Where do you lay tile first in a bathroom?

Author: Chadrick Lakin  |  Last update: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Why You Should Tile the Floor First. The tile installation principle is that the tiled wall 'hangs' over the tiled floor. The best way to achieve this outcome is by first tiling the floor so that the wall tile will then seem to be 'sitting' on the bathroom floor.

Where is the starting point for tile in a bathroom?

Keep in mind that most of the time, tiles should begin from the center of the room. This rule doesn't apply to every situation, but it's a good starting point. When it comes to floor tiles, starting from the center of the room will make your job easier, and the tiling pattern will be symmetrical.

What is the 3/4/5 rule for tiling?

To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.

Where is the best place to start tiling a bathroom?

Always tile from the centre line of a wall or floor – so that any cut pieces end up at the sides of the room, and are the same size. This will give you a symmetrical and professional finish. To help mark out your tile rows, use a tile gauge (a length of wood with the length of your tiles marked onto it).

Why do you start tiling in the middle?

The reason to start in the center is to make the room look even. By measuring each end then putting a line down the center you will be able to follow that and any out of square errors are cut in half. The molding/ mop board will help hide the edges.

How to Install Tile on the Bathroom Wall [Step-by-Step]

What are the golden rules of tiling?

The golden rule is, try as much as possible to avoid small pieces of tile, or, try to keep them hidden. The same basic idea applies to the vertical lines of your job. Try to minimise any small cuts. It is best to start with a centre line and mark along your wall where each vertical joint will occur.

Which direction to lay tile in a small bathroom?

When tiles are laid horizontally, and to the ceiling, the bathroom looks wider and more spacious. Compare this to a vertical laid tile, which tends to make the ceilings look taller but the space tighter.

What order should I tile my bathroom?

Why You Should Tile the Wall First. It may be delicate to create a suspended wall tile effect if you tile the walls first. On the flip side, tiling the walls first will help you dodge the mishaps and messes associated with tile and mortar.

Do you tile first before installing a toilet?

We recommend having your tiles fitted before installing a sink, shower, bath and toilet. This means your bathroom suite can sit on top of the tiles, providing a better seal and finish.

How do I know where to start tiling?

Using a tape measure, take the width of the wall, and divide that by two to find the centre. Make a mark on wall. Then, using a vertical spirit level, line it up with the mark, and draw a line down the centre of the wall. This is your centreline – the line you will tile from.

What is the easiest tile to install in a bathroom?

Vinyl is the easiest flooring to install in a bathroom. It is budget-friendly, durable and low maintenance. It comes in a variety of colors and designs. Ceramic tiles are budget-friendly and easy to install.

What is the formula for the tile pattern?

The picture of the tile figures may also be described by an equation in y = mx + b form, where x and y are variables and m represents the growth rate and b represents the starting value of the pattern.

Where do you start when installing tile?

Begin laying tile in the center of the room and work your way out. Lay a single row of tiles in both directions without mortar. Start at the center point and work outward. This dry layout will make sure your finished project will be centered.

Should I tile under or around the toilet?

Unless you are in a situation where it is impossible to redo the floor tile due to the flange already being put in, never put the tiles below the existing toilet and the flange. Having the tiles go under the toilet makes it much easier to do repairs or removals.

What order to install a bathroom?

  1. Step 1: Before you get started… ...
  2. Step 2: Demolition and removal. ...
  3. Step 3: Pipework, electrics and plastering. ...
  4. Step 4: Installing the shower and bath. ...
  5. Step 5: Flooring overhaul. ...
  6. Step 6: Tiling. ...
  7. Step 7: Cabinets and vanity set-up. ...
  8. Step 8: Lighting enhancements.

Should toilet flange go over tile or flush?

A best practice is to install the toilet flange on top of the finished floor. If you install the toilet flange flush with the finished floor, or even below the finished floor, leak paths will form, because the flange won't be at the correct height to accept the horn at the bottom of the toilet.

What do you put down first before tile?

Inspect your subfloor and correct any dips, cracks or uneven places that will cause your tile to buckle or not install properly. If you have a plywood or OSB subfloor, install a water-resistant cement backer board as your underlayment. Concrete subfloors typically don't require backer board.

Where do you start tiling a bathroom wall?

Where should you start tiling a bathroom wall? Start tiling from the middle of the wall and work outward. Measure and mark the wall's centre with a tape measure and pencil, then use a spirit level or laser level to draw vertical and horizontal guides.

What is the new trend for bathroom tile?

When it comes to bathroom tile trends for 2025, marble bathroom tiles are having their moment. Whether it is a classic white marble like the Carrara Bianco Marble or checkerboard tiles like the Riviera Emerald & White, marble tiles are sure to elevate any bathroom scheme, adding a timeless elegance.

What order should I do my bathroom in?

In What Order Should You Renovate a Bathroom?
  1. Choose a style and design. ...
  2. Consider your budget and DIY skills. ...
  3. Make a plan. ...
  4. Order your new products. ...
  5. Start dismantling your old bathroom. ...
  6. Start on your walls and floors. ...
  7. Install the new fixtures and fittings. ...
  8. Finish the walls and floors.

Is it better to use small or large tiles in a small bathroom?

In small bathrooms, large tiles can help make the room appear bigger by creating a seamless look. However, small tiles can be used to incorporate eye-catching designs and textures.

What are the rules for tile layout?

“Center and balance areas of tile, if possible.”

This language directs the installer to provide a layout where the tile on the left is the same size of the cut on the right. Similarly, the cuts at the bottom of the installation should be the same size as the cuts at the top. This sounds simple and it should be.

Previous article
How do you get the air out of a well water system?
Next article
How do I add a laundry room to my small house?