Make sure the surface to be tiled is clean. Begin by sweeping the area with a stiff brush to clear away any leaves or other loose material. If tiling over concrete, use a pressure cleaner. Spray the surface thoroughly with water, removing any stubborn patches of dirt in corners and cracks.
2. Choose the layout
Mark out the area, experimenting with the layout of the tiles, then check for square and work out the cuts. If you have a step and want a full tile with a 5mm drip-lip at the step end, as in this project, measure the tiles for the wall end first, then gradually work out from the wall and towards the step.
3. Cut the tiles
Position and measure the tiles, then make any necessary cuts. Use a tile cutter for this, making sure it has the right capacity for your tile size and the correct cutting wheels for the tile type. TIP We decided to use large-format 600 x 300mm tiles and ran them crossways to make the space feel larger.
4. Lay the tiles
Mix the tile adhesive in small batches using a heavy-duty 20L bucket and blending the adhesive thoroughly with a mixing paddle fitted to a corded drill. Spread the adhesive over small areas at a time using a notched trowel, then lay the tiles starting from an edge or a corner, working outwards.
5. Add the spacers
As you lay the tiles, insert spacers near the corners, leaving them upright so they can be easily removed when the adhesive has cured. The spacers will ensure you get perfectly consistent spacing between the tiles. Once the adhesive has cured enough to walk on the tiles, remove the spacers.
Mix small batches of grout at a time, using the grout squeegee to push it into the cracks. When it starts to set, remove the excess grout with a damp sponge. Once the adhesive is fully cured, use diluted acid to wash off any powdery grout on the surface of the tiles. Test the acid on an offcut first.
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