How To Tile Like A Pro

Have you been thinking about adding new tile to your kitchen backsplash, bathroom floor, or entryway? Great choice! Tile is durable, stylish, and adds instant value to your home—but only if it’s installed correctly. Whether you’re tackling a small project yourself or want to understand the process before hiring a pro, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tile the right way.

What You’ll Need:

Tile of your choice
Tile adhesive or thin-set mortar
Notched trowel
Tile spacers
Tile cutter or wet saw
Grout
Grout float
Sponge and bucket
Level
Measuring tape and chalk line
Safety gear (gloves, goggles)

Step 1: Prep the Surface. A smooth, clean, and dry surface is essential.

Remove any old flooring or wall coverings.
Clean the area thoroughly, removing all dust, grease, and debris.
Ensure the surface is level. Use a self-leveling compound if needed.
Tip: For wet areas, use cement board or waterproof backer board as your base.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout. Good planning prevents uneven cuts or awkward gaps.

Measure your space carefully.
Use a chalk line to mark the center point of the surface.
Do a “dry layout” of your tiles from the center outward to see how they’ll fit.
Adjust so cut tiles fall on the edges—not in the middle of the floor or wall.

Step 3: Apply Adhesive and Lay the Tile. Time to Get to Work!

Spread tile adhesive with a notched trowel, working in small sections.
Press each tile firmly into place, using tile spacers to ensure even gaps between them.
Use a level frequently to keep everything straight and flat.
Cut tiles as needed using a tile cutter or wet saw for clean edges.
Don’t rush! Proper spacing and alignment now will make grouting much easier later.

Step 4: Let It Set. Allow the adhesive to cure completely, typically for 24 hours. Avoid stepping or placing anything on the tiled surface during this time.

Step 5: Grout the Gaps. Once your tiles are securely in place, it’s time to grout.

Mix your grout and apply with a grout float, pressing it into the joints at a 45° angle.
Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge.
Let it dry slightly, then polish the tiles with a clean cloth to remove haze.

Optional: Apply a grout sealer to protect against stains and moisture.

Final Touch: Inspect & Enjoy: Review your work to ensure all tiles are even and that the joints are filled. Step back and admire your upgraded space!

Don’t Want to DIY? Leave It to the Pros! Tiling can be time-consuming and tricky, especially for larger rooms, uneven surfaces, or custom patterns. If you’re under pressure to make sure it’s done right the first time, schedule Bravo Team Contracting! You can schedule with us on our website below or by calling us at (724) 602-2218. Enjoy your space and peace of mind, knowing that your tile was installed correctly and exceeded your expectations. We hope you enjoyed our blog today, and be sure to schedule now. See you soon!

If you want a quote for any of our services, fill out our Contact Us form by clicking here.

We do what we say we’re going to do. We are CLEANbee Property Services. See you soon!