Help & Advice: Tile Fixing

Successful tiling projects often rely on two things: adequate preparation and use of the right products. For example, when tiling a floor it needs to be sound and level, or if you're tiling a bath or shower area you'll need to waterproof the area with a tanking kit before the tile adhesive is applied.

Tiling onto wood

Strengthen the substrate

Because wooden floors naturally bend, bounce and expand, it is important to increase rigidity and strength in the substrate before tiling, otherwise tiles can crack under the pressure.

Strengthening a wooden floor for tiling →

Tile onto plywood

Tiling onto plywood is possible, however considerations need to be made regarding what classification of tile adhesive is used, and whether there is enough support under the sheets of plywood.

Tiling on plywood →

Tile onto tongue and groove

It is possible to tile onto tongue and groove floorboards or chipboard, however only the most flexible tile adhesives will be suitable to withstand the high levels of movement in the substrate.

Tiling onto tongue and groove floorboards and chipboard →

Tile onto timber & non-tongue and groove

Tiling onto timber and non-tongue and groove floorboards and chipboard is only possible where the substrate has been suitably strengthened first.

Tiling onto timber or non-tongue and groove floorboards and chipboard →

How-to guides

How to lay large format floor tiles

When tiling with large tiles extra considerations must be made to ensure they are fixed level and firmly in place

Tiling over tiles

Tiling over existing tiles is possible, but there are a few things to first consider.

Strengthening a wooden floor for tiling

Because wooden floors naturally bend, bounce and expand, tiles can end up cracking under the pressure if installed incorrectly.

Tiling on plywood

Tiling on plywood is possible, but you’ll need an appropriately flexible tile adhesive to ensure tiles and grout can stand the test of time against cracking

Tiling onto tongue and groove floorboards and chipboard

It's possible to tile directly onto tongue and groove wooden floors by using an ultra-flexible (S2) tile adhesive, but another option is to strengthen the substrate with either a layer of floor screed...

Tiling onto timber or non-tongue and groove floorboards and chipboard

Timber and non-tongue and groove floorboards and chipboard are usually subject to large amounts of deflection/movement, and therefore cannot be tiled onto with even the most flexible of tile adhesives

Working with natural stone - protection/maintenance

Natural stone tiles require careful preparation prior to grouting, and need regular maintenance

Tiling with natural stone

Tiles classed as 'natural materials' vary immensely from ceramics in appearance and application requirements

Tiling onto green screeds or concrete

Newly-laid screeds take time to stabilise, so tiling onto the screed too early can end in disaster as the screed shrinks during the drying process.

Tiling onto floating floors

Floating floors are those which are used to improve insulation and/or to reduce noise. As they are not attached to a rigid substrate, they require extra care when tiling onto.

Tiling onto anhydrite screeds

Anhydrite screeds have become quite popular, but tilers must be aware of a number of potential problems.

Tiling uneven floors

Preparing an uneven floor prior to tiling involves a number of steps to ensure a smooth and even finish

Tiling with an uncoupling membrane

Since uncoupling membranes are available in many different types, it is important to be aware of issues you may face when tiling.
Image courtesy of Schluter Systems Ltd

Tiling with underfloor heating or under tile warming

Underfloor heating can cause an array of issues if not tiled onto correctly, from cracking due to heat expansion to damaging wires with your trowel.

Tiling on wood

Tiling onto wood comes with a number of considerations regarding substrate strength and flexibility of adhesive used. Image courtesy of Schluter Systems Ltd.

Protecting a water-sensitive substrate

Tiled areas in kitchens, bathrooms and showers can be subject to high humidity or water, which means the a waterproofing layer needs to be applied before laying tiles.

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Beginners' guides: How to tile...

Bathrooms

It's easy to understand why tiles have been the top choice for bathrooms for generations – they're incredibly water resistant, durable, easy to clean and of course look great!

How to tile a bathroom wall →

Kitchens

Adding tiles to a splashback above kitchen counters is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add life to a kitchen and will also make cleaning much easier.

How to tile a kitchen splashback →

Swimming pools

Popularity of smaller garden swimming pools has soared, but it's very important to pay attention to best practice advice when choosing to tile a swimming pool.

Tiling a swimming pool →