Bathroom tiling and full bathroom refits
From a single wall of tile to a complete bathroom, strip-out to second fix, across West Sussex, Hampshire and Brighton.
We design the bathroom around the tile setting-out, so the cuts land where you would want them.
Most bathroom jobs we are asked about have the same problem: the tile was chosen, the fittings were chosen, and nobody worked out how the two meet. We start with where the first tile goes, then the niche, the window reveal and the tap positions fall into that.
Since January 2025 we have done full installations as well as tiling, so one team can take the room from bare walls to finished. We are also more than happy to build the boxing ourselves to tidy up any unsightly pipework.
Tiling or the full job
Tell us which you need. Both start with a visit to measure up and go through sample books.
- Survey and samplesWe measure, look at the walls and the floor, and bring sample books with ideas for what would suit the room.
- Strip-out and boxingOn a full job, old suite and tiles out. We build the boxing and make good.
- BackgroundsWalls checked against the weight of your tile. Boards where the plaster will not take it, primer where it will.
- WaterproofingShower areas tanked in line with BS 5385, because tile and grout alone do not keep water out.
- Set-out and tilingCentre lines and laser first, then tile. Trims matched to your fittings, niches lined up with the coursing.
- Grout and second fixGrouted, cleaned and left ready for second fix. On a full job we see it through to the last fitting.
What your wall can carry
Tile, adhesive and grout all count. The lowest bonded layer sets the limit, which is why we ask about the wall before the tile.
| Background | Limit including bedding and grout |
|---|---|
| Plaster | About 20kg per m² |
| Skimmed plasterboard | About 20kg per m² |
| Unskimmed plasterboard | About 32kg per m² |
| Foam-cored tile backer board | About 60kg per m² as a guide, depending on fixing |
| Sand and cement render | Generally unrestricted if sound |
Check the board manufacturer's figure for your system. 9mm porcelain with adhesive is about 22 to 24kg per m².
I had many recommendations for Sam to tile my bathroom, I checked his Instagram page and that just speaks for itself! I was over the moon with what he'd done.Bathroom customer, Waterlooville
Questions people ask
Do you fit the whole bathroom or only tile it?
Either. Since January 2025 we have taken on full bathroom installations as well as tiling, working with plumbers we trust. If you already have a fitter, we will happily come in for the tiling alone.
Can you tile over my old tiles?
It is not something we generally recommend, and in wet areas the old tiles should come off. You cannot see what is behind them, and the added weight counts against what the wall can carry.
Can large porcelain tiles go on plaster?
Usually not without changing the background. A 9mm porcelain tile with its adhesive comes to about 22 to 24kg per m², and plaster is limited to about 20kg per m² including everything. We check before anyone buys tiles.
Can you tile on plasterboard?
Up to a limit. Skimmed plasterboard takes about 20kg per m² and unskimmed about 32kg per m². In a shower, plasterboard, moisture-resistant included, is generally unsuitable unless it has been tanked. Waterproof tile backer board is often the better answer.
Do I need building control approval?
A like-for-like refit usually does not need building control approval, but new drainage, structural work or new circuits can. We will tell you at survey stage.
How long does a bathroom take?
Tiling a typical bathroom takes 2 to 5 days. A full bathroom is usually 5 to 10 working days, depending on what the strip-out finds and the second fix. We will give you dates for your room when we measure up.
Porcelain or ceramic?
Porcelain absorbs 0.5% of water or less, is dense and hard-wearing, and suits floors and showers. Ceramic is lighter and easier to cut, and suits a lot of walls. Often the right answer is ceramic on the wall and porcelain on the floor.
Planning a bathroom?
Send us a sketch or a few photos and the tiles if you have chosen them.