How to Lay Floor Tiles

Whether you want to cut the cost of a bathroom renovation or simply fancy upping your DIY knowledge by learning how to lay floor tiles, knowing the right way to install flooring is a valuable skill to have.

In today’s post, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on how to lay floor tiles in bathrooms, kitchens or any other area – leaving you with a smooth, durable and professional-looking finish.

1. Choose your tiles

Before you start, accurately measure the area and choose the right floor tile for the job. For first-time tilers, opting for a larger tile may make things easier, with fewer tiles to cut and lay. Also, don’t forget to take practical aspects into consideration, such as non-slip tiles for bathrooms and kitchens, as well as getting the correct adhesive and grout for the type of surface you’re working with.

Tip: When calculating how many tiles you need for the job, allow approximately 10% extra for cuts and breakages.

2. Prepare the area and your tools

The next stage is to clear the room and prepare it for laying the floor tiles – removing furniture and sweeping the floor. Depending on the type of surface you’re covering with tiles, floor installation may also need additional preparation, such as a screed to level the floor or tiling boards if you’re laying onto floorboards – plus a coat of primer to give better grip for the tile adhesive.

Also ensure your tools and equipment are ready, which includes: buckets for mixing adhesive, a tile cutter, smooth and grooved trowels, tile spacers, a grout float and sponges.

3. Mark your starting point

To guarantee tiles are laid symmetrically, you’ll need to measure the room to mark your ‘datum line’ or central point. From here, you will work outwards towards each corner, one at a time.

4. Do a dry run

Even if you’re working to a straightforward pattern, it’s always a good idea to dry lay floor tiles before applying adhesive. This will give you a better idea of what the finished floor will look like and give you the chance to adjust your central point if necessary.

5. Mix your adhesive

With your dry run complete, it’s time to mix up adhesive to the consistency of toothpaste, ready to lay down the floor tiles. Choose a flexible adhesive for tiling onto wooden surfaces or a strong adhesive for concrete or screed floors.

6. Lay your floor tiles

Working from the central point towards the nearest wall, spread adhesive onto the floor with a trowel, then run through it with the grooved edge to get a better tile adhesion. Lay the first tile along the central line, gently pressing it into the adhesive. Use a spirit level to check it’s flat then continue onto the next tile, placing tile spacers between the tile joints to keep the spaces even – these can be removed once the adhesive is set. Don’t forget to check the level of each tile with a spirit level.

Lay all the whole tiles first allowing them to dry, before finishing the edges of the room with cut tiles, measured to fill the spaces.

Tip: Regularly wipe away excess adhesive with a damp cloth before it dries to make grouting easier.

7. Apply the grout

Applying grout between the tile joints will seal them and prevent movement. Once the tiles are fully dry, use a grout float to smooth the grout over the tiled surface, pressing it into the joints.

As you work, wipe away excess grout with a damp cloth then leave it to harden. Once the grout has set, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove any grout residue then seal the edges of the room with a silicone sealant.

Whether you’re learning how to lay floor tiles in a kitchen, bathroom or even your bedroom, with this guide and our amazing collection of floor tiles, you’ll have everything you need to get the job done – leaving you with a stunning and stylish floor.