In brief: You can lay modern tiles in six steps: check and prepare the substrate, lay the tiles, apply grout and allow it to dry. Success depends on a level, stable and clean substrate. Wet rooms such as bathrooms require waterproofing. Make sure you use the right installation method and suitable tools from a specialist retailer.
How to Lay Modern Tiles: Here's How
The right substrate is crucial to the success of your tiling project. Check how level it is with a long spirit level or straightedge. Level out differences of more than three millimetres over two metres with a levelling compound.
Remove all loose material, dust and grease. Vacuum thoroughly. Apply a deep-penetrating primer to absorbent substrates such as screed or masonry. This improves adhesion.
Important note
In wet areas such as showers or around bathtubs, proper waterproofing in accordance with DIN 18534 is required by law. Never lay tiles directly onto an unwaterproofed floor slab or shower tray. Moisture will damage the substructure.
Different rules apply to gardens and balconies. Outdoor tiles must be frost-resistant and laid on a stable, well-drained sub-base. Find out about suitable materials in the Garden + Outdoor section.
What Tools Do You Need for Tiling?
Good tools make the job more precise and faster. The basic equipment is manageable. You can find many of the tools you need in the Power Tools category.
A tile cutter cleanly cuts ceramic and porcelain stoneware. For complex cuts or hard materials such as porcelain tiles, a wet saw is worthwhile. It works with minimal dust and delivers precise results.
A notched trowel with the right notch size distributes the adhesive evenly. The notch size depends on the tile format. Large tiles need larger notches. A rubber mallet gently adjusts the tile's position.
Pro tip
Always mix tile adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use clean water and a slow-running drill mixer. The mixture should be creamy and lump-free. Only mix as much as you can lay within 20 minutes.
Plastic tile spacers ensure even grout joints. Remove them again once the adhesive has set. A rubber float later works the grout neatly into the gaps.
How Do You Lay Tiles Correctly?
Start by planning. Dry-lay the tiles to determine where the first ones will go. Avoid narrow cut pieces along visible edges. In many cases, centre the layout in the room. Use a straightedge to mark the starting lines.
The first row of tiles determines the entire layout. Take your time to align it precisely. A small mistake at the beginning gets multiplied by the final row.
Apply the tile adhesive to the substrate in sections. Spread it with the notched side of the trowel. The ridges provide optimal adhesion. Set the tile in place with a slight twisting motion.
Press it down firmly. Tap it into place with the rubber mallet. Check that it is level with the spirit level. Insert tile spacers. Work row by row. Remove adhesive residue immediately with a damp sponge.
Products such as the
What Role Do Grout Joints and Grout Play?
A grout joint is more than just a spacer. It accommodates movement in the substrate and tiles. Without grout joints, tiles would press against each other and crack when temperatures change. The joint width depends on the tile format.
Large formats from 60 centimetres upwards require at least three millimetres. Smaller tiles can use two millimetres. Choose wider joints for outdoor areas. They compensate for greater movement.
Wait until the tile adhesive has dried completely. This takes at least 24 hours. Then clean the joints thoroughly, removing dust and adhesive residue. Mix the grout.
Additional advice
Choose your grout colour carefully. Light grey or beige grout looks harmonious and is easy to maintain. White grout shows dirt more quickly. Dark grout strongly highlights the tile contours. Test the effect in a small area.
Apply the grout diagonally across the joints with the rubber float. Work diagonally over the tiles. This fills the joints completely. Remove excess grout immediately. Once it has started to dry, wipe the surface with a damp, well-wrung sponge.
Protect the freshly grouted surface from draughts and direct sunlight. The grout needs consistent conditions to set properly. After about two weeks, you can seal the tiles with a neutral care product. This protects them from stains.
What Is the Difference Between Wall and Floor Tiles?
Floor tiles are thicker and more robust. They must withstand concentrated loads from furniture and foot traffic. Slip resistance is an important criterion. In wet rooms, choose at least class R9.
