Why Preparation is Everything in Tiling (And Why Cutting Corners Costs You More)

After 23 years of tiling both residential and commercial spaces, I can tell you with absolute certainty: the quality of a tiled surface is decided before the first tile ever goes down.

Most tiling problems don't come from the tiles themselves. They come from what happens—or doesn't happen—before installation begins.

The Hidden Foundation

When you look at a beautifully tiled bathroom or kitchen, you're seeing the end result. What you don't see is the foundation that makes it possible: the hours spent leveling, the careful measurement of falls and drainage, the meticulous checking of substrate condition, and the proper treatment of surfaces.

This invisible work is what separates a tiling job that looks good for six months from one that looks perfect for decades.

What Actually Happens During Proper Preparation

1. Surface Assessment and Treatment

Before any adhesive is mixed, I examine every inch of the surface. Is the substrate sound? Are there any cracks, movement, or damp issues? Is the surface properly primed?

A tile can only be as stable as what it's fixed to. If you tile over a weak or contaminated surface, you're building on quicksand. The tiles might look fine initially, but movement, cracking, or delamination is inevitable.

2. Achieving True Level and Falls

In a bathroom or wet room, water must flow toward the drain—not pool in corners or against walls. This requires precise calculation and execution of falls, typically 1:80 or 1:60 depending on the situation.

For floor tiling, laser levels and careful checking ensure surfaces are truly flat. A floor that's out by just 3-4mm over a meter will result in "lippage"—where tile edges don't align. This isn't just unsightly; it's a trip hazard and compromises the waterproofing.

I use tile leveling clip systems and multi-point laser levels to achieve dead-straight alignment. This attention to detail during prep means the finished surface is completely flat, with grout lines that run continuously through every angle without deviation.

3. Managing Movement and Stress

Buildings move. Temperature changes cause expansion and contraction. Without proper movement joints and the right adhesive bed thickness, tiles will crack under stress.

Proper preparation includes planning where movement joints go, ensuring the adhesive bed is the right thickness (typically 3-6mm for walls, 4-8mm for floors), and using appropriate materials for the substrate and tile type.

4. Waterproofing and Tanking

In wet areas—showers, wetrooms, pool surrounds—waterproofing is non-negotiable. This means applying tanking membrane systems to walls and floors before tiling begins.

Rushed jobs skip this step or do it poorly. The result? Water penetrates behind tiles, leading to damp damage, mold, structural issues, and eventually, the need to rip everything out and start again.

The Real Cost of Poor Preparation

I've been called in countless times to fix botched tiling jobs. In almost every case, the problem traces back to inadequate preparation:

• Tiles cracking or becoming loose because the substrate wasn't stable or properly prepared

• Grout lines that look wavy or inconsistent because the surface wasn't level

• Water pooling or draining incorrectly because falls weren't calculated properly

• Damp and mold appearing because waterproofing was skipped

• Lippage and uneven surfaces because leveling systems weren't used

Fixing these issues doesn't mean just replacing a few tiles. It means stripping everything back to the substrate and starting again—properly this time. What seemed like a money-saving shortcut ends up costing two or three times the original job.

Why Rushed Jobs Cut Preparation First

Preparation is time-intensive and, to an untrained eye, invisible. A tiler can save hours by skipping proper substrate treatment, not bothering with laser levels, or rushing the tanking. The tiles still go up, and to someone unfamiliar with the trade, it might look identical to a properly prepared job.

But professionals know the difference. And within months or years, so will the homeowner.

The Paul the Tiler Approach

When I quote a job, I'm transparent about what the preparation involves. I explain why certain steps are necessary and what risks you're avoiding by doing them properly.

My preparation checklist includes:

✓ Full substrate assessment and treatment✓ Proper priming and sealing✓ Laser-level setting out for perfect alignment✓ Tanking and waterproofing in wet areas✓ Correct calculation and creation of drainage falls✓ Use of tile leveling systems for flat, lippage-free surfaces✓ Careful setting out to ensure grout lines run continuously through every angle✓ Protection of existing floors, surfaces, and access areas

None of this is glamorous. Most of it happens before the tiles even arrive on site. But it's what ensures the finished result looks right, performs properly, and lasts.

What Good Preparation Looks Like in Practice

Take a recent bathroom I completed in Culcheth. It featured complex angles, sloped ceilings, window recesses, and tight junctions throughout. Before any tiling began:

• I spent a full day setting out and checking levels with laser equipment

• The entire room was tanked with waterproof membrane

• I carefully calculated the tile layout so grout lines would run continuously through every angle without awkward cuts

• Leveling clips were used throughout to ensure perfectly flat surfaces and smooth transitions

The result? A bathroom where every line is crisp, every surface is level, and every detail looks intentional. Not because I'm exceptionally skilled at laying tiles—but because I'm unwilling to compromise on preparation.

How to Know If a Tiler Prepares Properly

When getting quotes, ask specific questions:

• How do you assess and prepare the substrate?

• What waterproofing system do you use, and where will it be applied?

• How do you ensure level surfaces and consistent grout lines?

• How do you calculate and create drainage falls in wet areas?

• What happens if you discover issues with the substrate during preparation?

A good tiler will answer these questions clearly and specifically. Someone who's cutting corners will give vague answers or suggest these steps aren't necessary for your particular job.

The Bottom Line

Quality tiling isn't about speed. It's about taking the time to do invisible work that ensures visible excellence.

Preparation might add a day or two to a project timeline. It might mean the job costs slightly more upfront. But it's the difference between a tiling job that's still perfect in ten years and one that's causing problems within ten months.

After two decades in this trade, I've never regretted spending extra time on preparation. But I've seen plenty of people regret hiring the tiler who didn't.

Ready to discuss your tiling project? I provide detailed quotes that explain exactly what preparation your project needs and why. No surprises, no shortcuts—just work done properly from substrate to finish.

Get in touch: 01925 899 755 | paul@paulthetiler.co.uk