How to Cut and Lay Tiles: Complete Step-by-Step Tiling Guide

Planning to tile a floor or wall? Follow this summarized step-by-step guide to cut and lay tiles effectively. Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials listed in the checklist below.

Tiling Tools & Materials Checklist:

• Tiles
• Tile Adhesive
• Adhesive Mixer
• Trowel
• Tile Cutter
• Tile Spacers
• Grout
• Grout Sealer
• Sponge
• Grout Cleaner
• Tile Trims – Trim profiles protect exposed tile edges and enhance the overall finish. Choose the right type for your project:
  • Quadrant trims: Ideal for curved or external wall corners.
  • Square edge trims: Great for both vertical and horizontal external corners.
  • Straight edge trims (L-shape): Perfect where tiles meet carpet, wood, or other floor types.

Step 1: Cutting the Tiles

Mark the tile surface with a pencil or marker. Use a manual tile cutter or wet saw to score along the mark, then snap the tile cleanly along the scored line.

Step 2: Applying Tile Adhesive

1. Spread tile adhesive evenly using a notched trowel. For walls, spread horizontally.
2. Press each tile into the adhesive using a slight twisting motion. Ensure at least 80% of the tile’s surface is covered.
3. Remove excess adhesive and place spacers between tiles. Adjust tiles for alignment as needed.

Choosing the Right Spacers and Trowel Size

• Spacers:
  • Walls: 1.5mm or 2mm
  • Floors: 3mm to 5mm
• Recommended Trowel Sizes:
  • 150 x 150mm tiles: 6 x 6 x 6mm
  • 200 x 200mm tiles: 8 x 8 x 8mm
  • 300 x 300mm tiles: 10 x 10 x 10mm
  • 400 x 400mm tiles and up: 12 x 12 x 12mm
  • 500 x 500mm+ tiles: 15 x 15 x 15mm

Step 3: Laying Tiles on Walls

1. Ensure the wall surface is level and clean. Identify the lowest point of the wall and mark a level line.
2. Mark the centre of the wall and lay out tiles horizontally with spacers to check alignment.
3. Start tiling from the top down. Use a batten for support and tile the bottom row last.

Step 4: Laying Tiles on Floors

1. Prepare and level the floor. Use chalk to draw intersecting centre lines.
2. Lay dry tiles along these lines to finalize layout. Adjust so entryways don’t have awkward tile cuts.
3. Cut tiles as needed and begin installing from the centre outward or along a straight edge.

Step 5: Finishing the Tiling

• Allow the adhesive to dry according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Remove tile spacers once the adhesive has set.
• Grout the tiles carefully, then clean the surface with a damp sponge. Wipe dry.
• Apply grout sealer if needed and clean off any residue with grout cleaner.

This guide gives you a reliable and simple overview of how to cut and lay tiles like a professional. Take your time, follow each step, and ensure proper planning for best results.