How to Prepare an Area Before Tiling
When it comes to achieving a perfect tiling finish, it all starts with proper preparation. Learning how to prepare an area before tiling ensures your tiles not only look great but also stand the test of time.
Before the first tile goes down, every professional knows that a good job begins long before the adhesive is mixed. The surface must be flat, level, clean, and waterproofed where necessary. Miss any of these steps, and even the most beautiful tiles can end up looking uneven or start failing prematurely.
Checking the Levels
At Billy the Tiler, we often come across projects where poor preparation has caused long-term problems. Uneven walls, bumpy floors, or corners that aren’t square can ruin what should have been a flawless finish.
The process starts with checking that your walls and floors are level and straight. A laser level or spirit level will help spot dips, bumps, or irregularities that might not be visible to the eye. Even the smallest uneven spot can make tiles sit awkwardly, creating raised edges or small gaps that are difficult to correct later.
Using a laser level to make sure the wall is straight and the tile aligns perfectly.
Straight Walls, Square Corners
If you are tiling a wall, it needs to be perfectly plumb – that’s professional talk for completely vertical. Floors should be level in all directions, not just side to side. This attention to detail ensures the lines stay crisp and the tiles flow evenly from one to the next.
Corners deserve the same care. Before any adhesive touches the wall, check that the corners meet at 90-degree angles. This is particularly important in bathrooms, showers, and around baths, where every detail is on show. At Billy the Tiler, we often make small corrections to corners and edges before we begin, ensuring the result looks balanced and seamless.
The Importance of a Level Floor
A bumpy floor can make even the best tiling job look poor. That’s why levelling is a step no professional ever skips. A self-levelling compound is often used to smooth out the surface, filling dips and softening high spots until the floor is completely flat.
This is especially vital for large-format tiles or stone, where even a small difference in height can be visible once everything is laid. Taking the time to get it right at this stage saves a lot of frustration later.
Waterproofing – The Hidden Hero
In wet areas like bathrooms, wet rooms, and kitchens, waterproofing is essential. Known as tanking, this process involves applying a waterproof membrane or liquid system to the surface before tiling begins. It creates a protective barrier, preventing moisture from creeping through the grout and damaging what’s underneath.
Homeowners rarely see this step, but it’s one that pays off for many years to come. A properly waterproofed surface means fewer repairs, fewer leaks, and tiles that stay firmly in place.
Did you know you can get the same products that we use? Whether it is Sealing or maintenance, check the products here. Click the shop option!
Cleaning and Priming the Surface
Once the surfaces are level, square, and waterproofed, the final step is cleaning and priming. A surface must be free of dust, debris, and old adhesive. Applying a primer can improve the bond between the adhesive and the wall or floor, giving your tiles a stronger grip and a longer lifespan.
Tiling over dust or paint might seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to loose tiles or cracks. A bit of patience at this stage guarantees a smooth, lasting result.
Professional Products, Professional Finish
Did you know you can buy the same quality products we use? Whether it’s sealing or ongoing maintenance, we recommend checking BAL Adhesives for trusted professional materials.
Getting the Foundation Right
At the end of the day, preparation is the foundation of every great tiling job. Checking levels, fixing corners, levelling floors, and waterproofing areas are not optional steps – they are what separate a good job from a lasting, professional one.
At Billy the Tiler, we take these steps seriously because we know they make all the difference. If you are planning a renovation or new tiling project and want to ensure it’s done right from the start, get in touch with our team.
We are always happy to help homeowners prepare their spaces properly and achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
For more information about our services, visit our Tiling Services page.
