Preparation is an important part of tiling that often goes unseen, but getting the walls and floors properly prepared is key to achieving a high-quality finish and a long-lasting installation. Before I begin tiling, I assess the existing substrate, its condition and the requirements of the installation. Where necessary, I will carry out the appropriate preparation to provide a sound, stable and suitable surface for tiling.
Wall Preparation
A good tiled finish starts with a suitable background. Walls need to be sound, sufficiently flat and capable of supporting the tile and adhesive system being used. Where walls are uneven or damaged, I will repair and flatten the surface using appropriate preparation materials. This is particularly important with large-format tiles, where variations in the wall can become much more noticeable once the tiles are installed.
Self-Levelling & Floor Preparation
Before tiling a floor, I will check that the substrate is suitable, sufficiently flat and capable of supporting the intended tile installation. Where required, I will use a suitable self-levelling compound to correct uneven areas and create a more consistent surface. This is particularly important when working with larger-format floor tiles, where an uneven substrate can make achieving a flat, consistent finished surface much more difficult.
Decoupling Membranes
Where a floor is susceptible to movement or where stresses within the substrate could be transferred to the tiled surface, I will use a suitable decoupling membrane where appropriate. The membrane sits between the substrate and the tiles and helps manage differential movement between the two layers. This can be particularly useful over timber-based substrates, screeds, underfloor heating systems and other situations where movement or cracking needs to be managed.
Plywood & Backer Boards
Where required, I can install suitable plywood and/or tile backer board systems over timber floorboards, tongue-and-groove flooring and other substrates to create a stable, tile-ready surface. The appropriate system will depend on the existing floor construction, its condition and the requirements of the finished installation.
Tanking & Waterproofing
In showers and other wet areas, I will install a suitable waterproofing system prior to tiling. Tiles, adhesive and grout alone should not be relied upon to waterproof the underlying structure. A properly installed tanking system creates a waterproof barrier behind the tiled surface, helping to prevent water from penetrating into the substrate and causing damage.
There is no single preparation method that suits every floor or wall. I assess each installation individually and select the appropriate preparation, waterproofing and substrate system for the conditions. Taking the time to get the preparation right provides the tiles with a stable and suitable foundation, helping to achieve the quality finish and long-term performance expected from a professional installation.