Wall tiles are lighter and thinner. They do not need to be suitable for foot traffic. Their format can be larger. Pay attention to the weight. Heavy natural stone slabs require special adhesive and often an additional substructure.
In the Bathroom, you will often combine both types. Floor tiles should offer greater slip resistance. Wall tiles can feature a decorative format or pattern. Align the grout joints on the floor and wall. This creates a calm, cohesive look.
Products such as
are special cases. Foam tiles provide an ergonomic surface in workshops or fitness areas. They are laid without adhesive or grout using a tongue-and-groove system.
The biggest mistakes result from rushing and combining the wrong materials. Tile adhesive for standard ceramic tiles will not hold porcelain stoneware. Grout for indoor use will flake off outdoors. Read the product data sheets.
Modern tile trends for kitchens and gardens
Large-format tiles dominate the market. Tiles measuring 60 by 120 centimetres or larger create seamless surfaces. They require a perfectly prepared substrate and often two people for installation. The grout lines are barely visible.
Natural looks remain popular. Wood, concrete and marble-effect porcelain tiles are durable and easy to maintain. They replicate the original materials with remarkable realism. One example is with a wood-grain finish.
In kitchens, splashback tiles are becoming increasingly popular. They are easy to clean. Mosaics or colourful accent strips add personality. Combine hard-wearing floor tiles with decorative wall tiles.
For outdoor areas, through-coloured porcelain tiles are ideal. They are frost-resistant, slip-resistant and weatherproof. Install them on a slope of at least two per cent. This allows water to drain away safely.
Matching furniture such as the height-adjustable
Caring for and maintaining your new tiles
Initially, clean newly laid tiles with water only. Wait several weeks before using mild, pH-neutral cleaners. Aggressive acids or abrasive cleaners can damage natural stone surfaces and grout.
Seal the grout regularly. This prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating. It is particularly important in kitchens and bathrooms, where it helps prevent mould. Use specialist grout sealer sprays.
Remove stains immediately. Fresh kitchen grease and bathroom soap residue are easier to remove. For stubborn deposits in the grout, use a steam cleaner. Test it first in an inconspicuous area.
Check outdoor grout annually. Weather conditions put considerable strain on the material. Replace crumbling or cracked grout without delay. This prevents water from getting underneath the tiles and causing frost damage.
With the right preparation, suitable tools and a little patience, you can lay modern tiles yourself. The result is a durable, attractive surface for your home. For all the materials you need, take a look at our extensive shop.
Frequently asked questions
- What type of substrate do I need for laying tiles?
- The substrate must be completely level, clean, stable and free from dust or loose material. Plaster or plasterboard requires a primer. In wet rooms such as bathrooms, professional waterproofing in accordance with DIN 18534 is essential before laying the tiles.
- What tools do I need for tiling?
- You need a notched trowel for the tile adhesive, a tile cutter or wet saw, a rubber mallet, tile spacers and a rubber sponge. You will need a rubber float for applying the grout. A straightedge and spirit level are essential for keeping the tiles straight.
- How do I calculate how many tiles I need?
- Measure the area to be tiled in square metres. Add around 10% for waste when using standard laying patterns. For diagonal layouts, numerous cuts or intricate patterns, allow 15%. Buy all your tiles from the same batch to avoid colour variations. You can find a range of tile sizes in our shop.
- Can I lay tiles over existing tiles?
- It is possible, but not always advisable. The existing tiles must be firmly bonded and able to support the additional load. Clean the old tiles thoroughly, roughen the surface and apply a suitable bonding primer. Bear in mind that the floor level will rise, so door thresholds and skirting boards may need adjusting.
- How long does tile adhesive take to dry?
- Drying time depends on the product, substrate and room conditions. In most cases, you can walk on the tiles carefully after 24 hours. The adhesive often takes several days to reach its full load-bearing strength. Do not use the newly tiled bathroom for at least one week. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.