Whether you’re updating a bathroom, renovating your kitchen, or giving your floors a fresh new look, professional tiling can dramatically improve the style and value of your Melbourne home. But if you’ve never hired a tiler before, you might be wondering—what actually happens during a tiling installation?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire tiling process—from the first site visit to the final grout wipe-down—so you know exactly what to expect. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned renovator, you’ll come away with clear insights and helpful tips for a smooth, stress-free tiling experience.
Why Understanding the Tiling Process Matters
Tiling isn’t just about laying tiles in a neat grid—it’s a skilled trade that requires precision, prep work, and planning. Knowing what’s involved helps you:
- Plan your time and budget
- Avoid common mistakes
- Communicate better with your tiler
- Get better, longer-lasting results
Let’s break it all down step-by-step.
Step 1: Site Visit and Quote
🧰 What Happens:
Before anything is installed, a professional tiler will visit your property to assess the space. During this consultation, they’ll:
- Measure the area
- Check the surface condition
- Discuss your design goals
- Review tile choices and layout preferences
- Advise on waterproofing, trims, or substrate prep
At Chumz Tiling, we offer free consultations across Melbourne to ensure we fully understand your needs before we quote.
🔑 Pro Tip:
Bring along tile samples or inspiration photos. The more context we have, the more accurate and helpful our quote will be.
Step 2: Surface Preparation
🔧 Why Prep Matters:
Tiling over an uneven or unstable surface can lead to cracked tiles, loose grout, or water damage. That’s why surface prep is one of the most important parts of the job.
🛠 Common Prep Tasks:
- Removing old tiles or flooring
- Leveling the surface with screed or backer board
- Sealing or priming porous surfaces
- Installing underfloor heating (if required)
If tiling in wet areas like bathrooms or laundries, waterproofing membranes must be applied and allowed to cure for 24–48 hours in line with Australian Standard AS 3740.
Step 3: Tile Layout and Planning
Before any tile is laid, we always “dry lay” a few tiles to map out the layout. This ensures the final look is balanced and avoids awkward cuts around edges, drains, or corners.
🧭 Things We Consider:
- Centre lines and focal points
- Grout line alignment
- Feature walls or niche placement
- Pattern orientation (e.g. herringbone, stack, offset)
Taking time in this stage results in a more professional finish and fewer surprises later.
Step 4: Tiling Installation
📅 How Long It Takes:
- Small bathroom wall: 1–2 days
- Floor tiling (20–40m²): 2–4 days
- Full bathroom: 3–5 days (plus drying time)
🧱 How It Works:
- Tiles are laid using tile adhesive and spaced with wedges or spacers.
- We work in small sections to keep alignment accurate and adhesives workable.
- Any required tile cutting is done on-site using water-cooled tile saws or angle grinders.
We make sure all tiles are level, aligned, and free from lippage (where one tile edge sits higher than another).
Step 5: Grouting and Finishing
Once the adhesive is cured (usually after 24 hours), it’s time to grout the joints.
Grouting Process:
- Grout is applied using a rubber float to fill all the joints.
- Excess grout is wiped off with a damp sponge.
- Expansion joints (corners, joins) are sealed with silicone.
✨ Final Touches:
- We polish off grout haze
- Apply sealers (if needed for porous tiles)
- Clean and inspect the job
- Leave you with care instructions
You’ll now have a fully tiled, ready-to-use space—with no mess left behind.
How to Prepare for Your Tiling Installation
Even if you’re not doing the work yourself, there are a few simple ways to make the job easier (and faster!) for your tiling team:
🧼 Clear the Space:
Move furniture, rugs, or personal items away from the work area.
🚰 Confirm Access:
Ensure water, power, and parking are available.
🐶 Manage Pets:
Keep pets and kids safely away during installation to avoid accidents.
🔧 Schedule Other Trades:
If plumbing or electrical work is involved, coordinate your trades so they don’t overlap with tiling days.
Common Questions About Tiling in Melbourne
Real-World Example: A Kitchen Splashback in Carlton
A couple in Carlton recently hired us to install a ceramic subway tile splashback in their renovated kitchen. From consultation to cleanup, the job took just two days. We aligned the tiles to their cabinetry, colour-matched the grout to their benchtop, and cleaned up thoroughly.
The end result? A modern, polished finish that tied the whole kitchen together—and a glowing Google review to match!
Final Thoughts: Tiling That’s Built to Last
A professional tiling installation is more than just laying tiles—it’s about craftsmanship, planning, and detail. When done right, tiling enhances not just the look of your space, but also its durability, safety, and value.
At Chumz Tiling, we treat every job like it’s in our own home—combining precision, honesty, and care from the first quote to the final wipe-down. Whether you’re updating a single splashback or transforming your entire bathroom, you can expect a stress-free experience, beautiful results, and a space that makes you smile every time you step into it.
