Tiling a bathroom is one of the most rewarding updates you can make to a home. Whether you’re renovating an existing suite or designing a new one from scratch, the choice of tiles and the quality of installation will have a major impact on the look, feel and functionality of the space. Done well, it can completely transform a tired bathroom into a sleek, modern retreat. But getting there takes more than simply picking a colour and calling a tiler. From selecting the right materials to understanding what goes on beneath the surface, there are several key things every homeowner should know before they begin.

Bathroom tiling is about far more than just aesthetics. The right tiles need to be durable, water-resistant, and suitable for the room’s demands. It’s also a job that requires accuracy and planning. Unlike decorating with paint or wallpaper, tiles are permanent once installed, and even small mistakes can stand out once the grout sets. That’s why proper preparation, realistic budgeting, and an understanding of the tiling process are crucial for achieving the results you’re hoping for.

Picking Tiles That Work With the Space

Before you fall in love with a tile design, think carefully about how it will work with the size, light and layout of your bathroom. Large-format tiles can create a more spacious feel in small bathrooms by reducing grout lines, while smaller tiles may add texture and interest to feature walls or shower niches. Glossy tiles can bounce light around, making the space feel brighter, whereas matt finishes are more subtle and modern, but can absorb light in dim rooms.

Texture also plays a role. For floors, it’s best to choose slip-resistant tiles, especially in areas that are likely to get wet. Wall tiles don’t have the same requirements, so you have more flexibility with finishes there. If your bathroom is prone to condensation or steam, porcelain is often a better choice than ceramic as it absorbs less moisture. That said, ceramic tiles are easier to cut and generally more affordable, so they remain a popular option, particularly for walls.

Think about colour combinations and how they will affect the atmosphere of the room. Neutrals are timeless, but bolder tiles can make a real statement. Just be sure that whatever you choose works with your fixtures and fittings—and that you’re happy to live with it long term, as retiling is not a task most people want to take on frequently.

Understanding What Goes Under the Tiles

A good tiling job is only as solid as the surface it sits on. In bathrooms, it’s essential that walls and floors are properly prepared before a single tile is laid. Any damp, movement or unevenness can cause tiles to crack or come loose, and water can quickly find its way into the gaps, leading to bigger problems like mould or rot.

Walls should be flat, clean and dry. If you’re tiling over plasterboard, it needs to be water-resistant or protected with a waterproof membrane—especially around showers or baths. Cement boards are often recommended in these areas, as they provide a stable, moisture-resistant base that won’t degrade over time. Tiling directly onto standard plasterboard in wet areas is a common mistake that often leads to expensive repairs down the line.

For floors, particularly wooden ones, the subfloor needs to be strong and stable. Tiles require a solid foundation with minimal movement, so additional reinforcement may be needed. A decoupling membrane can help absorb any slight flex in the subfloor and prevent cracking, while also providing a surface that adhesive will grip effectively. Underfloor heating is another consideration. If you’re planning on installing it, make sure your tiler knows in advance so it can be factored into the prep work.

Waterproofing Is Non-Negotiable

In bathroom tiling, waterproofing is one of the most critical steps—and often one of the most overlooked. Even if your tiles are water-resistant, the joints between them are not, and grout alone won’t protect your walls and floors from moisture ingress.

Before tiling begins, wet areas like shower walls and floors should be tanked with a waterproof membrane or system. Tanking creates a fully waterproof barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the substrate. It’s a vital part of protecting the structure of your home, especially in bathrooms without windows or good ventilation.

Failing to waterproof correctly can lead to long-term issues such as tiles falling off, black mould growth behind walls, and structural damp. It’s always best to work with a professional who understands the importance of this step and uses the right materials to do it properly.

The Importance of Layout and Planning

Tiling is as much about geometry as it is about design. Careful planning of how your tiles will be laid out is essential for a polished finish. You want your tiler to take time marking out where each row will fall, making sure you don’t end up with awkward slivers of tile at the edges or uneven gaps around fixtures.

Planning becomes even more crucial when you’re using patterned tiles or combining different shapes or colours. It’s easy for things to look misaligned if the design isn’t balanced from the start. Make sure tile lines line up with key features in the room—such as the edge of a bath, the centre of a sink, or the height of a shower screen.

Symmetry is often a key goal, but sometimes a perfectly centred tile may leave you with awkward cuts in multiple places. A skilled tiler will help find the right balance between aesthetics and practicality, adjusting the layout to minimise cuts and create a pleasing flow across walls and floors.

Grout and Finishing Details Matter

Once the tiles are up, attention turns to the grout. The colour and type of grout you choose can have a big impact on the finished look. Light-coloured grout tends to create a more seamless, classic appearance, while darker grout can be more modern and practical, particularly for floors or high-traffic areas.

There are also different types of grout available—some are flexible, some are waterproof, and some have built-in mould resistance. Make sure you choose the right kind for each part of the bathroom. Shower areas, for example, benefit from epoxy grout because it’s more durable and resistant to moisture, although it’s harder to work with and more expensive than standard grout.

Finishing details like tile trims, sealant lines and edging strips also play a huge part in the final result. These small touches can elevate a job from average to excellent. Chrome or brushed metal trims can frame tile edges cleanly, while silicone sealant lines must be neat and smooth to avoid looking amateurish or allowing water in.

Knowing When to Hire a Professional

While there are plenty of enthusiastic DIYers who take on tiling themselves, bathrooms are generally considered one of the trickier rooms to tackle. Working around sinks, toilets, pipework and uneven surfaces can be challenging, and mistakes are often costly to put right.

If you’re considering doing it yourself, start with a smaller, less critical area, such as a splashback behind a sink, before moving on to full walls or floors. Make sure you have the right tools and take your time with each stage—from cutting and spacing to grouting and sealing. Rushing the job can easily lead to poor alignment or leaks later on.

For most people, especially those with no prior experience, hiring a professional tiler will give you peace of mind that the job is done properly. It’s also worth noting that professional tradespeople can often complete the work faster and with less waste, and they’ll know how to deal with unexpected challenges that arise once the old tiles or flooring are removed.

Budgeting and Timeline Expectations

One of the most common surprises homeowners face is how much the total cost of bathroom tiling can add up to—especially when factoring in preparation, materials and labour. The price of tiles varies widely depending on material, size and brand, and some premium options like natural stone or bespoke mosaics can significantly increase costs.

Don’t forget to budget for adhesive, grout, trims, sealants and any waterproofing products. These essentials are often not included in tile estimates and can easily add a few hundred pounds to the job. If your bathroom needs structural work or repairs before tiling can begin, those costs need to be considered too.

The timeline for a tiling project can also vary. A full bathroom can take anywhere from three to seven days to tile, depending on the complexity of the layout and the size of the space. Preparation and drying times for adhesives and grout are essential and shouldn’t be rushed. It’s better to allow for a bit more time and ensure everything sets properly than to try and get the job done in a weekend.

Getting It Right First Time

Tiling a bathroom is a serious undertaking, but one that delivers long-lasting results when done right. The key is to approach it with a mix of design sensibility and technical awareness. Choosing the right materials, understanding what’s needed beneath the surface, and working with a layout that complements your space will give you a finished bathroom that’s not only beautiful but built to last.

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