Ten Common Errors When Tiling and the Right Way to Do It

Many people believe they can tile their bathrooms or kitchens without doing much research or planning. However, if you want a decent outcome quickly, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. When it comes to tiling, nothing screams “do-it-yourselfer” more than a jerry-rigged solution.

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Here are the top 10 faults that tile installers make:

Ten) Not adequately prepping the surfaces

The subfloor or floor on which you intend to put tile must be adequately prepared by cleaning and leveling. Trying to skip this phase and save time can result in uneven and unstable tiles. Before you start tiling, you should remove any wallpaper or other non-native finishes.

9) Inconsistent or rapid grouting

The grout should be distributed gently and evenly using a squeegee or other support equipment. If you rush through grouting a big area before laying tile, some grout may dry out before you get to those spots. Uneven tiling might also come from hurriedly applied grout. Also, if there is any leftover grout after tiling, it needs to be cleaned up right away because it would be much more difficult to remove later.

Eighth, completing angles

Dots of glue placed in the corners of tiles are thought to strengthen the link between them. The glue shrinks as it dries, increasing the likelihood of cracking. Since the glue is thicker in some places (like the corners), the tile will experience increased pressure due to the shrinking.

Seventhly, using the incorrect glue.

This is especially crucial when installing tile in wet environments like bathrooms and around swimming pools. Waterproof glue is essential in this situation. Water can seep through tiles that are otherwise adequately installed, leading to the adhesive failing and the tiles crumbling and fracturing in the absence of waterproof adhesives.

Lack of battens (6 points)

To lay tiles in as straight a line as possible, battens (thin rods of wood or any other long straight object) should be used in horizontal and vertical planes. When attempting to tile a surface without a device like this, problems in tile placement and the quality of the finished product are common.

5. Delay in identifying and correcting errors

This tiling work, performed for the first time, went off without a hitch. There will inevitably be some uncomfortable moments. Get a second opinion on your tile work as soon as possible, preferably within the first 6-12 hours. It’s far simpler to resolve issues if they’re spotted quickly. After 24 hours, realigning a tile won’t be easy because the grout will have solidified.

Fourthly, improper removal of surplus grout

Protruding grout is one of the most apparent indicators of an unskilled tiling job, but it may be easily remedied.

Three) Failing to account for the correct number of tiles

When tiling for the first time, some people will purchase the precise amount of tiles they need to do the job. You should purchase an extra 5–10% tiles to account for potential losses due to damage, incorrect measurements, or cutting issues. This will also provide extra tiles to use if any become damaged.

Second, improperly sealed bathroom countertops

Water running down the tiles could seep into the space between the bottom row and the bath top if the gap is not securely sealed. Since baths can shift significantly when water fills, the sealer may stretch and shatter if applied after the completed tub.

1) Inadequate or incorrect preparation

In addition to being the most crucial, this is the most easily avoided error. Always use precise measurements of the area you intend to tile instead of winging it. Keep in mind that it is far more challenging to tile a curved wall than a straight one. Allow for tile replacements and waste of at least 10–15%. Simplify as much as possible. Tile cutting can be time-consuming and costly, so minimizing the tiles you need will save you money.

Research materials and low-cost video tutorials (like those found at http://www.tilehowto.com) are readily available. If it’s a big job, it can be worth it to hire a designer for an hour or so to go over the plans and help you avoid mistakes that could cost you hundreds of dollars.

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