🧱 Planning Your Tiling Project
Good planning means fewer surprises and a smoother installation. Use this step-by-step guide from Tiles And More to get measurements, materials and layout spot-on before you start.
🏠1) Measure your space accurately
Measure the width and height of each wall or the length and width of the floor, then multiply to get m². Add 10–15% for cuts, patterns, and spares.
🧮Quick quantity guide
| Item | Allow for |
|---|---|
| Tiles | Area + 10–15% |
| Adhesive | ~1 bag per 4–5 m² |
| Grout | ~1 bag per 7–8 m² |
| Trim & accessories | Edges, corners, transitions |
| Tools | Spacers, trowel, sponge, sealant |
🎨2) Choose the right tiles
- Material: Ceramic (easy care), Porcelain (durable), Natural Stone (luxury).
- Size & shape: Larger tiles = fewer grout lines and a cleaner look.
- Finish: Gloss brightens; matt gives a modern, low-glare feel.
- Colour & pattern: Light tones open up small spaces; dark adds depth.
💷3) Plan your budget
Include tiles, adhesive, grout, trims, tools and labour if using a professional. We can price up everything for you from a quick room sketch.
🧰4) Prepare the surface
- Make sure it’s clean, dry, flat and stable.
- Use a levelling compound if needed.
- Wet areas: add a waterproof membrane/tanking kit.
📐5) Plan the layout
Dry-lay a few rows to visualise joints and patterns, avoid tiny slivers at edges, and align with focal points (niches, cookers, doorways).
- Mark level lines and vertical plumb lines.
- Use spacers for uniform grout gaps.
- Check door clearances and trims.
🧱6) Grout & finishing touches
- Light grout blends; dark grout defines patterns.
- Use trims on edges for a clean, professional finish.
- Silicone movement joints in wet/edge areas.
🧽7) Drying & first clean
- Allow 24 h before grouting; 48–72 h before heavy traffic.
- Clean haze after curing; keep spare tiles labelled.
🛠️8) DIY or professional?
Smaller, simple areas can be DIY. For complex layouts, large-format tiles or UFH, a pro is worth it. We can recommend trusted local installers.
🌿9) Choose sustainable options
Ask about tiles with recycled content and manufacturers using responsible energy and water practices.
✅Project checklist
- Accurate room sketch + measurements
- Tiles ordered with 10–15% extra
- Adhesive, grout, trims & tools listed
- Surface prepped: clean, flat, stable, waterproofed where needed
- Layout dry-laid; level/plumb lines marked
- Drying and first-clean plan noted
Need help planning your project?
Bring your measurements or a quick sketch into our Christchurch showroom — we’ll calculate quantities, suggest layouts and match tiles to your budget.
Talk to an expert🧱 Planning Your Tiling Project
Good planning means fewer surprises and a smoother installation. Use this step-by-step guide from Tiles And More to get measurements, materials and layout spot-on before you start.
🏠1) Measure your space accurately
Measure the width and height of each wall or the length and width of the floor, then multiply to get m². Add 10–15% for cuts, patterns, and spares.
🧮Quick quantity guide
| Item | Allow for |
|---|---|
| Tiles | Area + 10–15% |
| Adhesive | ~1 bag per 4–5 m² |
| Grout | ~1 bag per 7–8 m² |
| Trim & accessories | Edges, corners, transitions |
| Tools | Spacers, trowel, sponge, sealant |
🎨2) Choose the right tiles
- Material: Ceramic (easy care), Porcelain (durable), Natural Stone (luxury).
- Size & shape: Larger tiles = fewer grout lines and a cleaner look.
- Finish: Gloss brightens; matt gives a modern, low-glare feel.
- Colour & pattern: Light tones open up small spaces; dark adds depth.
💷3) Plan your budget
Include tiles, adhesive, grout, trims, tools and labour if using a professional. We can price up everything for you from a quick room sketch.
🧰4) Prepare the surface
- Make sure it’s clean, dry, flat and stable.
- Use a levelling compound if needed.
- Wet areas: add a waterproof membrane/tanking kit.
📐5) Plan the layout
Dry-lay a few rows to visualise joints and patterns, avoid tiny slivers at edges, and align with focal points (niches, cookers, doorways).
- Mark level lines and vertical plumb lines.
- Use spacers for uniform grout gaps.
- Check door clearances and trims.
🧱6) Grout & finishing touches
- Light grout blends; dark grout defines patterns.
- Use trims on edges for a clean, professional finish.
- Silicone movement joints in wet/edge areas.
🧽7) Drying & first clean
- Allow 24 h before grouting; 48–72 h before heavy traffic.
- Clean haze after curing; keep spare tiles labelled.
🛠️8) DIY or professional?
Smaller, simple areas can be DIY. For complex layouts, large-format tiles or UFH, a pro is worth it. We can recommend trusted local installers.
🌿9) Choose sustainable options
Ask about tiles with recycled content and manufacturers using responsible energy and water practices.
✅Project checklist
- Accurate room sketch + measurements
- Tiles ordered with 10–15% extra
- Adhesive, grout, trims & tools listed
- Surface prepped: clean, flat, stable, waterproofed where needed
- Layout dry-laid; level/plumb lines marked
- Drying and first-clean plan noted
Need help planning your project?
Bring your measurements or a quick sketch into our Christchurch showroom — we’ll calculate quantities, suggest layouts and match tiles to your budget.
Talk to an expert