How to tile a bathroom floor

Reflooring a bathroom with new tiles is a great way to spruce up the area and give it new life. But if this is your first attempt, it can be a little difficult. Oh, no worries though – tiling the bathroom floor is relatively easy and can even be quite therapeutic, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just starting out.

If you are still uncertain of "how to tile a bathroom floor," this article will provide you with the steps of the process with handy tips and tricks. From the selection of the bathroom floor tiles to the proper method of installation we will ensure you end up with a gorgeous floor that stands the test of time.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!


Firstly, Gather All Materials

Before starting the floor tiling of your bathroom, keep all the necessary materials handy for this project, including 

  • Stylish bathroom floor tiles
  • Tile adhesive and grout
  • Notched trowel and grout float
  • Tile spacers
  • Tile cutter or wet saw
  • Tape measure and level
  • Pencil and chalk line
  • Sponge and bucket of water

Now, Let's Get Tiling!

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

A smooth, clean surface is essential for tiling. Begin by pulling up the previous flooring and checking the condition of the substrate to ensure that it is flat, dry, and free from particles. If necessary, level off the floor surface with a self-levelling compound to ensure a level floor surface. This step creates better adherence of the floor tiles thus eliminating cases of cracking, uneven surface, or distortion in the future.


Step 2: Plan Your Layout

Designing the tiling layout is significantly vital in ensuring a perfect finish. The first step is to take measurements of the floor area of your bathroom and mark the exact centre point. This will assist you in determining how to tile a bathroom floor. Hence, they do not have to be cut in half. Production of an adhesive-less mock-up is helpful since it enables one to envision the position and make some corrections before sticking to any piece.


Step 3: Cutting the Tiles

Not every tile will be properly aligned along the edges or around curves such as the toilets and sinks. Trim the tiles with the help of a tile cutter or wet saw to fit these areas appropriately. Be very patient while at it. Accuracy especially when cutting will determine how well your floor will look in the long run.


Step 4: Applying the Adhesive

When you get the layout correct, start sticking the tiles down properly. Take a notched trowel. Then apply a thin layer of tile adhesive at the middle of the floor and spread it outwards. Use sufficient quantities of adhesive to cover a small area at one time. Let the adhesive dry up before placing the tiles.


Step 5: Laying the Bathroom floor tiles

Apply each tile to the adhesive strongly and maintain the right distances between each tile using tile spacers. Ensure that the tiles are horizontally aligned periodically, applying a spirit level in case the tiles need to be levelled. Keep placing tiles all over the floor systematically to cover every area of the house.


Step 6: Grouting the Gaps

When the adhesive has dried up which normally takes one day, it is time to grout  tiles. Prepare your grout following the manufacturer’s instructions, and spread it across the tile surfaces using a grout float to drive it into the seam areas. Wipe off any excess grout with a sponge and do it gently to avoid rubbing off the grout lines.


Step 7: Final Touches

After the grout has been set, wipe the floor tiles with a clean cloth to eliminate any grout residue. Use silicone sealant to round off joints to reduce water infiltration, especially to fixtures and walls. Finally, stand back and admire your work – all those nicely arranged tiles on the floor of your bathroom that are both stylish and long-lasting.


Tile Topia's Commitment to You Beyond the Basics

Tiling a bathroom floor is a rewarding project that can dramatically transform your space. By following these steps, you can achieve a professional result without the professional price tag. So, take the plunge and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a space that reflects your personal style and meets your functional needs.

Tile Topia prides itself on offering unique bathroom floor tiles designs and exceptional quality that elevate any bathroom floor. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Tile Topia ensures you have everything you need to complete your tiling project confidently.


FAQs

How do you tile a bathroom floor?

Start by preparing the surface, plan your layout, cut tiles as needed, apply adhesive, lay tiles, grout the gaps, and finish with sealing.

How to clean bathroom floor tiles?

Regularly sweep or vacuum, then mop with warm water and a mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the grout or tile finish.

How much to tile a bathroom floor?

Costs vary depending on tile type, bathroom size, and labour. On average, expect to pay between £500-£1,500 for a small to medium-sized bathroom.