How to Tile like a pro: A guide for beginners 2025

Whether renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or hallway, proper planning and execution are key. So in this guide on “How to tile a floor,” we will help you learn the floor tiling easily.

• Tools & Materials
• Prepare the subfloor
• Check door clearance
• Plan your layout
• Mix the adhesive
• Begin tiling
• Continue in sections
• Cutting-edge tiles
• Fit and install cut tiles
• Finishing Touches
• Grouting

Tools & Materials You'll Need:

• Floor tiles
  
• Tile cutter
  
• Tile spacers and leveling clips
  
• Rubber mallet
  
• Spirit level
  
• Tape measure & pencil
  
• Set square
  
• Mixing bucket
  
• Drill with paddle mixer
  
• Tile adhesive (standard or rapid-set)
  
• Serrated trowel
  
• PPE (gloves, goggles, mask)
  
• Optional: grinder with diamond blade for custom cuts
  

Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor

Ensure your subfloor is solid, clean, and level. If tiling over wooden floorboards, install cement board underlayment, screwed securely into joints. Sweep and vacuum the area to remove dust and debris. Check for any uneven spots using a spirit level.

Step 2: Check Door Clearance

Test tile height by placing a tile under the door (with adhesive clearance in mind).
If the tile obstructs the door, mark the required trimming height and remove the door from its hinges. Trim using a planer or saw, and re-hang to ensure clearance once tiles are installed.

Step 3: Plan Your Layout

Draw your room on graph paper, using a scale (e.g., 1 square = 10 cm). Plan the tile layout starting from the center of the room for symmetry. Avoid small slivers of tile at edges—adjust your layout to split edge cuts more evenly. Decide on a pattern: straight lay, staggered (brickwork), or diagonal.

Step 4: Mix the Adhesive

Pour clean, cold water into your mixing bucket (approx. 5L for a 20kg bag). Gradually add adhesive powder while mixing with a paddle drill until smooth and lump-free. The adhesive should be thick but spreadable (like creamy peanut butter).

Step 5: Begin Tiling

Start from your planned center point. Use the flat edge of the trowel to spread adhesive, then comb with the serrated edge to create ridges. Press tiles firmly into the adhesive and give a slight twist to ensure full contact. Use tile spacers and leveling clips to ensure uniform spacing and even height between tiles. Tap gently with a rubber mallet for a flush finish.

Step 6: Continue in Sections

Lay a few tiles at a time, working in manageable areas. Use a string line or straight edge to keep rows aligned. Frequently check levels with a spirit level . Avoid spreading too much adhesive at once, especially when using rapid-set.

Step 7: Cutting Edge Tiles

There are two primary ways to measure edge tiles:

Method 1: Tile-on-Tile Marking

1. Place a tile directly over the last full tile.
   
2. Take another tile, place it flush against the wall, and mark where it overlaps the tile below.
   
3. Cut along the marks, allowing a 6mm gap for expansion.
   

Method 2: Tape Measure

1. Measure the distance from the wall to the last full tile.
   
2. Subtract space for spacers and expansion (around 6mm).
   
3. Mark and cut your tile accordingly.
   

Use a tile cutter for straight cuts or a grinder with a diamond blade for notches and curves.

Step 8: Fit and Install Cut Tiles

Dry-fit all cut tiles to ensure accurate fitting. Use a grinder to trim further if gaps are too tight. When satisfied, spread adhesive in the same manner and lay the cut tiles. Pay special attention around door frames and fixtures templates using cardboard can help with tricky shapes.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Allow adhesive to set as recommended (typically a few hours or overnight). Remove all leveling clips and spacers once the adhesive is cured. Clean the floor to remove any dried adhesive or dust. Check the floor for level and alignment.