How Easy Is It to Lay Your Own Tiled Flooring? Five Top Tips

Tiled flooring is something many of us are turning to across our home, in bathrooms, kitchens, conservatories and even across living spaces these days. For the most part, we hire a professional to install those tiles, getting the best possible service and, in turn, the best possible results. 

However, some of us see it as a DIY challenge to take up. Whether you’re looking to lay natural stone tiles in the kitchen or add porcelain tiles in the bathroom, however, there are things you need to know about installing your own tiled flooring. Most notably, how easy actually is it?

The truth is, it is a difficult task. That’s why it is a profession in its own right. However, it is achievable if you do the right preparation, have the right tools and have the patience, care and attention to do it right. 

Of course, the difficulty of the project can vary on the size and shape of the room, as well as the type of tiles you’ve purchased, but if you’re looking to give it a go, here are five top tips to get it right…

Proper Preparation Is Key

First and foremost, preparation is absolutely key. You need to prepare the subfloor properly, while ensuring the surface is clean, level and free from any dust, debris or grease. You should also look to repair any imperfections in the subfloor before starting to lay your tiles.

You may need to apply a primer or underlay to improve adhesion and prevent moisture penetration, with the whole preparation process reducing the risk of problems further down the line.

Choose the Right Tiles and Tools

It’s also important to get the tiles and tools right. You need to pick tiles that are suitable for their intended use and environment, as well as considering the size, colour and texture to make sure they suit your space.

Investing in quality adhesive, grout and sealant is also incredibly important to ensure your flooring is going to stand the test of time. Getting hold of the right tools will also make the installation a much simpler task.

Plan the Layout Carefully

Before you start laying the tiles, take the time to plan out the layout carefully to ensure you get a professional looking finish. Measure the dimensions of the room in order to work out how many tiles you need and where you need to make cuts. 

Considering the placement is vital, particularly around walls, doorways and fixtures in order to get the most visually pleasing layout. Use tile spacers at this point to get consistent spacing and make sure the grout lines you will create will be straight. It’s always useful to do a dry run first before you get any adhesive involved.

Understand the Techniques

Learning the proper techniques for laying tiles really is a must. If you don’t know how to do it properly, you are much, much better off hiring a professional. It’s a process that takes a lot of work and there are plenty of online resources to lay tiles out there to guide you through laying the likes of natural stone tiles. 

Take Your Time and Be Patient

Finally, while taking on the project yourself will save money, it won’t save time. And that’s perfectly fine. You need to take your time and be patient throughout the process. It can be time consuming but rushing can lead to mistakes and uneven results.

Carefully follow manufacturer instructions and allow adequate drying time for each step. Take breaks and pay attention to the details. By doing this, you’ll get the results you want and a tiled floor you can be proud of.