We've made it super easy for you to buy tiles, and now we want to teach you how to install them. Welcome to our awesome tiling tutorials, where you'll find easy-to-follow guides for all your tiling projects. We'll show you everything from laying the tiles to grouting and adding those finishing touches. You'll learn how to lay tiles, fill grouts, apply sealant, and much more!

Let's start with laying tiles on the floor. Here are the tools you'll need:

• Trowel
• Float
• Cutting tool
• Spacers
• Buckets
• Sponges
• Tape
• Utility knife

Before You Begin:

1. Gather all the tools and materials you need.
2. Plan the layout of your design by finding the centre of the room. Measure the length of one wall and divide it in half. Then do the same for the opposite wall. Connect the two centre points with a line on the floor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Start by dry laying the tiles without adhesive. This will help you plan the layout. Use spacers to ensure even spacing between tiles.

Step 2: Avoid using small tile pieces called "silver cuts" that are less than half a tile. If you end up with a silver cut, adjust the layout.

Step 3: Once you have the layout, plan the order in which you'll tile around the room. Aim to finish near a door to avoid getting trapped.

Step 4: Read the instructions on the adhesive packaging and follow them carefully.

Step 5: Begin by applying tile adhesive using a gauging trowel. Spread it across an area of about 1m². Use the smooth side of the trowel to spread the adhesive evenly, and then create ridges by drawing the serrated edge through it. This will ensure a level surface.

Step 6: Press the first tile firmly into the adhesive, using a twisting motion to secure it. Repeat this with the next tile and use spacers to maintain even spacing. Make sure the spacers are pushed below the tile surface so they won't be visible when you grout later.

Step 7: Check regularly with a spirit level to ensure the tiles are flat. If any are uneven, tap them gently with a rubber mallet to adjust. Wipe off any adhesive from the tile face with a damp cloth as you go.

Step 8: Allow the adhesive to dry completely, which can take up to 48 hours.

Step 9: Once the adhesive is dry, you can start the grouting process. Before you begin, remove any dust or debris from the surface and ensure the spacers are flat and not sticking up.

Step 10: Follow the grout instructions on the packaging and mix the grout to the right consistency. Use a gauging trowel to apply the grout into the joints, using a grout float. Make sure the grout is level with the tile surface and covers the spacers.

Step 11: After grouting a few rows, smooth the joints with a grout finisher to create a neat finish. Wipe off any excess grout from the tile surface using a damp sponge.

Step 12: Continue grouting, finishing, and wiping as you progress around the room. Once you're done, avoid walking on the floor and allow the grout to set.

Step 13: Once everything is set, wipe the floor again with a damp cloth to remove any remaining grout. Then use a dry cloth to remove excess grout from the tiles.

Step 14: Finally, seal around the edges with a flexible sealant that matches the grout colour. This helps accommodate any movement between the wall and floor. Apply a continuous line of sealant from one end of the skirting board to the other.

Step 15: Wait for about 24 hours before using the floor to allow everything to fully set.

How to Lay Tile on the Wall

Tools and Equipment:

• Wall Tiles
• Filler (if needed for wall repairs)
• Tile adhesive
• Tile spacers
• Sanitary sealant
• Grout
• Multi-purpose cloths

Tools:

• Rule
• Tape measure
• Pencil or felt-tip pen (for marking tiles)
• Trowel
• Notched trowel (also known as a notched spreader)
• Grout spreader (also known as a grout float)
• Grout finisher (also known as a grout shaper)
• Claw hammer
• Sponge
• Bucket
• Spirit level
• Sealant smoother

Before You Begin:

1. Plan your tiling by dry laying the tiles.
2. Make sure you have enough tiles and adhesive to cover the area.
3. Plan the position of the tiles for more effective tiling.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Start from the corner and put some tile adhesive on the trowel. Press it into the wall and spread it using a notched trowel, covering an area of around 1m². Hold the notched trowel at a 45-degree angle to create ridges in the adhesive, ensuring equal distribution.

Step 2: Place the first tile in the corner, pressing the edges firmly against the wall. Add another tile above and next to the original, using tile spacers as you go. Wipe off any excess adhesive with a damp cloth before it dries.

Step 3: Ensure the tile spacers are pushed in firmly and positioned under the tiles.

Step 4: Continue applying tiles in this manner, covering the 1m² area of adhesive. Check the tile placements and spacers. Add another square meter of adhesive and tiles, repeating the process until the entire space is covered.

Step 5: Add additional tiles above the ones already applied, continuing until you've tiled the area covered with adhesive. Apply another square meter of adhesive and tiles until all the whole tiles are fixed.

Step 6: Once the tiles have dried, apply the grout. Starting from the bottom left corner, press a small amount of grout onto the tile face. Use a grout spreader to make long diagonal strokes, working the grout into the joints between the tiles.

Step 7: Continue grouting all the joints as quickly as possible. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe off any grout on the tile faces. Be careful not to drag grout from the joints onto the faces of the tiles.

Step 8: Allow the grout to dry. Then, it's time to apply sealant.

Step 9: Run a continuous line of sealant from one end of the tiled area to the other, working from left to right. Maintain a steady speed and pressure, and smooth any irregularities with a sealant smoother. Leave it to dry.

How to Grout

Equipment:

• Grout
• Mixing paddle
• Clean mixing bucket
• Grouting float
• Bucket trowel
• Grouting sponge
• Gloves
• Tile polishing cloth
• Wash kit (e.g., grout clean-up pads)

 Before You Begin:

1. Check for any risk of staining on the tile by applying some grout on an offcut or leftover piece of tile and wiping it off. If a stain is left, consider purchasing a protective sealer.
2. Ensure that all grout lines are clean and free of dust or debris. Also, make sure the adhesive you applied is dry.
3. Tile spacers can be pushed further into the adhesive bed or completely removed to apply the grout smoothly.
4. When mixing the grout, add the powder into the water in your mixing bucket (not the other way around) to reduce lumps.
5. Always read the instructions on the grout package for mixing steps, as different grout may require different amounts of water. Mix small amounts regularly to avoid the mixture hardening over time.
6. Mix the grout at a slow speed until you achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency. Avoid overmixing to prevent trapping air in the mixture. Allow the mixture to stand for a few minutes after mixing, then remix slowly for 30 seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Hold the grout float at a 45° angle and apply enough grout mixture to fill the joints in the first square meter area. Use diagonal strokes to smooth the grout over the tile surface. If a line appears in the grout, it means you haven't pushed enough grout into the joint. Apply more grout and repeat the process.

Step 2: Once you're satisfied, remove the excess grout from the tile surface with the grout float and move on to the next area. Allow the grout to air dry for 15 minutes, then clean the surface of the grout with a dampened sponge. Remember to clean the sponge frequently.

Step 3: Avoid over-washing the grout joints, as this may remove the pigment. If you have over-washed the grout and white spots appear, sand down the top layer once the grout is fully dry and reapply.

Step 4: The grout should take around 24 hours to dry fully. If it's a shower room or bath, avoid using the area for 2 weeks to prevent water fermentation into the grout, which can damage it and lead to cracking.

Congratulations! You've successfully grouted your tiles and completed the tiling process.