When You Should Hire a Professional Tiler (and When You Can DIY)

Tiling can transform any space — whether it’s a splashback, bathroom, or hallway floor. But should you do it yourself, or call in the pros? The answer depends on your skill level, the type of tile, and the complexity of the job.

Here’s a clear guide to help you decide.

✅ When You Can DIY

Some tiling jobs are manageable for confident DIYers — especially with the right tools, prep, and patience.

🔹 1. Small, Straightforward Areas

• Splashbacks, cloakrooms, or a simple kitchen wall.

• Regular-shaped areas with minimal cutting.

• Using smaller tiles or simple layouts.

🔹 2. If You Have Basic Tools & Patience

• With a decent tile cutter, spacers, level, and adhesive, you can handle basic tiling.

• YouTube tutorials and manufacturer guides are helpful if you’re willing to learn.

🔹 3. Flat, Prepped Surfaces

• DIY is far easier when walls and floors are flat, dry, and clean.

• Uneven or damp surfaces can cause big problems down the line if not dealt with properly.

💡 Tip: Start small before attempting anything too ambitious. A downstairs WC or utility room is a great place to practice.

🛑 When to Hire a Professional Tiler

Tiling is part art, part precision trade. There are plenty of situations where it pays to get a professional in.

🔸 1. Large or Expensive Projects

• Bathrooms, wet rooms, and high-value kitchens.

• A tiler’s expertise ensures a neat, waterproof finish and protects your investment.

🔸 2. Difficult Layouts or Intricate Patterns

• Herringbone, mosaics, hexagons, and multi-size layouts require experience to line up properly.

• Cutting around pipes, corners, and awkward shapes is hard to get right without practice.

🔸 3. Large Format Tiles

• Bigger tiles are less forgiving — mistakes show up more easily.

• They also require perfect alignment and can be tricky to handle solo.

🔸 4. Floor Tiling

• Floors need extra care for levelling, spacing, and durability.

• Lippage (uneven tile height) is common in DIY jobs if the surface isn’t prepared properly.

🔸 5. Waterproofing and Tanking

• Wet rooms and shower areas require sealing before tiling.

• A poor job here can lead to leaks and long-term damage.

👷‍♂️ What a Professional Tiler Brings

• Speed & efficiency – they’ll finish in a fraction of the time.

• Clean finish – neat edges, perfect grout lines, and no mess.

• Peace of mind – especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or rented properties.

🧱 Final Thoughts

DIY tiling can be a satisfying project — but when in doubt, especially with bathrooms or floors, a professional tiler is worth every penny. If you’re unsure, visit our showroom for advice, product support, and local trade recommendations you can trust.