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Posted: 20th August 2025 | Author: Nationwide Supplies
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Tiling your bathroom floor might seem like a daunting job, but it’s a great way to make a statement and put your personal touch on a space. Plus, tiles are easy to clean and surprisingly tough, meaning that in the long term, they’re very cost-effective to install.
Our step-by-step guide explains the entire process, from initial preparation to the final grout lines, so that you can achieve a professional finish.
Before laying any tiles, make sure you have the following tiling tools and materials:
Preparation is key if you want your bathroom tiles to be laid properly and last as long as possible. Your base needs to be level, solid, clean and dry. To start, remove any old tiles or flooring. If the surface is uneven, use a levelling compound to ensure a flat base. Then, vacuum thoroughly to remove all dust and debris. You can also apply a primer, which will help the tile adhesive bond.
Timber floors may need overboarding with tile backer board to prevent movement. Concrete floors should be sealed if porous.
Top tip! Avoid the temptation to tile over existing floor coverings. Even if you tile your new floor perfectly, the old floor beneath may still be unstable, which can lead to issues in the long run.
We always recommend doing a dry run of your tile placement without adhesive. Start from the centre of the room and work your way out using spacers between tiles. This helps you to find out if you need to cut any tiles and where you can place them for the best finished look.
Take your time with this step and adjust your layout so that cut tiles are placed at the edges of the room. Once you’re happy with the overall look of your tile layout, you can move onto the next step: laying them properly.
Using a notched trowel, spread tile adhesive evenly across a small section of the floor (roughly 1m²). Don’t try to cover too large an area at once, as the adhesive can dry quickly. In fact, if it’s your first time tiling, you may want to stick to a smaller area to begin with, so you can take your time and get it right without having to worry about your adhesive drying out.
Firmly press each tile into place, using spacers to maintain consistent gaps between them. A gentle tap with a rubber mallet can help seat the tile properly. Use a spirit level to check its level.
Continue this process until the floor is fully tiled, and work in a direction that allows you to finish at the door to avoid walking over the tiles.
Tip: When applying the adhesive, hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle. This will create even ridges across the surface, make sure the adhesive spreads uniformly and helps to eliminate air pockets.
If you’re working with larger tiles, natural stone, or an uneven surface, it’s a good idea to spread a thin layer of adhesive on the back of each tile as well as on the floor - a technique called back-buttering. This extra step helps ensure a solid bond, but for most standard tiles on a flat surface, it usually isn’t necessary.
Measure and mark any tiles that need cutting using a pencil or chalk. A manual tile cutter works well for straight cuts, while a tile nipper or electric wet saw is useful for curved or tricky shapes.
Always wear safety goggles when cutting tiles and handle sharp edges with care.
Leave the adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours before walking on the tiles or applying grout. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific drying times. If the time has passed and you’re not sure if the adhesive has cured yet, err on the side of caution and give it a little longer.
Remove all spacers once the adhesive has fully set. Mix your grout to a smooth consistency and apply using a grout float, pushing it firmly into the gaps between tiles.
Using a damp sponge or cloth, wipe away unused grout from the tile surface before it can dry and harden. Make sure to wash out your cloth or sponge frequently and work in small sections. Allow the grout to cure for the recommended time before using the bathroom.
Some tiles and grouts, particularly natural stone options, may need sealing to protect them from moisture and staining. Check your tile specifications and apply sealant if needed.
In most cases, it’s best to tile the bathroom floor before fitting a bathroom. This provides a clean, more professional finish and avoids awkward cuts around fixtures. It also makes future replacements easier, as you won’t have to disturb your tiling to swap out a toilet or basin.
However, if you’re replacing tiles around an already-fitted bathroom suite, you can tile around fixtures with careful measuring and cutting. Just make sure to leave enough expansion gaps and seal thoroughly around the bases of your fixtures.
Although bathroom tiling can seem like a daunting task, it’s something many DIYers are perfectly capable of with a little time, care and attention. Alternatively, a trained tiler can take care of it for you and provide a stylish, professional finish without you having to worry. Whatever your choice, these tips and tricks can help to ensure your bathroom tiling project goes smoothly.
