How to set out floor tiles

Setting out floor tiles involves working out the areas to be tiled using actual tile sizes. Learn more about how to set out a floor with this quick how-to video and our more detailed step by step guide below.

Start by checking the floor level. Using a straightedge, it should be positioned at several points on the floor and if at any point the level is out by more than +/- 3mm over a 2m straight edge, this must be rectified with the use of a floor levelling compound before laying any tiles.

The general rule of tiling a floor is to work from the centre outwards so the main aim is to make sure the centre of the floor is positioned correctly. From there you can extend the tiling pattern towards the edges of the room.

Measure the opposing walls and mark the centre of each then, draw a line using chalk or pencil between the two points. Repeat for the other two walls and you will have found your centre point of the room. Bear in mind that rooms aren’t always perfect squares so start as centrally as you can.

From the centre of your room, dry lay a row of tiles in the four directions up to the walls. Make sure you include (a minimum of) 3mm tile spacers so that the joints are even. If there is only a thin piece of tile left at a wall, move your centre tile around slightly until there’s a gap of roughly the size of half a tile around the edge of the whole room. Once you are happy, mark the centre tile with chalk or pencil.

So, setting out floor tiles is easy! Make sure your substrate is level, work from the centre outwards after finding that all-important centre point and dry lay your tiles to ensure you’re happy with the layout and of course any variations in your tile’s design. Your next step is preparing the substrate, you can read our individual guides for tiling onto various types of flooring. And advice on all things grout related, check out our grouting section of the knowledge base.