Where does tiling fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Tiling
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Tiling
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Tiling
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Tiling
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Tiling
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Tiling
Floor and wall tile laid flat and straight, on a sound base and the right waterproofing, so it lasts and does not crack.
How this guide works
Tile is only as good as the base under it. A flat, sound substrate and the right waterproofing decide whether the tile lasts. Work through the decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where tile is used
Tile goes into entries, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and commercial floors. Wet areas and heavy traffic need specific systems.
| Use | Typical tile | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Entries and kitchens | Porcelain or ceramic | Durability, slip rating |
| Bathrooms and showers | Porcelain, large format | Waterproofing, slope, grout |
| Commercial floors | Porcelain, quarry tile | Traffic, cleaning, slip rating |
Our pick: Wet areas need waterproofing before any tile goes on. Commercial floors need a slip rating.
Decision 2: Base and substrate
The base has to be flat, stiff and sound. Movement or unevenness shows as cracked tile or grout.
| Base | Use |
|---|---|
| Cement backer board | Wet areas and walls |
| Plywood underlayment | Dry floors, with a flat subfloor |
| Self-levelling compound | Levelling uneven floors |
Our pick: Backer board in wet areas. Plywood alone is not enough for large-format tile.
Decision 3: Waterproofing
Showers and wet floors need a membrane behind the tile. The membrane is what stops water reaching the framing.
| System | Good for |
|---|---|
| Liquid membrane | Showers and complex shapes |
| Sheet membrane | Flat floors and walls |
| Pre-formed shower pan | Standard showers |
Our pick: Waterproof every wet area. A tiled shower without a membrane leaks in time.
Decision 4: Tile size, layout and grout
Tile size, layout and grout change the look and the cleaning. Large format needs a flatter base.
| Choice | Effect |
|---|---|
| Large format | Fewer grout lines, needs a flat base |
| Small format or mosaic | More grout, more detail |
| Grout colour and type | Stain resistance and cleaning |
Our pick: Choose the grout for cleaning, not only the colour. Epoxy grout suits wet areas.
Decision 5: Install and seal
Tile is set flat, straight and to the layout. Grout and sealing are finished last, once the tile has cured.
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Layout and dry-fit | Balanced cuts at the edges |
| Set and level | Flat tile, no lippage |
| Grout and seal | Stops water and staining |
Our pick: Dry-fit the layout before you set a tile. It is the step that makes the room look right.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
Tile problems show as cracks, hollow spots and loose tiles. Each one points to a different cause, and the sooner it is checked the cheaper the fix.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Hollow or drummy tiles | Checking the bond and the substrate |
| Cracked tiles or grout | Checking for movement in the base |
| Grout staining or soft grout | Checking the seal and the waterproofing |
Our pick: Check for movement first. Cracks in new tile usually start in the base, not the tile.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
Tile on its own usually needs no permit. Wet-area work often needs the plumbing and waterproofing checked as part of the room.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Floor or wall tile only | Usually no permit |
| Shower or tub with new plumbing | Plumbing permit and inspection |
| Commercial floor | Check slip rating and code |
Our pick: Confirm the scope. A shower with new plumbing is inspected before it is tiled.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
Tile follows the framing, the subfloor, the plumbing and the waterproofing. Each has to be finished and checked before the tile is set.
| Trade | What tile needs |
|---|---|
| Framing and subfloor | Flat, stiff and sound |
| Plumbing | Rough-in tested before tile goes on |
| Waterproofing | Cured and tested in wet areas |
| Cabinets and fixtures | Tile cut and set around them |
Our pick: Test the waterproofing before the first tile goes on.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
Tile and grout last with the right cleaning and sealing. The grout is the part that needs the most upkeep.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Grout | Sealed and cleaned on a schedule |
| Tile surface | Cleaned with a non-abrasive product |
| Caulking at the tub or shower | Checked and renewed when it cracks |
Our pick: Seal the grout and renew the caulking when it cracks. It keeps water out of the wall.
Questions
Why does tile crack?
Usually movement in the base or no proper prep. We check the base first.
Do you waterproof showers?
Yes. Wet areas are waterproofed before tile is set.
What grout is best?
We recommend the grout for the room and the use.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the room, the tile and the base condition. We check the substrate and the waterproofing, then lay the tile to the layout.
Related: Bathroom RenovationsWaterproofingAll contracting
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