How to Prepare Floors and Walls for Tiling

Old tiles past their prime? Bland bathroom walls dying for a refresh? Tiling offers the perfect solution — a stylish and durable upgrade for your space. But before those beautiful tiles get on your walls, there are some things you need to take care of. 

Preparation is key to ensuring flawless and long-lasting tiles. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the steps involved in getting your surface ready for your next DIY masterpiece.

What tools do I need to prepare floors for tiling?

Before starting any project, you must gather all the tools you need. The specific tools will depend on the type of subfloor you're working with, but some general tools might include:

• safety gear (goggles, mask, gloves);
• hammer and chisel (for removing old tiles or breaking up small cracks);
• flat pry bar;
• putty knife;
• bucket & sponge;
• degreaser solution;
• broom;
• level; and
• fine grit sandpaper.

Tiling surface preparation: Walls

The success of your tile project hinges on a well-prepared wall surface. And with so many different types of walls — painted, brick, previously tiled — there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to prep.

Don your safety glasses and mask as we outline the steps for prepping common wall types for wall tiles.

How to prepare a painted wall for tiling

1. Conduct a paint adhesion test. Apply a piece of masking tape to the painted surface and peel it off firmly. If the paint doesn’t budge, you’re ready for the next step. If it chips off, scrape off the loose paint first.
2. Clean the walls thoroughly with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
3. Sand the wall with fine-grit sandpaper to improve its bonding power. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
4. Apply primer formulated for tiles on painted surfaces. 

How to prepare a plasterboard wall for tiling

1. Carefully inspect the plastered walls for cracks, holes or any signs of damage.
2. Use a good-quality patching compound to fill any minor cracks or holes. 
3. Once the patch dries, sand the area smooth to create a uniform surface.
4. Apply primer formulated for use on plaster walls before tiling.

How to prepare brick walls for tiling

1. Clean the brick wall with a stiff brush to remove any dust, dirt or cobwebs.
2. Inspect the mortar joints between the bricks for cracks or deterioration. If necessary, repoint the joints with mortar.
3. Ensure the brick wall is completely dry before tiling. Address any moisture sources, such as leaking pipes.
4. Apply penetrating sealer to the brick wall to enhance the bond between the tile adhesive and the brick surface while minimising moisture absorption. 

How to prepare a wall for tiling after removing old tiles

1. Inspect the wall surface for any residual adhesive or mortar. Scrape away any remnants with a putty knife.
2. Clean the exposed surface thoroughly with a damp cloth and a mild detergent solution. Allow the surface to dry completely.
3. Apply primer formulated for your wall type — plywood, particle board, drywall or cement sheeting.

Tiling surface preparation: Floors

Your floors require prep work before the fun part (tiling!) can begin. Just like your walls, prep can vary between different subfloor types. We’ll cover all the bases — different subfloors and whether or not to remove flooring to make way for floor tiles.

To remove or not to remove flooring

Before diving into prep work, you’ll need to think about whether removing the existing flooring is worth it. Save yourself time and energy with this quick guide:

• Definitely remove: Vinyl, carpet and linoleum — these materials are unsuitable tile substrates.
• Consider removal: Existing tiles. If the existing tiles are firmly adhered and level, you might be able to tile over them. However, unevenness, cracks or a bouncy feel necessitate removal.
• Keep it: Concrete, chipboard and timber subfloors in good condition — these surfaces can easily be prepped for tiling.

How to prepare concrete floors for tiling

1. Inspect the concrete floor for cracks. 
1. Small cracks can be filled with a concrete patching compound. 
2. Extensive cracks or unevenness might require professional attention.
2. Uneven concrete floors require self-levelling. Pour a smooth self-levelling compound to create a perfectly flat surface for your tiles.
3. Ensure the concrete floor is completely dry before tiling. Install a moisture barrier such as a waterproofing membrane if you’ll be tiling in a wet area  such as a bathroom.
4. Thoroughly clean the concrete floor with a degreaser solution to remove dirt or grime. Rinse well and allow the floor to dry completely.
5. Apply primer formulated for use with tile on concrete.

