Tiling the bathroom floor to achieve a professional finish

When it comes to bathroom floor tiling, this is an important part of a home improvement project, which can literally transform your space. However, you'll need to consider whether to hire an expert tiler or do the work yourself. If you plan to do the latter, follow our tips on what you'll need to consider from your tile spaces to tile cutter to achieve a floor you'll love for years to come.

Prepping the bathroom floor

Whether you want to tile a bathroom or a wet room, always check the condition of your existing floor before you start. Our Fennel Green Herringbone Honed Marble tiles create a striking wet room with a seamless transition from the floor to the walls

One of the most important aspects of this work is to check the condition of the existing bathroom floor. If there's any damage or perhaps your floor is uneven, you'll need to consider whether you can tile over the existing area or you need to remove what's there. Regardless, the untiled floor you are working with will need to be dry, clean and level before you continue.

How to measure for floor tiles & calculate the quantities required

Make sure you take exact measurements of the floor space - simply calculate the surface area by measuring the length by the width. When you work out how many floor tiles you'll need to cover your space, we always recommend ordering 10 to 15% more. This way, you'll be covered so you can cut your bathroom tiles to fit and factor in any waste. It's best to speak to a member of our team to ensure you can make an accurate calculation of how many tiles you'll actually need.

Picking bathroom floor tiles

Why not choose the same tiles for your bathroom walls and floor for a sleek, seamless finish? Our new Designers Guild Shibori Cobalt porcelain matt tiles have been inspired by Japanese tie-dyeing. In a geometric design, this design instantly adds a contemporary finish to a bathroom

There are some essentials to consider before you buy your tiles. Make sure your bathroom tiles are water-resistant. They also need to be laid properly and be ultra-durable underfoot. Don't forget to choose a floor tile design, which is slip resistant, too.

Think about the style you want to create and the overall design of your bathroom. Consider which materials will work best for your needs and the look you want to convey. Options range from porcelain and natural stone, which are compatible with underfloor heating and make a great choice in winter months, to ceramic tiles.

Don't forget to factor in a tile cutter so you're ready to start titling. This way, you can lay the floor and walls with ease. Our Pearl Alalpardo tile design is made from cement with a matt finish for a super-stylish finish in this bathroom

Tools and materials for tiling your bathroom floor

A handy tile cutter

You will need the right tools and materials if you're planning to do your bathroom floor tiling. A tile cutter is essential so you can cut bathroom tiles or you can use a wet tile saw to do the job. Either tool makes a great choice because they are designed to cut your tiles cleanly. As a result, your tiles will fit snugly into your floor layout, so you won't have to worry about any corners or edges.

A tile nipper

When cutting tiles with distinctive curves or other different shapes, you'll want a tile nipper. This works by chopping away small pieces of tile to gradually create the shape you require. A tile nipper can be ideal when you're working around bathroom pipes, for example.

Flat tile spacers

These tile spacers have been used in our natural stone flooring in this bathroom to create even spaces for a professional finish

Flat tile spacers are essential if you want to make sure every tile is evenly spaced. These small plastic spacers are placed between each tile so you're practically guaranteed a professional finish. Tile spacers are inexpensive pieces, which will enable you to use precision for kitchen and bathroom renovations and create a consistent grout lines too. This will give your bathroom floor a more even appearance overall.

Grout float and sponge

Your float will help you to apply the grout between the tile spaces and any excess grout can simply be wiped off with a grout sponge. This the best method if you want to apply and clean grout.

Notched trowel

When you get to applying the adhesive to your newly laid tiles, use a notched trowel for a smoother finish.

Make sure you've got all the right kit, ranging from your adhesive trowel to a damp cloth or sponge, before you begin any work to tile a bathroom floor properly. Our Clarissa Hulse Wild Botanicals Green porcelain tiles create a beautiful contrast with this pink freestanding bath!

Adhesives, grouts and sealants

These materials can play an important role when you're laying and finishing your bathroom floor because they can affect its appearance and the durability overall.

Adhesive:

You use adhesive to stick tiles to bathroom floors. This special bond helps to prevent loosening or shifting and we recommend water-resistant grout, because it will withstand moisture-heavy conditions. If you use a notched trowel, you can create grooves, which ultimately create a stronger bond. Then simply wait for the adhesive to be cured, as instructed by the adhesive manufacturer.

The grout you choose can instantly add to the look of your bathroom floor however it's also important for a variety of practical reasons. Our new Georgica Pond Diamond Polished tiles in a striking white marble are ideal for a contemporary wet room if you want your floor and walls to match. Sealing will be required

Grout:

Grout will play an important part of the process if you plan to tile a bathroom floor. This is after all how each individual tile is secured in place. The grout literally fills the gaps and prevents water and dirt from getting between each tile. You'll need to consider which colour you choose - do you want to blend or contrast this with your tile choice?

Grout sealer:

Don't forget to use a special sealer afterwards as this will protect it from any stains or water damage. It should also last longer and will still look clean and fresh over time.

Tile sealant:

Depending on which tile material you use, you may need a sealant so check with your tile supplier or manufacturer. This will then protect all the tiles on your bathroom floor if they require this. Porcelain, for example, is ultra durable and won't need to be sealed. However, this should be applied to a stone floor, for example, to form a protective layer over the surface of the tile.

How to lay your bathroom floor tiles

New tiles could be just what your bathroom floor is waiting for such as our new Galicia 30 x 60cm porcelain matt collection. Designed to look like stone-effect flooring, these add a spa-style vibe to this contemporary bathroom

If you have never tried to lay tile directly onto a floor, I suggest that you call in an expert tiler to help you or to simply do it for you. If you're still keen to do it yourself, there's a process to follow:

Firstly, establish a straight line of tiles along the centre of the room - this is the starting point which will enable you to lay the remain tiles in a symmetrical pattern. You can mark a line which is mid-way between an opposite wall. This way, your layout will look balanced.

Make sure you use a spirt level to keep your designer tiles straight and make sure everything looks level. Then you are ready to use your notched trowel to put tile adhesive on your floor. As mentioned above, you'll want to arrange this in grooves to create a tighter bond between the tile and floor surface. Then simply press the first tile firmly in place -always check that each tile is in the correct position before moving on to the next. Don't forget to use the tile spacers in between, which will help to create even spacing.

How to use your grout and sealant

Any self-trained diy expert will need a smooth consistency to grout your bathroom floor tiles so follow the manufacturer's instructions to mix it to create your paste. Using a groat float diagonally should help you to apply it between the tiles into each gap. Working in a diagonal motion should help you to reach all of the gaps between each tile. The grout sealer must be applied next then a tile sealant if required. Always follow instructions for application and drying times, which are provided by the manufacturer, as these may differ depending on which brand etc. you use.

How to achieve a beautiful finish

Our new Kelmscott Terra floor tiles are ideal if you want to tile a bathroom with a spa-style finish in mind. This modern neutral tile is made from porcelain with a matt finish - no sealing is required

Once you've completed your bathroom project, you'll want to keep your floor tiles looking as good as new. So, clean them regularly with a damp sponge or mop. Always use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to prevent any scratches to the tile surface.