Laying ceramic tiles can be a simple task if you have the right guidance. If laying ceramic tiles is totally new to
you, this '5 easy Steps to completing a successful ceramic tile installation' is a set of basic but crucial tips that will help you avoid making costly mistakes on your next wall, bathroom or ceramic tile installation.
1) Plan which Tile. Tile choice is very important.
2) Shop around if you want to save, You'll be amazed at the difference in price between outlets
3) Prepare the surface for a longer lasting job. Rushing the preparation will create long term headaches
4) Laying the tiles
5) Finishing touches
1) Planning which Tile to use
This first step is often underestimated and sometimes even forgotten completely (can you believe it?). Planning your ceramic tile installation from start to finish is possibly one of the most important steps for a smooth, and problem free tile installation. Some things to consider are;
i) Suitability of the tile
ii) Pattern and colour of the tile
iii) Size of the tile. Square and rectangular tiles offer different scenarios.
iv) The size of the area which is to be tiled. (This is really important information that will be vital to know how mant tiles, grout, adhesive, etc, you have to buy)
v) Adhesive, movrtar or grout to suit your needs
Note that not all tile installations are the same, different tiling installations may require different mortar/adhesive or grout. Never feel shy about asking the tile shop for help or advice in calculating how much you need. They will gladly help you.
2) Shop around if you want to save
This isn't as difficult as the first step, however if your budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right tile for the ceramic tile installation you want. Prices of tiles can range massively from cheap Bulgarian quality tiles to designer bespoke tiles. You may have to make some compromises and so don't get carried away by the look of some of the ceramic tiles. Always shop around, it has never been easier nowadays. Just sit in front of your PC and use the Internet. Use local directories to find the suppliers close to you and pay them a visit.
Before making your final decision always check the tile you have choosen under different lighting situations as the results can be differ massively in different light. When you get a tile home in can look quite different to how it looks in the showroom.
3) Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before laying the ceramic tiles
The surface being tiled (floor, wall or any other) will usually need to be prepared, this can include work like filling, levelling, smoothing, priming and occassionally water proofing.
The right preparation will impact on the lifespan of the ceramic tile installation. Unless you want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this right from the outset. This is possibly the most important point to ensure a long lasting tiling job. Don't ever rush it.
4) Laying the ceramic tiles safely
The technique of laying most ceramic tiles is not altogether difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before most competent DIYers can produce reasonable results. Completely emptying the room to be tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer and easier. Space to work is underated in tiling. Don't forget to wear protective goggles when tilecutting or chipping tiles.Laying ceramic tiles can also be a little bit messy, if you don't want dust all over the house we suggest sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will do the job quite well. Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin and never forget to read the manufacturers directions before even opening the tin. If some ends up on you, just clean it with water as soon as possible. Even though tile adhesives aren't usually abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause an allergic reaction. Use a quality spirit level to help you with the depth & level of the tiles and spacers (choose a size dependant on the finished look you wish to achieve) to maintain an even distance between them.
5) The finishing touches
Once the tile adhesive has set and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with the final finishing touches.
You'll have to fill the grout lines between tiles with suitable grout making sure you don't leave any gaps as these could cause damp problems, leaks etc in a shower for example. The skill of grouting can bit a bit tricky if you have never done it before but is actually very simple, use a rubber faced trowel (a specialist grouting trowel for less than £10.00 is best used for ease) to spread the grout and a cloth to clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards. There are a variety of grouts available, you'll have to select the right one depending on the surface, chosen tile and the finished affect you want to achieve.
Now that you have your ceramic tiles laid, you need to take good care of them, usually manufacturers provide information on taking care of their tiles and only minimal effort is truly required. Most household cleaning products will do the job well, if some particular stain is stubborn, there are many tile stain removers on the market, just make sure you use the right product for the right tile.
You are now closer to finding out how satisfying it can be completing a tile installation for yourself, just follow these 5 simple steps to get the best result.
If you need any professional help (or are uncertain of anything) with your job then always the best thing to do is complete our free form to be connected with the best local tradesmen to you, to Find a tiler simply follow the link!
We wish you the best of luck!
