Who this guide is for
- Homeowners tiling a bathroom, kitchen or floor
- People concerned about lippage and uneven grout lines
- Anyone tiling over a wet area
- Owners comparing tilers
Probe substrate preparation
Tiles need a flat, sound, suitable substrate, or they crack, lift or show lippage. Ask how the tiler checks and prepares the surface before tiling, including any boarding or levelling.
Preparation is where good tiling starts.
- Ask how the substrate is prepared
- Discuss levelling and boarding
- Confirm the surface suits the tile
- Avoid tiling onto poor surfaces
Confirm wet-area waterproofing
In showers and wet areas, tiles sit over waterproofing that keeps water out of the structure. Confirm who handles the tanking and that it is done before tiling, keeping it with experienced professionals.
Tiles are not waterproof on their own.
- Confirm who handles tanking
- Ensure waterproofing precedes tiling
- Keep tanking with experienced professionals
- Understand tiles are not waterproof alone
Judge layout planning
A well-planned layout balances cuts, keeps lines level and puts full tiles where they show. Ask how the tiler sets out the layout and look at past work for even lines and sensible cuts.
Poor setting-out shows for the life of the tiling.
- Ask how the layout is set out
- View past work for even lines
- Discuss where cuts will fall
- Confirm full tiles in key spots
Check finish and grout
Consistent grout lines, clean junctions and neat silicone mark a careful tiler. Look at how junctions and edges are handled and discuss grout and sealant choices.
Finishing detail separates good tilers from average ones.
Brief and compare on the same scope
Give each tiler the same brief — tile, area, layout, wet-area requirements — so quotes compare. Ask what could change once the substrate is exposed.
Confirm insurance and relevant experience.
Hiring checklist
- 1Choose your tile and area
- 2Ask how the substrate is prepared
- 3Confirm the surface suits the tile
- 4Confirm who handles wet-area tanking
- 5Ensure waterproofing precedes tiling
- 6Ask how the layout is set out
- 7View past work for even lines and cuts
- 8Discuss grout and sealant choices
- 9Give each tiler the same brief
- 10Confirm insurance and relevant experience
Common mistakes to avoid
- Tiling over an unprepared or unsuitable substrate
- Assuming tiles waterproof a wet area on their own
- Skipping layout planning and getting awkward cuts
- Overlooking grout lines and junction detailing
- Comparing quotes that cover different scopes
- Not asking what could change once the substrate is exposed
When to involve a professional
- Keep wet-area waterproofing and tanking with experienced, qualified professionals
- Confirm waterproofing is done before tiling in wet areas
- Ask to see comparable tiling with even lines and sound finish
- Ask to see relevant insurance for the work
- Remember wet-area requirements vary by location and project
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Why does substrate preparation matter?
Tiles need a flat, sound, suitable substrate, or they crack, lift or show lippage. Ask how the tiler checks and prepares the surface, including any boarding or levelling, since preparation is where good tiling starts.
Do tiles waterproof a shower?
No — in wet areas, tiles sit over waterproofing that keeps water out of the structure, and tiles are not waterproof on their own. Confirm who handles the tanking and that it is done before tiling, keeping it with experienced professionals.
What makes a good tile layout?
A well-planned layout balances cuts, keeps lines level and puts full tiles where they show. Ask how the tiler sets out the layout and look at past work for even lines and sensible cut placement.
How do I judge finishing?
Consistent grout lines, clean junctions and neat silicone mark a careful tiler. Look at how junctions and edges are handled, and remember wet-area requirements vary by location and project.
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