Bathroom floor tiles offer a sleek and timeless look, elevating the atmosphere of your bathroom. With an abundance of styles to choose from, you can customise the room to match the mood.

Today, Beesley and Fildes will guide you through the installation process for bathroom floor tiles. Browse our range of bathroom tiles today to find the perfect match for you.

How to Prepare

Bathroom floor tiles are relatively easy to install, making them the perfect DIY project. To do this, you will need to gather the following equipment:

Materials and Tools Needed

Tiles
Tile adhesive
Grout
Spacers
Sealant
Measuring tape and level
Tile cutter
Notched trowel
Grout float
Sponge and bucket
Chalk line or a laser-level

Measuring the Space

Accurate measurements are needed to ensure that the tiles fit securely in place. To do this, measure the length and width of your floor with a tape measure.

Then, multiply the length by the width to get the area of your bathroom in square metres. For example, if your bathroom is 3 metres long and 2 metres wide, the area is 3 x 2 = 6 square metres. Add an extra 10% to the calculation to account for cuts and waste.

If your bathroom isn’t a perfect rectangle, measure it in sections and calculate the area of each one, adding them together at the end.

Planning your Bathroom Tile Layout

A well-planned bathroom is key to achieving a harmonious and cohesive look. To do this, complete the steps below:

Choose a Design

Consider classic patterns like straight lay, diagonal, or herringbone. For smaller bathrooms, diagonal patterns can make the room appear larger.

Laying the tiles lengthwise can also make a narrow bathroom feel wider. To add character and depth, patterns like basketweave and windmill are the perfect choice.

Mark your Starting Point

Divide the length and width of your bathroom by two to find the centre of each. Then, mark these points to find the perfect centre point for your tiles.

Use a straight edge and a chalk line to draw lines connecting the midpoints of each wall. Without adhesive, lay the tiles from the centre line towards the starting wall using spacers.

Then, mark a straight line parallel to the starting wall and use this as your guide when laying the first row of tiles.

How to Lay the Floor Tiles

Now that you have sufficiently prepared, it’s time to start laying the tiles.

1. Mix the Adhesive

Choose a waterproof adhesive and mix it in a bucket with water while stirring, following the manufacturer's guidelines for the measurements. Ensure it’s not too runny or thick for the perfect consistency.

Allow the adhesive to sit for a few minutes after mixing to help improve its bonding qualities.

2. Apply the Adhesive

Begin at your marked spot and scoop some adhesive onto the area with the flat side of the trowel.

Then, use the trowel to spread it over a small area. Once it’s covered, hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and use the notched side to create ridges in the adhesive.

Only spread as much adhesive as you can in 10-15 minutes to prevent it from drying out. Maintain a wet edge in the adhesive to ensure good bonding when new tiles are placed.

3. Place the Tiles

Place the first tile down on your marked point and gently press it into the adhesive with a slight twist or back-and-forth motion.

Continue placing the tiles, ensuring they’re aligned with your layout lines. Use tile spacers to maintain even gaps between the tiles for grouting.

Use a straight edge or level to check if they’re even.

4. Cut the Tiles

For tiles that need to fit around edges, corners, or obstacles, use a tile cutter for straight cuts and a tile nipper or wet saw for curved cuts or notches.

Follow the guides below for each option:

Tile cutter: Position the tile in the cutter, aligning the cutting wheel with the marked line. Then, score the tile by pushing the wheel across the surface and pressing the handle down to cut it.
Wet saw: Fill the saw's reservoir with water and turn it on. Then, gently push the tile through the blade, cutting slowly for a smoother edge.
Tile nipper: Trace the tile nippers along the marked line and make small, incremental clips.

5. Apply the Grout

Use mould-resistant and waterproof grout for bathrooms. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's guidelines and allow it to sit for a few minutes.

Then, spread the grout over the tiles with a rubber grout float. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle and work it firmly into the joints in a diagonal pattern.

After filling the joints, hold the float at a 90-degree angle and scrape off any excess from the tile surface. Use a damp sponge to gently smooth out the grout.

6. Final Touches

Once the grout has been applied, apply a sealant to the tiles. Porous tiles like natural stone, marble, unglazed ceramic, and slate require sealing.

Wait 24-48 hours after cleaning the tiles before applying. Then, use a foam brush or roller to cover the entire surface with sealant.

Re-design Your Bathroom with Beesley and Fildes

At Beesley and Fildes, we offer a wide range of bathroom floor tiles to upgrade the quality and design of your floor.

From marble patterns to stone-effect tiles, we have something for everyone. High-quality flooring at a low cost; it’s a win-win!

Browse our range today or contact us for more information.