How to prepare chipboard floors for tiling

1. Mull over your options. Chipboard subfloors aren’t ideal for tiling due to moisture sensitivity. However, tiling might be possible if the chipboard is in excellent condition and the area is not prone to moisture (e.g., not a bathroom or laundry).
2. Ensure the chipboard subfloor is firmly screwed down to the floor joists below. Any loose or creaking boards need to be secured.
3. Apply a decoupling mat designed for use over chipboard subfloors. This waterproof barrier protects the chipboard from moisture damage and prevents tile cracking caused by subfloor movement.
4. Pay attention to sealing the seams between the decoupling mat sheets to create a strong waterproof barrier.
5. Apply primer formulated for use with decoupling mats.

How to prepare to tile over existing floors 

Before tiling over existing floorboards, ensure a solid foundation. Firmly screw down any loose or creaking boards to the joists below for stability. 

Uneven floors? Consider self-levelling compound for a flat surface, or add plywood sheets to create a level and stable base. Remember, moisture is the enemy! Address any leaks or moisture sources affecting the subfloor to prevent future problems.

To tile over existing tiles, your surface first needs to pass the tap test. Firmly tap your tiles;  hollow sounds mean they're poorly adhered and must be removed. Inspect for cracks, too — extensive cracking means replacing the entire tile surface. 

If the tiles pass muster, give them a deep clean with a degreaser to remove grime. Rinse well and let them dry completely. To improve adhesion, lightly sand the surface with fine grit sandpaper and wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. 

Bonus: How to prepare a bathroom for tiling

Waterproofing is essential before laying down floor tiles in wet areas such as your laundry or bathroom. Here are some popular options for preparing your bathroom for tile!

• Liquid waterproofing membranes: Applied as a paint-on solution to form a seamless waterproof barrier.
• Sheet membranes: Come in rolls and are bonded to the substrate using a suitable adhesive. Overlapping seams must be meticulously sealed to ensure watertightness.
• Shower tray kits: Come with a pre-sloped base and integrated waterproofing membrane.

Important note: Always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions when waterproofing. For complex waterproofing projects, consult a professional.

Prepped & ready? Time for TileCloud 

Don't let the prospect of prep deter you from creating your dream space! After you’ve put in a little elbow grease comes the exciting part — transforming your vision into a tiled reality. 

TileCloud is your one-stop shop for all things tiles. Browse our designer-curated tile collection from the comfort of your couch, or visit our Sydney showroom to see it in person.

Feeling overwhelmed? Schedule a free design appointment with our in-house team to help you get started.

FAQs

How to prepare grout for tiles

Grout often comes pre-mixed; in that case, you don’t need to do much. If not, follow the manufacturer's mixing instructions and use their water-to-grout ratio. 

Can I tile over laminate flooring?

Generally, no. Laminate flooring is not a suitable substrate for tiling because it’s sensitive to moisture and is prone to warping.

How to prepare a shower for tile

Much like any wet area, waterproofing is key to shower tiling. Remove old tiles, check for damage and then thoroughly clean and dry your surface. Opt for strong waterproofing and suitable primer for the best bonding.

How long should I wait after waterproofing before tiling?

Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific waterproofing system you're using. Generally, waterproofing membranes require a curing time of 24-48 hours. After that, you’re ready to tile!

What are some common mistakes in tiling surface preparation?

• Not properly checking for and addressing cracks or unevenness in the subfloor.
• Failing to ensure the surface is completely dry before tiling.
• Skipping the crucial step of cleaning the surface to remove dirt, grime or oils that can affect adhesion.
• Not using the appropriate primer for the specific surface and tile type.
• In wet areas, neglecting to properly waterproof the walls and floor.