How to Tile a Floor

23-04-2025

Tiling a floor is a project most DIYers can tackle confidently. Whether you're giving your kitchen a fresh look, updating a bathroom, or tiling a hallway, this guide will walk you through the process from prep to polish.

And if you don’t have the tools to hand? You can hire tile cutters and other essential equipment from Speedy Hire, saving money without compromising on quality.

If you have existing tiles on your floor, you will need a tile remover. One of these can also remove sheet vinyl, linoleum, cork, or bonded carpet. So, if you’re having difficulty bringing up your old flooring, it can really come in handy. Read our blog on how to remove a tiled floor.

What you need to tile a floor

You will need the materials for tiling, and safety and PPE wear.

Safety Equipment:

Safety goggles
Protective gloves

Tools:

Tile Cutter
Tile adhesive
Tape measure
Masking tape
Chalk line
Trowel
Notch spreader
Spirit level
Damp sponge or cloth
Tile spacers
Rubber mallet
Grout
Sealant

If you will also need to cut tiles to shape around a bathroom sink or toilet, you may want a handheld tile cutter too. The large tile saw above will give you straight cuts or cuts at a 45-degree angle in an instant, and the handheld one allows you to be more delicate.

Before you begin

Always read the instructions for the tools and equipment you need before you begin any DIY task. When you hire any tools from Speedy, they will come with instructions. Read through this pack before you start the job.

When tiling, you should also read the instructions for the adhesive before preparing your room. Depending on the type you need, they may vary from brand to brand. The type of adhesive required will depend on your type of tile, tile material and the floor surface you’re fixing them to.

How to lay floor tiles

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Your subfloor should be clean, dry, and level. Remove any old flooring, fill in holes, and ensure it's free from dust. For wooden floors, you might need to lay a backer board or tile backer to prevent movement.

Step 1: Find the centre of the room

Find the exact centre of your room. This will be where the first tile is placed. Use your tape measure and chalk line here.

You may also want to apply masking tape around the skirting boards of your room to protect them from any adhesive and sealant, as well as around any appliances or plumbing.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout

Before you start tiling, dry lay your tiles to plan the best layout. Start from the centre of the room and work your way outwards, ensuring any cut tiles are evenly placed along edges.

Use tile spacers to visualise grout lines. Adjust as needed to avoid tiny, awkward cuts along one wall.

Step 3: Mix Your Adhesive

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a mixing paddle attached to a drill for a smooth, lump-free mix. Only mix what you can use in about 30–40 minutes.

Step 4: Spread the Adhesive

Using a notched trowel, spread the tile adhesive onto a small section of the floor—roughly 1m² at a time. Work in sections to prevent the adhesive from drying out before the tiles are down.

Step 5: Lay the Tiles

Press each tile firmly into the adhesive, using a slight twisting motion. Use tile spacers between each tile for even gaps. Tap gently with a rubber mallet if needed to level.

Check regularly with a spirit level to ensure tiles are sitting evenly.

Step 6: Cut Tiles to Fit Edges

When you reach the room’s edges or fixtures, measure and cut tiles as needed. A manual tile cutter works for straight cuts; an electric tile cutter is better for tricky or curved edges.

Speedy Hire offers both types, so you can choose what suits your job best.

Step 7: Let the Adhesive Set

Leave the tiles to set for 24 hours before walking on them or starting to grout.

Step 8: Apply the Grout

Remove the spacers, then use a grout float to work grout into the gaps at a 45-degree angle. Wipe away excess with a damp sponge before it dries.

Leave to cure as per the packaging instructions, then buff the tiles with a clean cloth.

Step 9: Final Clean & Seal (Optional)

Once everything’s dry, give the floor a final wipe. If your tiles or grout are porous, consider applying a sealant to protect them from stains and moisture.