subject: What you should consider before tiling a bathroom or kitchen [print this page] What you should consider before tiling a bathroom or kitchen
The following tips are designed to help you when using tiles in a bathroom or kitchen. By using this guide, and with a little prior experience, you should be suitably prepared to plan your tiling, and then get stuck in. If you haven't tried tiling before, then we suggest you read the below and then find a step by step by step guide to tiling a floor or wall.
Extra Tiles:
Surplus tiles are always a good idea. Breakages are bound to happen, as are mistakes in cutting, so having some spare means you won't fall short. What's more, buying too many isn't a waste of money you can keep them for future DIY projects or replacements.
Plan Ahead:
If no plans are set out before tiling it could end very badly tiles might not line up properly, and the design might not even work. The biggest issue with not planning is not taking into account all of the fixtures and fittings in the room.
Preparing the Surface:
It isn't wise to just start tiling on a surface, it needs to be cleaned first. Any dust, dirt and debris should be cleaned away, and the surface completely dry before tiling begins. If any debris, or moisture, remains it can affect the tile adhesive and grouting.
The Edges:
Cutting tiles isn't too hard, unless you're trying to cut less than a quarter of the tile. This can lead to a lot of mistakes because it is difficult to cut small pieces accurately. You could waste several tiles trying to get it right. The trick is to plan so that you always use equal to or more than a quarter of the tile at the edges.
Patterns:
If you're using patterned tiles you will want to try and avoid using them on the edge and corners. This is because they will need to be cut to fit your wall and floor size.
Manufacturers Guide:
Just about every product comes with a manufacturer's guide, usually with instructions on the best way to use the product. These are helpful because it lets you know if the product works well with other products, and gives you an idea of its minimum working conditions.
Get it Level:
In order to avoid an uneven floor or wall, use a spirit level as you are laying the tiles to intermittently check the tiles are level.
Stay Safe:
Safety is vital with any DIY job, especially one that involves sharp tools, chemical substances and dust. Always use safety goggles and protective gloves when laying, cutting or trimming tiles.
