measurement you recorded.

Repeat this method as many times as required until you’re certain you have a straight line that runs the length of the room. 

STEP 5:

Use a detector to look for hidden pipes and cables near the fitting line. If the area is clear, screw a timber batten in place along the length of the fitting line.

If you’re laying on a concrete floor, just mark the fitting line with a straight edge and a marker; there’s no need to fix a batten. 

STEP 6:

Repeat the method above, this time working across the breadth of the room. The goal is to repair another batten running widthways.

The corner where the two battens intersect will be where you begin tiling. 

How To Lay Floor Tiles

STEP 1

If you’re making your own adhesive, follow the manufacturer’s directions and add the appropriate amounts of water and powder to a bucket.

Using a drill and a mixing paddle, vigorously mix it until you get a thick, lump-free paste. 

STEP 2

Using a notched gauging trowel, begin by applying adhesive to approximately 1m2 of the floor. Apply the glue to the floor with the smooth edge, then bring the trowel back across with the serrated edge.

This creates ridges in the glue, resulting in a secure, even surface on which to place the tiles.

Then firmly press the first tile into place, turning slightly to help fix the adhesive.

STEP 3

Lay down your succeeding tiles, using floor tile spacers to keep them apart. Use a spirit level to ensure that the tiles are flat and level.

If a tile is too high or low, carefully lift it out and apply or remove adhesive as needed. Alternatively, lightly pound the tile with a rubber mallet to level it. 

STEP 4

As you go, use a moist sponge to remove any glue from the tile surface and clean off any extra adhesive from the grout lines.

Continue until all of the tiles are laid, then let dry completely before removing the battens.

If you utilize vertical tile spacers, you will also need to remove them. Flat tile spacers cannot be removed.

A Step-by-Step Guide On Bathroom Tiling