Basic Instructions for Tiling Bathrooms and Kitchens

Discover easy basic techniques for DIY tiling. Simple tiling tips to make that tiling job look neat and professional...

Tiling isn’t always easy… but it can be straightforward, and it probably won’t be anywhere near as bad as you are expecting…

Having said this, tiling is certainly not a job that my fiancé and I relish at all…

You do need a basic level of DIY skills to be able to complete your DIY tiling bathrooms and kitchens confidently, and to a good standard.

These basic techniques and instructions and tiling tips can really help you if you need a few pointers. If you still aren’t confident of doing a good job after reading these, consider employing a professional to do the job for you – DIY tiling really isn’t for everyone!

Most people, however, with some DIY knowledge and experience will be able to complete a DIY tiling project without too much trauma, though…

We have just completed tiling our own bathroom, using these instructions and tiling tips… and this time I think we made a pretty good job of it. I say ‘we’ but it was Ian, my fiancé, who did all the hard work – so, thanks Ian :o)

Before you start your tiling bathrooms or kitchens project, take a look at these tiling kitchen and tiling bathroom ideas for choosing tiles.

Also think whether you really need to tile? Can you make the job easier on yourself by looking at these renovating your tiling tips, instead.

First of all, make sure that you have got the preparations right – look at these essential DIY tiling preparations…

Now, you should be well sorted to actually start your DIY project for tiling bathrooms or kitchens…

Applying the Adhesive

• Use a waterproof adhesive for bathrooms, or areas likely to come into contact with water.
• Use a flexible adhesive if you are applying tiles to a wall board.
• Use a heat resistant adhesive if you are tiling a fireplace, or around a cooker, or hob, in the kitchen.
• Spread adhesive over the wall, using a special notched spreader, or trowel.
• Cover about 1m² to work on at a time.
• If you are using any plastic edgings which fit under the tiles, use these now

Applying the Tiles

• Place your first tile in the corner created by the vertical and horizontal wooden battens (look at these DIY tiling preparations for more information about this), or in another suitable corner
• Press the tile into position, so that it is firm and flat
• Use plastic tile spacers between the tiles, to leave neat, uniform gaps for the grout lines
• Add more tiles, to complete the area pre-prepared with adhesive, before moving onto the adjoining area.
• Keep checking your tiles are level with a spirit level
• Once the adhesive and tiles have set, you can remove the wooden battens (if you used them) – after about 12 hours.

Cutting the Tiles

• For any part tiles you might need, you will need to cut your tiles…
• For part tiles along the edges:
  • Turn your tile face down in position, and mark on the top and bottom edges of the adjoining tile (remember to leave a gap for grouting), then cut along these lines
• Use:
  • A tile cutting ‘jig’. The jig helps you measure the tile, then scours it and snaps it
  • Tile pincers/nibblers - These are hand held tools that enable you to bite away, little by little, at the tile. This is useful if you just need to remove a corner from a tile, rather than a strip – or if a very fine strip needs removing.
  • A tile saw. This is good for cutting curves or sections out of a tile. Scour and cut 2 or more lines, then snap the bit out of the middle.

Applying the Grout

• Once all the tiles are in place, you can think about the grout. Wait about 24 hours before grouting.




• You can use:
  • white grout
  • colored grout
  • waterproof grout
  • mould resistant grout
• Use a rubber bladed spreader (or a sponge) to apply the grout into the joints. Use the spreader to wipe across the tiles and joints in all directions.
• Before the grout hardens, wipe the surface of the tiles with a slightly damp sponge (but be careful not to wipe the grout out of the joints).

  Pay special attention to this, as we know from experience how difficult it can be to remove hardened grout from tiles – a nightmare!




• Smooth the grout joints down with a blunt point (like a sharpened dowel) or even just your finger.
• When the grout is dry, polish the tiles up with a soft, dry cloth.
• Use quadrant tiles, or ceramic or plastic coving, or adhesive strips, for the joint between tiles and bath/shower.

  If you wish to use sealant for this joint, use a special, silicone-based, flexible and waterproof sealant. If you are putting it around a bath, fill your bath with water first.

Click here for information about tiling a floor...

Now you’ve sorted your tiling, take a look at…

• kitchen decorating tips
• decorating bathrooms tips

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