Key takeaway
The quality of a tiled finish is decided before the first tile is fixed: substrate flatness, waterproofing where needed, layout and cut planning should be agreed early.
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If you need a tiler in Sussex, judge the plan for the substrate, waterproofing and tile layout before you judge the speed or price of laying the tiles.
The most visible tiling problems often began before the first tile was fixed.
Start with what the tiles are going onto
Tell the tiler whether the surface is:
- plaster;
- plasterboard;
- tile backer board;
- screed;
- timber floor;
- old tiles;
- painted wall;
- newly tanked area.
Ask whether it is suitable as-is.
If not, find out what preparation is required.
A wall that is badly out of flat can produce lipping and awkward cuts even with excellent tiles.
A floor that moves may need work before a rigid tile finish is sensible.
Large-format tiles magnify preparation problems
Large tiles can look clean and modern.
They also tend to expose:
- uneven walls;
- uneven floors;
- poor set-out;
- inconsistent adhesive coverage;
- difficult cuts.
Tell the tiler the exact tile size before the quote.
Do not assume the labour for 600 x 1200 mm porcelain is equivalent to small ceramic wall tiles.
Agree the layout before fixing
Ask to discuss:
- centre lines;
- focal walls;
- grout-line alignment;
- cuts at corners;
- cuts around windows;
- niche layout;
- relationship to sanitaryware;
- threshold cuts;
- tile direction;
- pattern matching.
A small adjustment at the beginning can prevent a 20 mm sliver of tile at the most visible edge.
Once adhesive is curing, design changes become expensive.
Wet areas need a waterproofing plan
Tiles and grout are not, by themselves, a complete waterproofing strategy.
In showers and other wet zones, establish:
- what background is used;
- whether tanking/waterproofing is required;
- who supplies it;
- who installs it;
- what areas it covers;
- how corners and penetrations are treated.
Do not allow responsibility to fall between bathroom fitter and tiler.
If the tiler says another contractor has already waterproofed it, make sure that has actually happened before tiles cover the evidence.
Grout and silicone are design choices too
Agree:
- grout colour;
- grout width;
- finish;
- silicone colour;
- where flexible joints will be used.
White grout with dark tiles creates a very different visual grid from matched grout.
Likewise, overly wide joints can change the entire look of a large-format installation.
Trims versus mitred edges
For external corners, ask how they will be finished.
Options may include:
- metal/plastic trims;
- mitred tile edges;
- specialist profiles.
Mitres can look minimal but require appropriate tiles, cutting and care.
Trims can be durable and intentional when specified well.
Do not discover the chosen trim colour after half the room is tiled.
Tile supply: order enough
If you supply tiles, allow for:
- cuts;
- breakage;
- pattern matching;
- future spares.
The exact extra percentage depends on layout, tile size, pattern and room complexity.
Ask the tiler what they recommend for your project rather than applying one universal allowance.
Keep spare tiles after completion if storage allows.
A future repair is much easier when the original tile has been discontinued.
Natural stone needs different treatment
If using natural stone, tell the tiler before they quote.
It may affect:
- sealing;
- adhesive;
- grout;
- cutting;
- handling;
- maintenance.
Do not assume every product sold as a tile is installed with the same system.
Landlords: standardise where replacement matters
In rental property, consider choosing tiles that are:
- available in standard ranges;
- practical to clean;
- easy to replace;
- appropriate for slip/wear conditions.
Highly unusual one-off tiles can make a future cracked-tile repair disproportionately expensive.
Store a few spares and record the product name.
What to inspect before final sign-off
Look at the installation in normal use conditions.
Check:
- consistent lines;
- excessive lipping;
- neat cuts;
- corners;
- niches;
- transitions;
- grout finish;
- silicone;
- damage to tiles;
- hollow/problem areas if suspected.
Remember that handmade or deliberately irregular tiles can have natural variation.
Judge workmanship against the product and agreed specification.
Heated floors need the tiling system planned around them
If electric or water-based underfloor heating sits below the tiles, tell the tiler before work starts.
The system may affect:
- substrate preparation;
- levelling;
- adhesive/grout selection;
- movement provision;
- commissioning sequence.
Do not switch the heating on aggressively to speed drying.
Follow the relevant system and product instructions for curing and gradual commissioning.
Check the floor level at doorways
New backer boards, levelling compounds, heating systems and tile thickness can raise the finished floor.
Before installation, check:
- door clearance;
- thresholds;
- adjacent flooring levels;
- appliance clearance;
- WC/basin relationships where relevant.
A technically sound tile build-up can still create an annoying trip or door problem if the finished level was never considered.
Heated floors need the tiling system planned around them
If electric or water-based underfloor heating sits below the tiles, tell the tiler before work starts.
The system may affect:
- substrate preparation;
- levelling;
- adhesive/grout selection;
- movement provision;
- commissioning sequence.
Do not switch the heating on aggressively to speed drying.
Follow the relevant system and product instructions for curing and gradual commissioning.
Check the floor level at doorways
New backer boards, levelling compounds, heating systems and tile thickness can raise the finished floor.
Before installation, check:
- door clearance;
- thresholds;
- adjacent flooring levels;
- appliance clearance;
- WC/basin relationships where relevant.
A technically sound tile build-up can still create an annoying trip or door problem if the finished level was never considered.
Using TradeKind
You can browse tilers across Sussex or post the job.
A useful post might say:
“Bathroom in Worthing. Approx. 22 m² wall tiling and 5 m² floor. 600 x 300 porcelain tiles supplied. Existing room stripped to board; shower area needs waterproofing/tanking included.”
That lets the tiler price preparation and layout rather than only square metres.
Final questions
Before booking, ask:
- Is the background suitable?
- What prep is included?
- Who handles waterproofing?
- What layout is proposed?
- How are corners finished?
- Which adhesive/grout system is being used?
- Who supplies trims?
- Are movement joints needed?
- How much tile should I order?
- What is excluded?
A skilled tiler can make a room look precise.
But the precision starts with the plan beneath the tiles.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a tiler before booking?
Ask about substrate preparation, waterproofing where relevant, tile layout, starting points, cuts, trims, grout width/colour, adhesive system, movement joints and who supplies each material.
Can tiles be fixed over old tiles?
Sometimes, if the existing surface is sound, suitably prepared and the resulting build-up is acceptable. It should not be treated as an automatic shortcut; the tiler should assess the substrate first.
Who should waterproof a shower area?
Responsibility should be explicit. If a tanking or waterproofing system is required, agree whether the tiler supplies and installs it and what system is being used before tiles are fixed.
Why does tile layout matter?
Layout controls symmetry, cut sizes, grout-line alignment and how features such as niches, windows and sanitaryware look. Agreeing it before fixing prevents awkward slivers and avoidable visual compromises.
Can I post a tiling job on TradeKind?
Yes. Include room photos, tile size/type, approximate area, substrate condition and whether waterproofing or old-tile removal is required.
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