13/08/2026
practical tips for installing floor or wall tiles, these will make a big difference:
1. Prepare the surface well — it should be clean, dry, solid, and reasonably level. Fix cracks and uneven areas first.
2. Plan the layout before applying adhesive — dry-lay tiles and avoid ending with very narrow pieces at walls.
3. Use the correct adhesive for the tile type and surface. Large-format tiles need especially good coverage.
4. Keep consistent joints using tile spacers or a leveling system.
5. Spread adhesive with a notched trowel and comb it in one direction. For large tiles, back-butter the tile too.
6. Check level frequently — don’t wait until the adhesive has set.
7. Don’t rush cutting — measure twice, cut once. Use a proper tile cutter or wet saw for clean edges.
8. Leave movement/edge gaps around walls and fixed structures; don’t grout these gaps solid.
9. Let the adhesive cure properly before walking on the floor or grouting.
10. Grout carefully — force grout fully into the joints, remove excess with a damp sponge, and clean haze after it sets.
11. Use silicone at changes of plane (e.g., wall-to-floor corners), rather than rigid grout.
12. Buy some extra tiles — usually around 10% extra for cuts and future repairs.
