How to Tile a Bathroom Floor in Sydney: A Step-By-Step Guide For Homeowners

Tiling a bathroom floor can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can achieve professional-looking results in your Sydney bathroom.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of tiling a bathroom floor, including selecting the right materials, preparing the surface, laying the tile, and grouting.

Before you get started with your new floor

The first step in tiling a bathroom floor is to choose the right materials. When it comes to bathroom tile, there are many options to choose from including ceramic, porcelain, marble, and mosaic. Each type of tile has its own unique properties, so it’s important to choose one that is suitable for your bathroom. For example, porcelain tile is more durable than ceramic tile, but it is also more expensive.

When it comes to grout, you have the option of choosing between sanded and unsanded grout. Sanded grout is best for larger tile gaps while unsanded grout is best for smaller tile gaps. 

It’s also important to choose the right adhesive for your tile. A tile adhesive, also known as thinset, is a cement-based product that is used to bond the tile to the substrate.

Before you start tiling, it’s important to measure and plan out your design. This includes determining the size and shape of your bathroom, as well as the size and shape of the tiles you plan to use. It’s also important to consider the placement of fixtures such as the toilet, sink, and bathtub, as these will affect the overall design of the tile layout. Once you have a plan in place, you can start preparing the materials and tools you will need for the project.

Not sure about DIY? Check out our blog: Is Tiling Easy? The Quick Guide for DIY Tilers

Steps to tile a bathroom floor

Now that you have picked out all of the essentials, it’s time to get to work in your bathroom. Whether you attempt to do this as a DIY project or hire out a floor tiling expert, the steps to get your new bathroom floor in order will be the same. 

1. Prepare the surface

Getting the surface ready for the tiles is one of the most important steps in the process. This includes removing any existing tile or flooring, cleaning the surface, and making any necessary repairs. If the surface is uneven, it should be levelled with a self-levelling compound. If there are any cracks or holes in the surface, they should be filled with a patching compound.

2. Mark out the floor

Once the surface is prepared, it’s time to start laying the tile. Begin by measuring the area of the bathroom floor and marking the center of the room. Use a level to ensure that the surface is even and will be ready to accept the tile levelly. 

3. Dry fit the tiles

Before you start applying the adhesive, it’s a good idea to dry fit the tiles first. This means laying out the tiles on the floor without the adhesive to ensure that the layout is correct and that there are no mistakes. This step is especially important if you are working with a complex tile pattern, or if you are working in a small bathroom where every tile counts.

4. Cut the tiles

Once you have your tiles, you will need to cut them to fit around the edges and corners of the room. You can use a tile cutter or a wet saw to cut the tiles. 

A tile cutter is a manual tool that is perfect for cutting straight lines, while a wet saw is an electric tool that can be used to make more complex cuts. If you don’t feel comfortable making the cuts yourself, you can also hire a professional tile cutter to do the job for you.

5. Apply the adhesive

Once you are satisfied with the tile layout, it’s time to apply the adhesive. You can use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive on the floor, making sure that it is evenly distributed. You should start in the center of the room and work your way out to the edges. Be sure to work quickly, as the adhesive can dry out quickly.

6. Lay the tiles

With the adhesive in place, it’s time to start laying the tiles. Start in the center of the room and work your way out to the edges. Make sure that the tiles are level and that there are no gaps between them. You can use a tile spacer to help keep the tiles evenly spaced. Once all of the tiles are in place, you can use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to gently tap the tiles into place and ensure a tight fit.

7. Allow the adhesive to dry

Once all of the tiles are in place, it’s important to allow the adhesive to dry. This can take anywhere from 24-48 hours, depending on the type of adhesive you are using. During this time, it’s important to keep the bathroom well ventilated and to avoid walking on the tiles.

8. Install the grout

Now it’s time to grout. Grout is used to fill the gaps between the tiles and to provide a finished look to the bathroom floor. 

To do this, mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to the gaps between the tiles using a rubber float. Make sure that the grout is evenly distributed and that there are no empty spaces.

After the grout has been applied, use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess grout from the surface of the tile. Allow the grout to dry for at least 24 hours before walking on the tile.

9. Clean the Tiles

This includes removing any remaining grout haze and dirt from the surface of the tiles. You can use a mild detergent and a damp cloth to wipe down the surface of the tile. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers as they can damage the surface of the tiles.

10. Finish and seal

The final step in tiling a bathroom floor is to finish the tile. This includes applying a sealer to the grout to protect it from moisture and stains.

A sealer is a liquid that is applied to the grout to create a barrier between the grout and the water. This will help to prevent the grout from cracking or discolouring over time. You can apply the sealer with a brush or roller, and it will typically take about 24 hours to dry.

Overcome all your challenges when tiling a bathroom

Tiling a bathroom floor can be a challenging task, but with the right materials, preparation, and steps, you can achieve professional looking results. By following the right steps, you can enjoy a beautiful and durable bathroom floor that will last for years to come.

You can also achieve the bathroom of your dreams by outsourcing the work to a professional tiler. They’ll be more likely to have all of the equipment, not to mention the know-how, to streamline the project and complete it in less time, and with less stress, than doing the project yourself.

Give your bathroom a makeover with the team at NHK Tiling

Whether you’re just in the market for new tiles or want to contract out the best tilers in Sydney, look no further than NHK Tiling. Our team is renowned for providing quality products and installations with a 100% customer satisfaction approach. We use only the highest quality materials, every one of our tilers are insured, licensed, and accredited to do the job right the first time with an eye to detail.

With over 24 years or experience, there’s no job that’s too big or too small for our team. If you’re considering a bathroom tile makeover, give us a call on 0402 462 570 or request a free quote today.