How is Floor Tile Installed (prep work)?

I realize it is a generic, broad question, but I am specifically asking about how floor prep is handled in Thailand.

I have witnessed an uncountable number of floor tiles at shops, businesses, malls, etc., that have already come loose and see saw when you step on it, or make a "crunch" sound like it is only a matter of time.  I really wonder if the floor was prepared 

In the USA, the floor is cleaned and a levelling mixture is manually spread ("floated") to make the floor level (eyeball level).

In wet areas, I'm told they put some type of waterproofing before laying the tiles.

What personal experience do you have with having ceramic or granite floor tiles installed in Thailand?

 

Honestly,  Google/YouTube is your friend for tiling information.  Tiling is not that difficult if you are patient, can use a tape measure, and level, and are willing to plan the tile layout before you actually start sticking stuff down.
 

Contrary to you, most work I’ve seen here (Isaan) is acceptable.  The biggest problems I see are that people want large tiles (600x600) which are the most difficult to lay properly.  Choose smaller tiles and you’ll have less issues.  You need grout lines, you cannot lay tiles butted up to each other…they will lift and/or crack.  Waterproofing in wet areas is about protecting the rest of the building (ie.  the non-wet areas) as the waterproofing goes underneath the tiles/tile adhesive.

Edited July 16, 20251 yr by SteveX08

An uncoupling membrane on a level concrete substrate will provide moisture resistance and help prevent cracking of the tiles.  Had larger tiles  installed this way in a basement 15 years ago and haven’t had a single problem with the tiles.  

It's going to depend on what the surface is. A concrete floor, a wood floor, etc

Most likely they come loose use as cement is used rather than a tile specific adhesive that binds strongly to the tile. Adhesives with polymers are able to expand and contract more if temperature changes a lot, but obviously cost more and cement is cheap, lasts a few years so the workman is long gone when the tiles fall off.

9 hours ago, SteveX08 said:

Honestly,  Google/YouTube is your friend for tiling information.  Tiling is not that difficult if you are patient, can use a tape measure, and level, and are willing to plan the tile layout before you actually start sticking stuff down.

Google is great, but it didn't provide information about typical tile installation methods in Pattaya based on experience. 

PS: you may have read more into it. This is not a request for DIY advice.  I'm not touching the tile.  I want to know first hand, what tile installers typically do in Pattaya to make a quality install vs a brother-in-law job

 

9 hours ago, SteveX08 said:

Honestly,  Google/YouTube is your friend for tiling information.  Tiling is not that difficult if you are patient, can use a tape measure, and level, and are willing to plan the tile layout before you actually start sticking stuff down.
 

Contrary to you, most work I’ve seen here (Isaan) is acceptable.  The biggest problems I see are that people want large tiles (600x600) which are the most difficult to lay properly.  Choose smaller tiles and you’ll have less issues.  You need grout lines, you cannot lay tiles butted up to each other…they will lift and/or crack.  Waterproofing in wet areas is about protecting the rest of the building (ie.  the non-wet areas) as the waterproofing goes underneath the tiles/tile adhesive.

My friend in uk excellent tiler , he tells me planing tile layout takes most of his time , 

Have peruse through @duke main house build topic. His builder did a great job of sending him daily updates with pictures. Several of them are of the tiling process.

 

33 minutes ago, travelling_man said:

Google is great, but it didn't provide information about typical tile installation methods in Pattaya based on experience. 

PS: you may have read more into it. This is not a request for DIY advice.  I'm not touching the tile.  I want to know first hand, what tile installers typically do in Pattaya to make a quality install vs a brother-in-law job

 

I understand there are construction and renovation companies in Pattaya that are owned and operated mainly by continental Europeans. They typically do whole house. They might still do smaller jobs and the finish it similar to what you see in 5 star hotels. I know one BM @duke main is currently using one. Check the thread to get the contact details.  

 

I had my balcony re done about 2 years ago they laid 80x80cm tiles on a cement bed.

The job looks solid but time will tell

 

In shower areas I've seen a liquid polymer based membrane used before the rows of cement for tiles where distributed. Personally  I would emphasize to the builders that only a positive fall towards the drain [from all directions] will be accepted and said fall is easiest achieved by smaller size [anti-skid] tiles. Further, ensure builders are using anti bacterial silicone and not grout in all corners or where needed. 

4 minutes ago, Kandinski said:

anti bacterial silicone and not grout in all corners or where needed. 

I didn't know there was such a thing. I need to re do the corners in my bathroom. What is the anti bacterial product called, brand?

16 minutes ago, Joeleg said:

I understand there are construction and renovation companies in Pattaya that are owned and operated mainly by continental Europeans. They typically do whole house. They might still do smaller jobs and the finish it similar to what you see in 5 star hotels. I know one BM @duke main is currently using one. Check the thread to get the contact details.  

 

Im doing my bathroom floor sometime some and was watching the various crews that always laying tiles somewhere in the neighborhood. Followed one of the crew I liked for a couple of days and had a quote approx 1/3 of the European runned companies who, at the end of the day basically are "arms and legs" companies hiring Thai on a day to day basis for whatever jobs the get.

6 minutes ago, Sloracer said:

I didn't know there was such a thing. I need to re do the corners in my bathroom. What is the anti bacterial product called, brand?

I cant recall the names but, using Google lens, I manage earlier to identify one brand at Watsadu. Will buy on next time for my ongoing kitchen project and post

Tried Google and more brand popped up, here Watsadu

Silicone Sealant for Kitchen and Bathroom SIKA Kitchen & Bathroom Size 300 ml Clear - Thaiwatsadu https://share.google/NTAz04bUflIMJCiU3

Edited July 17, 20251 yr by Kandinski

19 hours ago, Sloracer said:

I didn't know there was such a thing. I need to re do the corners in my bathroom. What is the anti bacterial product called, brand?

I think he means anti mould rather than anti bacterial

https://www.screwfix.com/c/sealants-adhesives/sealants/cat850032?sealantproducttype=sanitary___shower