Tiling a floor can be a complicated job, so we always advise that you seek professional help if you are unsure so that the job is completed correctly.

First things first, this will all depend on your type of tile and where they’ll be going. As such, you should consult the installation manual or an expert before beginning to lay your tiles. But if you are looking for a general summary on how to lay tiles, then read on.

When beginning to tile your floor, start from a central point and then work your way out to each corner so that you can exit the room without walking over newly laid tiles. Thorough preparation is key in order to ensure tiles that will hold up excellently over time. Also ensure that the tiles are installed on a surface that is completely level, solid, clean and dry.

Then to begin with, use a gauging trowel at your starting point to spread the tile adhesive across the floor, then use a smooth side to spread it evenly, drawing the serrated edge back through the adhesive to form ridges. This will act to provide an even layer of adhesive to create an even surface. Then place your tiles firmly into the adhesive, using a twisted action to bend it in. Repeat this process with all your tiles, ensuring they are spaced correctly and evenly. Check that all your tiles are at an even level, if one isn’t, tap it lightly with a rubber mallet to level it. Remove any adhesive with a damp cloth before it dries. Once the tiles are done, you will need to wait at least 48 hours to walk on them.

After the adhesive has set, you can grout your tiles, and once again, consult an instruction manual or expert if you are unsure whether or not your grout will be suitable for the tiles you have lay. Firstly, remove any dirt or dust and then use a gauging trowel to remove the grout from its tub. Then use a grout float to work it into the joints until the grout is level with the surface of the tiles. Once that’s done, smooth the joints with a grout finisher for a neat finish. When you’re finished avoid walking on the floor until the grout has set (check the instructional manual for setting time).

A new tiling job can complete elevate your space and create a much greater depth of space. If you have a smaller bathroom, choosing the right shade of tiles can help create the effect of much more space. Lighter colours like white, cream or even light grey will catch and bounce of light in a way that will add a fantastic brightening effect to your bathroom, which in turn, will have a great space enhancing effect. If neutral colours aren’t your thing, pastels can also create an airy, cheerful effect. Pale blues and greens will create a calming effect within more cramped bathrooms. If you’re set on dark colours for your bathroom, that’s fine too. Perhaps focus on a lighter colour for most of the bathroom then tile one wall with a dark colour –this will make your wall a statement piece along with offering a contrasting effect which will still create the illusion of a larger space.

Tiles can start to look grotty with a build-up of lime-scale over time. If you need to tackle the grout in between tiles, the best way to clean this can sometimes be the old-fashioned way: with a (obviously old) toothbrush. Avoid harsh chemicals and opt for dipping the toothbrush in a solution of baking soda and vinegar and then working your way around the tiles with a good scrub.

Cleaning the surface of the tiles can also be done with trusty vinegar and baking soda mix (except if you have marble tiles) Use a scouring pad if you have ceramic tiles, or if you want to be more gentle, use a sponge cloth. Wipe over with the mix and clean with a gentle motion, leave the solution on for a while, then rinse off with fresh water and mop the walls dry. The same method can be used if you are cleaning floor tiles.

Tiling around objects can be difficult and needs to be completed with great accuracy. We always advise that you seek professional assistance if you are unsure.

Planning is key so ensure you plan your tile laying carefully. Ask yourself if you want to remove the toilet before tiling, or if you’re sure you want to tile around it. If you decide to leave the toilet, you will need to cut the tiles to shape around the toilet base, which can be a task in itself. Most toilet bases are an oval shape and with unparalleled curves, so good tiling skill will be needed to ensure a good fit. An easier option would be to remove the toilet and reinstall it when the new tiles are ready. The unobstructed floor space will make for a much simpler job, along with there being less room for error.

Tiling around sockets can be complicated and needs to be completed with great accuracy, so we always advise that you seek professional assistance if you are in any way unsure.

Firstly, ensure the electrical circuit is not live, so turn the electrical connection completely off. Then unscrew the face plate and pull the wiring out of the black base so you have a flat surface to work with. This can be a fiddly job and planning is thus key. Measure the tile and leave a gap of approximately 2mm around the back box for the faceplate to sit on top of. Next, move the tile beside the socket and mark the level of obstruction, then mark off the part that needs to be cut off. To cut the tile to its exact size, use an electric cutter for horizontal lines then a manual cutter to score the vertical line. Install the piece of tiling and repeat the process until the socket is surrounded by tiling.