Floor Tiling in Australia
Floor tiling lays hard-wearing tiles across living areas, kitchens, hallways and wet areas, over a properly prepared and level substrate. Compare 345+ floor tiling businesses across 6 Australian metro areas — with Google ratings, reviews, opening hours and phone numbers. Choose your city below.
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Choosing a floor tiler
A good floor tiling job is decided before any tile is laid, in the preparation of the substrate. The floor has to be sound, level and clean, and low spots are filled with a self-levelling compound so the finished tiles sit flat. Large-format tiles in particular show every dip, and lippage, where one tile sits proud of its neighbour, is the most common complaint on rushed floor jobs.
Ask the tiler about the setting out, because where the first tile lands decides whether you end up with awkward slivers at doorways and along the most visible wall. Movement joints matter on larger floors and where tiling runs from inside to outside or across different substrates. On a concrete slab that is still young, or over timber, the tiler should explain how they are accommodating movement so the tiles do not crack or drum.
Tile choice affects how the floor performs. Porcelain is harder and less porous than ceramic and suits high-traffic areas, while slip ratings matter in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms. A tiler can match the tile hardness and slip rating to the room so the floor lasts and stays safe underfoot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floor Tiling
Sometimes, but the substrate has to be rigid and stable, and timber floors often need a tile underlay or sheeting first to stop movement cracking the tiles or grout. Tiling over existing tiles is possible if they are well bonded and the levels allow it. A tiler will assess the floor and tell you what preparation it needs.
Usually because of movement or poor preparation underneath, not the tile itself. A substrate that flexes, a slab that was too green when tiled, missing movement joints or adhesive that did not fully bed the tile all lead to cracks and drummy, hollow-sounding tiles. Good preparation and the right adhesive prevent most of these problems.
Lippage is when the edge of one tile sits higher than the next, so you can feel the ridge underfoot. It comes from an uneven substrate or tiles that are not bedded evenly, and it is more obvious with large-format tiles and narrow grout lines. Levelling the floor first and using levelling clips during laying keeps it to a minimum.
Commonly around a day for the adhesive to set before light foot traffic, and a little longer before heavy furniture goes back, though it depends on the adhesive, the tile and the weather. The grout also needs time to cure. Your tiler will tell you when the floor is ready to use.