Are you looking to tile your bathroom floor yourself but aren’t sure how? Let us show you! We have our ultimate guide where we walk you through the process of tiling your bathroom floor, ensuring that your tiles will stand the test of time.
How to tile a bathroom floor
To tile your bathroom floor, you will need to know how many tiles you need and to prep the area carefully. It is best to remove any existing tiles and work on a smooth, level surface.
When selecting your number of times, calculate your surface area in m2 (length x width) and check against the coverage of the pack to see how many packets of tiles you will need. We recommend adding 10% to this figure to account for offcuts and wastage. When you have the number of tiles ready and the adhesive, it’s time to tile. Below, we have broken down the steps you need to follow for a successful experience.
Prepare your bathroom floor
First, you need to prepare your bathroom floor. Take time with this, as a poorly prepared floor is a recipe for disaster! Start with your tile backer boards, ensuring they can be used in a bathroom. You will need to lay these on the floor, covering the entire area and cutting panels to size.
Secure the boards with a sealant along the edges to hold them together on the floor and against any other walls. Add corrosion protected screws and screw each board into the floor. To finish, seal the floor with a primer, ensuring it covers all of the backer boards. Make sure the floor is free from dirt and debris to ensure a smooth space for your tiles.
Plan your layout
When planning the layout of your tiles, it can be helpful to lay your tiles down to see how they will look. Do this without any adhesive and make note of any measurements you need to ensure you have enough tiles for the space. When planning your layout, it’s worth measuring your tile and seeing how many you need to run across one wall. Planning here will allow you to reduce how many times you need to cut, reducing your workload.
Cut your tiles
Once you have your layout, it’s time to cut any tiles that need to be trimmed to fit the space. These are usually the tiles along wall edges or that will sit around your toilet and sink. Check the measurements before cutting with a manual tile cutter.
Prepare your adhesive
To properly prepare the adhesive, check the manufacturer’s instructions to get the perfect water-to-product ratio. These ratios can differ depending on the type of adhesive and brand you choose, so even if you have done this before, check again.
You can use a drill and whisk to mix the adhesive with well water until you get the desired consistency. This should be thick enough to hold its shape on the trowel while spreading easily. You should clean the whisk in a bucket of clean water when finished to prevent a buildup of adhesive.
When applying the adhesive to the floor, use the notched side of your spreader in straight, uniform lines. This will prevent air bubbles and create a stronger bond. The tile then needs to be ‘backbuttered,’ which involves using the straight side of the spreader to cover the surface in adhesive. Apply a smooth layer to the tile and scrape any excess back into the bucket.
Lay your tiles
Working one tile at a time, place them onto the floor, following your measurements. Push down on all sizes and use spacers to ensure the gaps are even for all tiles. Take a spirit level to ensure each tile is level and repeat the process, working towards the corners before finishing by the door to the bathroom. Be sure to tile yourself out of the room so you don’t have to stand on any while the adhesive dries.
Leave the tiles to set, removing the spacers only when the adhesive has completely set. The instructions for the adhesive will tell you how long that is.
Grout the tiles
To finish, mix your grout with clean water in line with the packaging. Use a drill and whisk to get the perfect consistency and start grouting. Begin at the centre of the floor and finish at the metal door, placing your grout over the joins, working into the gap with a grout float. You want it to be flush with the tiles, and don’t worry if it is a little messy.
Once it is partially dry, you can wipe away excess with a damp sponge. Be mindful of how much pressure you apply so you don’t pull any grout up.
Lay your bathroom tiles today
Laying your bathroom tiles does not need to be as daunting as you once thought. By following our guide, you can safely and easily lay your own floor and give your bathroom the revamp it deserves. When choosing your tiles, we recommend checking out Cheap Tiles Online, where you can find the perfect bathroom tiles without spending a fortune. Head to Cheap Tiles Online to find your new tiles today!
