Tiling a bathroom floor on an uneven or unlevel surface is generally not recommended. A flat and even surface is crucial for a successful tile installation. If you try to tile over an uneven floor, you may encounter various problems such as cracked tiles, lippage (uneven tile edges), and an overall unsightly and unstable floor.
Here are the recommended steps to prepare your bathroom floor before tiling:
Assess the floor: Use a level or straightedge to check for any high or low spots on the floor. If you find significant unevenness or slopes, you'll need to address these issues before proceeding with tiling.
Fix the subfloor: If the floor has minor irregularities, you may be able to fix it by adding a self-leveling compound. However, this method has its limits, and it won't be effective for extreme variations in the floor's level.
Leveling compounds: For minor low spots or dips, you can use a leveling compound designed for tile installations. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply it correctly. Keep in mind that leveling compounds have thickness limitations, and they might not be suitable for more substantial discrepancies.
Address structural issues: If the floor is significantly uneven due to underlying structural problems, such as a sagging or settling floor, you should consult with a professional contractor to address these issues before tiling.
Consider a different floor material: If the floor is severely uneven and correcting it would be impractical or too costly, you might want to consider alternative flooring options that can better accommodate the irregular surface, such as vinyl flooring or other flexible materials.
In conclusion, tiling on an uneven bathroom floor is not advisable, and it's essential to prepare the surface properly for a successful and long-lasting tile installation. If you're unsure about the best approach or lack experience with tiling, it's wise to consult with a professional tile installer or contractor who can assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable course of action.