If you’re planning to tile your kitchen, bathroom, or wet room, especially using brick-effect or metro tiles, preparation is just as important as the tiles themselves.
At JW McDonald Building Services Ltd, one of the most common issues we encounter on tiling projects across Bromley, Clapham and South East London is uneven walls and floors. This often only becomes obvious once tiling begins, when patterns stop lining up.
This blog explains why level surfaces matter, what the preparation process involves, and why it plays such a big role in achieving a professional finish.
Why brick-effect tiling highlights every imperfection
Brick-effect tiles rely on:
- Straight horizontal grout lines
- Consistent spacing
- Accurate setting out
When walls or floors are out of level, even slightly then the tiles:
- Drift out of alignment
- Create stepped or uneven lines
- Draw the eye to the problem
This isn’t poor tiling – it’s a surface that hasn’t been prepared correctly.
The reality: Most homes don’t have perfectly level surfaces!
In many South East London properties, especially older homes:
- Walls may bow or lean
- Floors may slope or dip
- Corners may not be square
These issues are extremely common and often hidden until tiling starts.
What happens if you tile without proper preparation
If tiling begins on uneven surfaces:
- Patterns won’t line up
- Grout lines become inconsistent
- Cuts look untidy
- The final finish appears rushed
At that point, the options are limited – which is why preparation should always come first.
How JW McDonald Building Services prepares surfaces properly
1️⃣ Assessing walls & floors before tiling
Before any tiles are laid, we:
- Check surfaces using long levels or lasers
- Identify high and low points
- Measure walls for plumb and square
This allows us to plan the correct preparation work from the start.
2️⃣ Correcting uneven walls
Depending on the condition, walls may need:
- Bonding or hardwall plaster
- Tile backer boards
- Skimming to straighten surfaces
- Packing out uneven areas
This creates a solid, flat base so tiles align cleanly.
3️⃣ Levelling floors correctly
For floors, preparation may include:
- Self-levelling compound
- Screeding
- Backer boards or plywood
- Strengthening weak areas
This is especially important for brick layouts and large-format tiles.
4️⃣ Proper setting out before tiling begins
Once surfaces are level:
- Tile layouts are marked out
- Centre lines are established
- Cuts are planned carefully
- Patterns are checked before fixing
This ensures clean lines and balanced cuts.
Why preparation costs more – but delivers better results
Preparation work can add to the upfront cost, but it
- Prevents failed installations
- Avoids wasted tiles
- Ensures straight grout lines
- Improves durability and lifespan
Skipping prep often leads to costly fixes later.
Why Brick-effect tiling demands extra care
Brick-effect and metro tiles:
- Show level issues immediately
- Leave little room for adjustment
- Require accurate setting out
If you want a crisp, professional finish, preparation is essential.
Our honest advice
If your installer raises concerns about uneven walls or floors before tiling starts, that’s a positive sign. It shows they care about the final result.
At JW McDonald Building Services Ltd, we believe quality tiling starts long before the first tile is laid.
About JW McDonald Building Services Ltd
JW McDonald Building Services Ltd provides professional kitchen and bathroom installation services across Borough of Bromley, Clapham, Dulwich and South East London. We focus on proper preparation, skilled workmanship, and delivering long-lasting finishes our customers can rely on.
Get Expert Advice Before You Tile
Contact JW McDonald Building Services Ltd today for an honest assessment and a free estimate here.