Planning the Tiles

Planning your tiles works wonders on the overall tile installation, especially with their aesthetic and practical uses on walls and floors. Bubbles & Dreams see every day just how great bathrooms begin with excellent planning. Tiling can overhaul compact en-suites and even help build a spa-worthy sanctuary from scratch.

In Part 1 of our Tiling Masterclass, we are sharing our insider tips on planning your bathroom wall and floor tiles. This covers everything from calculating costs to choosing tile patterns, ensuring your project gets off to the right start.

So, let’s lay the groundwork for your perfect bathroom, starting with your tile installation project from Bubbles & Dreams.

Why Planning is Key

Start as simply as planning, as rushing in with a tile cutter and a vision will only waste your budget. Instead, a brilliant plan will detail your tile choices, layout, and installation method, all of which will work together seamlessly. Don’t just factor in aesthetics; also consider longevity, water resistance, and cost-effectiveness.

We help customers daily with everything from choosing the right tiling tools to calculating the exact tiling price per m2. Watertight plans should consider long-term effects and account for awkward layouts without overspending.

Measure Like a Pro

Your first step is measuring your walls and floors accurately in square metres (m²). Determine how much tile you will need and ensure you calculate the overall tiling price per square meter. It is standard procedure to add at least 10% extra for cuts and any potential breakages.

If you are unsure how to measure unusual spaces, our team at Bubbles & Dreams is happy to help. Get your tiling supplies direct from Bubbles & Dreams, additionally we can cover the entire installation.

Choosing Your Tiles

With so many stunning bathroom tiles to choose from, it’s easy to get swept up by looks alone. However, the right tile will provide a lot more than merely aesthetics. Factor in the tile’s material, slip rating, size, and durability, especially for floors in high-moisture environments.

Bubbles & Dreams supply an extensive range of tiles suitable for any style and function. All of our tiles come straight from trusted manufacturers offering options like large-format matte porcelain to glossy mosaics.

Tiling Patterns That Wow

Layout is the most crucial step, as the right tiling patterns can completely transform your space far beyond visuals. For example, opt for a classic grid design for clean lines and a minimalist feel.

Want something with more visual interest? Then, the best choice is a herringbone or chevron layout. Vertical stacks can make rooms feel taller, while diagonal lines open up tight spaces.

Need help visualising your tiling patterns before installation? If so, then visit our showroom, as we have over 70 bathrooms displaying different layout styles.

Should You Tile Over Existing Tiles?

A common question we hear is, “Can I tile over existing tiles?” In many cases, yes — but existing tiles must be stable, flat, and well-adhered. Inevitably, this method saves time and reduces mess, especially during renovations.

However, tiling over tiles requires very specific adhesives and intricate preparation. We stock specialist products that make this possible, in addition to professional advice on how to do it safely.

Get the Right Tiling Tools for the Job

No matter how beautiful your tiles are, your finish will only be as good as your toolkit. Therefore, the right tiling tools are exactly what make for a clean result. For example, think tile cutters, spacers, mixing buckets, levels, and tiling trowels.

As a result, your tiling trowels massively benefit how the adhesive is applied. Use a notched trowel for even spreading, with notch sizes varying depending on the tile size and surface area. So, never underestimate how this tool achieves both good coverage and bond strength.

Bubbles & Dreams provides a complete range of tiling tools, such as premium tiling trowels, for every installer.

Understanding the Tiling Price per m2

Budgeting for your bathroom is one of the most important steps. Whether you’re tiling one wall or an entire wet room, knowing your tiling price per m2 helps you make smart, cost-effective decisions.

Bubbles & Dreams have always kept our pricing transparent and competitive. This is due to offering tiling supplies directly to completely mitigate middlemen inflating costs. Our team can also help you compare costs across different tile types, adhesives, and tiling tools for your budget.

Plan Your Tiling Timeline

Finally, now that you have your layout mapped out and purchased your tools, it’s time to plan your workflow.

Will you tile the floor first or the walls? Are you starting in a visible focal point, like behind the vanity, or in a less noticeable corner? Do you need to remove fittings, or can you tile around them?

A dry lay is always a good idea — placing tiles on the floor without adhesive helps visualise the pattern. This is in addition to tweaking the spacing before the commitment of sticking them down.