Tiling Tips
Tiles are a great way to decorate a bathroom or kitchen, with a huge variety of colors and designs available to suit all tastes. Many people regard tiling as too difficult a job to do themselves and so get in a professional to do the work. While it`s true that you might encounter the odd problem when tiling, it is actually quite easy to do it yourself. So you can, if you follow these tips, achieve a professional finish and save yourself quite a bit of money at the same time.
Preparation
As with most jobs, if you don`t prepare properly you will run into difficulties later on. The first thing to do is to make sure that the surface you are tiling is clean and dry. If there are any holes or cracks in the wall or floor, then use a filler to even them out. When a wall is in a particularly bad condition it is often advisable to replaster it rather than trying to repair it. Floors need to be solid, flat and even for successful tiling. If they are not, you can pour on a cement-like compound, spread it out evenly and wait for it to dry before you apply the tiles.
Getting Started
Begin by planning the exact layout of your new tiles. Remember that if you are using patterned tiles, you will have to make sure that they match up so that the pattern flows from one tile to the next properly.
Attach the First Tiles
Use a spirit level to draw an exactly horizontal line on the wall. This is important to get right as even a small mistake here will result in an uneven or crooked appearance. Next, attach a wooden batten to the wall so that you can line up the tiles accurately. Start attaching the tiles using the batten as a guide. It`s best to begin in the middle, rather than at either end. The same rule applies when tiling a floor – don`t start at the edge. You can use tile spacers to get an exact fit.
Applying Grout and Adhesive
Remember to use a proper grooved adhesive spreader – you want to end up with ridges of adhesive on the wall or floor that you can stick the tiles on to. If there is any extra adhesive around the edges of the tile when you have pushed it on, make sure that you rub it off quickly. It you don`t you will be left with a more difficult job getting it off later, when it has dried and hardened. When you`re applying the tile, line it up carefully so that it matches the others perfectly.
Before applying grout, wait until the adhesive you have used is completely dry. You can use a grouting float to get the grout into gaps between the tiles. Any excess grout must be rubbed or wiped off quickly, before it dries. To get the grout smooth and even, run your finger down each line after you have applied the grout. You may also find that you need to clean the tiles after the grout is dry, to get rid of any stains.
Cutting Tiles
There are various tools available for cutting tiles and which one you need to use will depend on the type and size of the tiles you are using. The most basic is the tile scriber but for heavier or more difficult tiles you could use a flat-bed cutter or an electric saw. If you are cutting away a very small part to a tile, use a pair of tile pincers.
One final thing to remember when tiling: the new tiles need to match the shelves, cabinets and other items in the room. You should also make sure that any fixtures, fittings and screws don`t clash with your new tiles.
