Beginner's Guide to Tile Levelling: Tips & Tricks

Tiling can be one of the most rewarding DIY tasks you can tackle in a home renovation. Whether you're sprucing up a tired bathroom, giving your kitchen backsplash a fresh look, or finally tackling that outdoor patio you've been dreaming about, tile work offers a blend of creativity and precision. But let’s be honest—tiling can be a bit intimidating for beginners. You might be worried about uneven surfaces, crooked lines, or gaps that make the final result look a bit rough.

Fortunately, a tile leveling system can help you achieve a professional-looking finish that’ll make you proud every time you walk into the room. With a solid methodology, patient approach, and the right equipment, you can utilise this tool to get the results you’re looking for.

What is a Tile Leveling System?

A tile levelling system is a tool for accurately levelling and bonding tiles to a surface, ensuring they sit perfectly flat and even with each other. The system typically consists of a built-in level, a spacer, clips, and wedges or caps that are placed between tiles to maintain a consistent gap and level surface.

As the tiles set, the system holds them in place, preventing any movement that could cause unevenness or lippage (when one tile edge is higher than the one next to it). Keep in mind that an uneven floor is more than just a bit of an eyesore—it can also be a pretty significant tripping hazard. Tile levellers produce a polished, finished result that is much safer for clumsy feet.

Benefits of Tile Levelling

Tile levelling systems are handy for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it helps you achieve a professional finish, even if you’re just starting out, and allows you to avoid the dreaded lippage. It also speeds up the installation process by taking the guesswork out of spacing and levelling, so you can focus on getting the tiles down without constantly second-guessing yourself. Plus, its consistent spacing ensures that your grout lines are uniform, which adds to the overall great look of your finished floor or wall.

Tips for Tile Levelling

Before diving into the actual tile levelling, a bit of prep work is crucial. Trust us, a little time spent preparing can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Choose the Right Tile

Not all tiles are created equal, and choosing the right one for your project is the first step toward a successful project. Before buying a tile, you need to know the surface they will be going on, as different textures are suitable for different tiles. For instance, thicker tiles may require larger spacers to ensure even spacing and alignment.

Additionally, consider the room's environment—high-moisture areas like bathrooms may require more water-resistant tiles, such as porcelain, whereas living areas might allow for more decorative options like ceramic or vinyl. The tile you choose will also influence your choice of tile levelling spacers.

Lay Out Your Tiles

It’s a good idea to do a dry layout before you start sticking tiles to the floor or wall. This means laying out the tiles without adhesive to plan the pattern and make sure everything fits nicely. Remember to leave room for grout lines and account for any cuts you’ll need to make around edges or corners. Once this is done, you’ll have a good visual of what the final result should look like, plus an opportunity to make adjustments before things get too permanent.

Gather Your Tools

To use a tile levelling system effectively, you’ll need a few tools on hand. Make sure you have a motor, grout, pliers, a rubber mallet, and, of course, your chosen tile levelling system. Depending on the nature of the job itself, you might also like to have a sponge, a scraper, or tile cutters.

How to Use a Tile Levelling System

Now that you’re prepped and ready, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of using a tile levelling system. Depending on the system you choose, the process can vary slightly, so let’s take a look at two popular options: the Delts Levelling System and the Cyclone Levelling System.

Delta Levelling System

The Delta Levelling System is one of the most popular choices for both beginners and professionals. It’s simple to use and works well with a variety of tile sizes and thicknesses. To use it, you place the clips under the tiles as you set them in the adhesive. Then, you insert the wedges into the clips and use a pair of pliers or your hands to push the wedges in tight.

This process pulls the tiles together, ensuring they’re level with each other. Once the adhesive has dried, you simply break off the clips, leaving a perfectly flat surface.

Cyclone Levelling System

The Cyclone Levelling System works on a similar principle but with a few key differences. Instead of wedges, this system uses reusable caps that screw onto the clips, allowing for easy adjustment and a secure hold. The Cyclone system is particularly popular for larger tiles or heavy-duty projects where precise levelling is critical.

To use it, you place the clips under the tiles as you go, screw the caps onto the clips, and then use a special tool to tighten them until the tiles are level. Like the Delta System, the clips can be removed after the adhesive sets, leaving you with perfectly aligned tiles.

One Tile at a Time

Using a tile levelling system can make a world of difference in your tiling projects, especially if you’re a beginner. With the right preparation and tools, you can achieve a professional finish that will make your space look polished and well-crafted. For a range of useful tools, take a look at the selection we offer at Tilers Online.

With both tile levelling systems and laser levels, you can jump into your tiling tasks with confidence and support. Browse our tile levelling systems today and take the next step towards a beautiful, even tile installation that you can be proud of!