There’s a lot more into tiling a wall, bath, or an entire room than people realize. While the process of applying grout to the area and adding a tile is pretty straightforward, there’s more to the process if you want the installation to last. Whether you’re working to remodel yourself or you’re hiring a professional like us at the Tile Mechanics Corp there are a few tips and tricks that make the installation process easier to install but helps the tiles last. These are things like how much you practice the layout before the grout is laid, which tiles need to be trimmed down, correctly leveling everything, and more. Here are a few tricks of the trade to pay attention to.
More Is Better: Miscalculations happen more often than we want to admit, especially if you have to custom fit a few tile pieces. When you’re buying the tile, make sure you buy 10% more than you calculated. If something happens, you’ll have the extra tiles to work with right away. Don’t just count on getting more tile from the store if you run out. Depending on where you get it, there’s a chance the color won’t match your tiles exactly or there won’t be any in stock delaying your project. If you don’t end up using the last little bit and the box is unopened, you might be able to return them or save them for a future project.
Start in the Middle: Whether you’re working with an intricate design or a pattern, it’s best to start in the middle of the area. Not only will the focal point of the wall be that the right spot, but the grout lines will be more consistent and the edges will be cleaner.
Practice First: One rule a professional tile layer will always say is to practice the pattern first. Lay the tiles out first to see how the pattern will look before you add the adhesive or grout. You’ll be able to make adjustments beforehand without worrying about rushing and messing up the pattern. This will also make the process go faster because you know exactly where each tile will go.
Keep it Levelled: None of the tiles should bow up or create “lippage.” It doesn’t look great with the finished process. More importantly, it will leave the tile, grout, and adhesive underneath vulnerable to water getting in. This will create more issues down the line.
Even Gaps: You’ll see professionals using spacers between each tile piece. It serves a few purposes. It helps keep the tiles straight and in place, as well as gives a space for the grout. Usually, the spacers will be 2, 3, or 5mm depending on the tile and the design.
“Measure Twice, Cut Once”: You’ve probably heard this saying many times for various different things. Some tiles may have to be trimmed down, but once a cut is made the piece can’t be put back together again. Measure the tile and even if you know you have it perfect, measure it again before making that cut.
The Adhesive Needs To Be Dry: From start to finish depending on the area you’re working with, tiling is going to take a couple of days. The adhesive used to attach the tile to the surface needs at least 24 hours to dry before you can grout. There is a rapid set adhesive, but a lot of times it sets way too fast if you need some time for wiggle room.
