If you are building, renovating, or simply wanting to give your existing bathroom a fresh, new look, you’ll likely understand the importance of great tiling. As the leading tile & bathroom shop the Rockingham, & Mandurah locals rely on, Ceramico is proud to supply high quality tiles & bathroom products at affordable prices.
Before any tiles are laid there are some essential steps that must be taken to ensure that your bathroom floor is properly prepared to ensure a professional result. This includes preparing the subfloor, cleaning the surface of the floor & walls, screeding and the application of a waterproof membrane. Once these steps have been completed, your bathroom will be ready for tiling! Read on to find out more.
Preparing the Subfloor
This is undoubtedly the most important step however you might be asking yourself what exactly is a subfloor? It’s a term to describe the floor underneath your finished floor, and it’s generally concrete.
To Prepare Your Concrete Subfloor For Tiles:
- Floor tiles cannot usually be installed directly onto a new concrete subfloor. Ensure the floor is clean of dust and free of debris.
- Prime & use a tile adhesive slurry to bond your screed.
- Install your screed ensuring correct falls to drains & ensure the screed is compacted.
Installing a Waterproof Membrane
Waterproofing involves the application of a suitable membrane product to ensure no moisture can penetrate through the tiles to the subfloor & walls underneath.
There are several different waterproof membranes that can be applied directly beneath the tile layer. The main types of waterproofing membranes & brands most commonly used & supplied by us are:
- Ardex
- RLA Polymers
- Mapei
All suppliers recommend that waterproofing must be completed by an accredited installer although unlike most states, waterproofing in WA is not licensed.
Should I Prepare the Floor Myself?
You might be wondering if floor preparation is something you can DIY or whether you should engage a professional. Proper preparation for tiles is vital for two reasons – it will ensure the best possible finish, and it will help to ensure your bathroom stands the test of time and doesn’t have any issues with leaks. It requires expert knowledge and the use of specialised tools so it’s a job that is usually best left to the professionals. However, if you are performing a bathroom makeover, and you are confident to tackle the preparation on your own, it’s best to seek assistance from a local builder, tiler, or tile shop. Rockingham & Mandurah customers and tilers trust the team at Ceramico for all their tiling and bathroom needs!
Visit the Ceramico Showroom Today
Conveniently located in Rockingham, we have been Perth’s leading tile and bathroom centre with over 50 years experience! We are here to help you at every stage of your renovation, new build, if you are DIY or a professional. From tiles and tapware to trade supplies, we have everything you need at unbeatable prices – Contact us or pop in to see our friendly team today.
