Before laying tiles, it’s essential to properly prepare the surface to ensure a smooth, durable, and long-lasting finish. At Local Tilers London, we follow a professional approach to surface preparation, preventing uneven tiles, adhesive failures, and long-term issues. Whether tiling a floor, wall, bathroom, or kitchen, here’s our step-by-step guide to getting the perfect foundation for tiling.
Step 1: Assess the Surface #
The first step in tiling preparation is to assess the condition of the existing surface. We check for cracks, moisture issues, uneven areas, and old adhesive residue. The surface must be clean, dry, and stable to ensure proper tile adhesion.
If tiling over existing tiles, we inspect for loose or damaged tiles and determine whether they can serve as a suitable base. If not, we recommend removal and surface leveling before proceeding.
Step 2: Remove Any Old Coverings or Adhesives #
For a smooth tiling surface, we remove old tiles, wallpaper, paint, or any previous adhesive residues that might interfere with bonding. We use scrapers, sanders, or chemical removers where necessary to ensure the base is free from debris and loose materials.
If the surface is concrete, it should be free of dust, grease, and cracks. For plastered walls, we make sure the plaster is fully dried and not flaky before tiling.
Step 3: Ensure a Level Surface #
An uneven surface can lead to tiling issues such as lippage, weak adhesion, and cracking over time. We use a spirit level to check for inconsistencies and apply the necessary fixes:
- For walls, we may use plaster or tile backer boards to create a flat base.
- For floors, we apply self-leveling compound to even out rough or sloped areas.
If we are working on a wooden floor, we ensure it is stable by adding plywood or cement board backing to prevent movement and cracking.
Step 4: Prime the Surface #
Priming is essential to improve adhesion and prevent moisture absorption. We use the appropriate tile primer or bonding agent based on the surface type:
- For porous surfaces like plaster or drywall, a sealing primer prevents excessive adhesive absorption.
- For non-porous surfaces like existing tiles or concrete, we use a bonding agent to improve tile grip.
Priming also helps reduce dust and strengthens weak surfaces, making them ready for tiling.
Step 5: Mark and Plan the Tile Layout #
Before applying adhesive, we carefully measure and mark the tiling layout. We find the center point of the area to create a symmetrical design, ensuring that the tile cuts are even at the edges. Using tile spacers, we map out the pattern to avoid mistakes during installation.
Step 6: Check and Adjust for Waterproofing (If Needed) #
In areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, wet rooms, and kitchens, we apply a waterproofing membrane or tank the walls and floors. This prevents water damage and ensures a long-lasting, mold-free surface under the tiles.
A properly prepared surface is key to a perfect tiling finish. At Local Tilers London, we ensure every surface is clean, level, and primed before tiling to guarantee durability and precision. If you need professional tiling services, contact us today for expert installation and a free consultation!
