How to tile a floor: a beginner’s guide

Last reviewed 2026-06-06

Tiling rewards planning. Here is how to lay a floor that looks straight and lasts — from layout to grout.

Floor tiling looks intimidating but is very learnable — the skill is mostly in the planning and the prep. Get the layout and the subfloor right and the tiling itself is methodical.

1. Prep the subfloor

The surface must be clean, flat and rigid. Fix any flex or movement first (tiles crack on a bouncy floor). Many floors get a cement backer board or a decoupling membrane before tiling.

2. Plan the layout (dry lay first)

Find the centre of the room and dry-lay tiles out to the walls before sticking anything. Adjust so you avoid thin slivers at the edges — aim for balanced cuts on opposite walls. Snap chalk lines as guides.

3. Buy the right amount (with waste)

Use the tile calculator to turn your area and tile size into a tile count, including a waste allowance — about 10% for a straight layout, 15% for diagonal. Buy it all in one batch so the dye lot matches, and keep a spare box.

4. Spread thin-set and set tiles

Mix thin-set mortar and comb it onto the floor with a notched trowel, working in small areas so it does not skin over. Press each tile in with a slight twist, using spacers for even joints. Check it stays flat with a level as you go.

5. Cut the edges

Measure and cut border and corner tiles with a tile cutter (straight cuts) or a wet saw (notches and curves). Leave the cut edge against the wall where the skirting will hide it.

6. Grout and seal

Once the thin-set has cured (usually 24 hours), remove the spacers and spread grout diagonally across the joints with a float. Wipe the haze with a damp sponge. Seal porous grout and natural-stone tiles once it has dried.

Calculators for this

• Tile Calculator — How many tiles you need for a floor or wall, with waste.
• Flooring Calculator — Boxes of laminate, vinyl or hardwood flooring to buy.