How to Tile a Bathroom Floor and Walls

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If you’re ready to install new tiles on your bathroom floor and walls, you can either hire a professional tiler or put your DIY skills to the test. With the right materials, tools, and a bit of preparation, nearly any homeowner can tackle this job by themselves.

Prepare the Surface

Tiles don’t stick to just any surface. If your floors or walls are uneven or have cracks, the floor tiles more than likely won’t adhere. The key to professional results is to make sure you have smooth, level surfaces before you even pick it up.

To prepare your walls, fill in any dents or cracks with some plaster. If your walls are in bad condition all over, you may want to fix some backer boards to give your tiles something to make them stick. You can also fix backer boards to your wooden floors. However, if you have concrete, use a levelling compound to smooth out the surface.

Pick Your Tiles and Design

You can be creative when selecting your floor and wall tiles. Ceramic and porcelain are both excellent choices for wet rooms, and they are also highly durable. Floor tiles should be load-bearing and non-slip, while wall tiles need to be lighter. Remember to pick tiles that suit the size of your bathroom. Go large for big spaces, and choose smaller tiles for compact rooms. You can also create a mosaic design on the wall using specific mosaic tiles or just a variety of coloured tiles.

Put the Tiles in Place

Secure the tiles on the wall or floor using a strong adhesive. The size of your floor tiles will designate which type of glue you need. Once the adhesive dries, fill in the gaps using a heavy-duty grout. It may surprise you to learn that grout comes in many different colours. Choose one that enhances the look of your new tiles.

Professional tilers recommend waterproofing the substrate around the shower area before you fit the tiles. You should also stick the wall tiles before you begin any work on the floor. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait until the floor tiles completely dry and settle before you finish the walls.

Seal Your Work

After the grout has dried to the touch, it’s time to place your masterpiece. Make sure you apply a silicone sealant to any edges that may come in contact with water, such as around the basin or shower. Don’t run any water until your layer of sealant has time to dry.

Extras to Consider

Before you start tiling, decide if you want to renovate anything else in your bathroom at the same time. If you need to add a substrate to your floor, consider installing underfloor heating. You’ll never have to worry about stepping onto cold tiles every again. You can also add tile trims where the wall meets the floor for a more finished look.

Do read over this floor tile fitter cost guide at Moderniser to get a feel for the budget requirements.

Taking your time to come up with the perfect design will ensure you enjoy your new bathroom floor and wall tiles for many years to come.