1. How to Lay
Floor Tiles
Tiles are the ideal flooring choice
for kitchens, bathrooms, utility
rooms, and high traffic areas.
Whether it is for a new building
or a renovation.
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2. Step 1: Prepare Surrounding Area
• Remove all fittings and fixtures
that are attached to the floor,
such as the toilet, sink and
cupboards. Pull up any existing
floor covering such as linoleum
or carpet; floor tiles need a solid
base in order to prevent the
grout from cracking.
• Never lay tiles directly onto floor
boards; screw down a sheet of
half inch plywood first using
corrosion resistant screws.
3. Step 2: Plan Layout
• It is important to plan your tiling
properly. It is unlikely that the floor
will be exactly the right width and
length that you will not have to cut
any tiles, so planning will help you
decide where cut tiles will be
needed and to what size they need
to be cut.
• Lay a cross shape of full sized,
uncut tiles from one end of the
room to the other. You will want the
cut tiles to have as little visual
impact as possible so consider the
positioning of the bath, toilet and
cupboards.
4. Step 3: Prepare Tile Spacers
• Tile spacers are used to help
you space tiles out evenly,
creating a professional
finished look.
• It will be necessary to trim the
tile spacers for use around the
edge of the room.
• Carefully use a sharp knife to
remove one or more of the
arms as required.
5. Step 4: Apply Tile Adhesive
• Apply tile adhesive directly to
the floor with a toothed floor
tile applicator.
• Apply adhesive to a small
section at a time.
6. Step 5: Lay First Tile
• Position the first tile into place
and press down firmly on the
tile with the heel of your hands.
This is important to ensure the
tiles will be completely flat and
not sitting proud on a layer of
adhesive.
• While tiling, avoid putting your
body weight on to the newly laid
tiles; give tiles 24 hours to fully
set first. Always work backward
towards the door.
7. Step 6: Lay Rest of Tiles
• Position the next tile beside
the first tile using the tile
spacers to keep the joints
uniform. Check the alignment
of the tiles as you go along
with a spirt level to ensure the
tiles are both level and
straight.
• Repeat steps 4 – 6 until the
whole floor is tiled.