Tiling is one of the most crucial tasks that one must carry out while renovating or improving a building. While the task is crucial, there are many errors or mistakes that may happen during tiling. It is necessary to get everything right, right from the beginning of the task otherwise you may end up with messed up tiling. Ensuring proper care right from the beginning will ensure a good quality end result. Committing errors while laying out the tiles often leads to disappointing results and a shabby job. It is therefore necessary to do a quality job while laying the tiles. This article will cover some of the common tiling mistakes that may happen during tiling and how you can avoid them for a good tiling job.
Common Tiling Mistakes to avoid
Not ordering a sample first
One of the common issues that homeowners face while tiling is not ordering samples before beginning the job. It is necessary to order either a swatch sample or a full tile sample before you begin tiling. A swatch sample is generally a small piece of the full tile which helps you envisage the overall look of the tile on your floor. A full tile sample, as the name suggests, is a complete tile sample that can be used to understand the finish, texture, colour, and shade of the tile. Both these are necessary to understand the overall feel and look of the tile before you put it on your floor.
Not preparing the surfaces
An important task before you begin to lay your tiles on any surface in your building is to prepare the surface. Preparing the surface is akin to laying the foundation for the tiles- your tiles are only as strong as the foundation or base they are set in. Clean and smoothen the surface carefully so that the tiles stay put for a long time. If the surface has any coating, remove it before you begin to lay the tiles.
Improper Underlayment
The tiles need to be put down properly otherwise they won’t lie flat. Undamaged vinyl tiles are excellent underlayment. It is necessary to have a stiff base as this prevents cracks and similar damage. If the underlayment is not in the proper shape, you can use a ½ or ¼ inch cement board under the tile to allow for a raised height.
Mismatch the Trowel Size
It is necessary to check the tile sizes and the trowel size before you begin to set up your tiles. The trowel size should be identical to the tile size. Large tiles need deep layers of thin-set. Check whether the trowel size is suitable for big tiles before you buy it.
Not planning the layout
Having a good plan makes the task easy and the end results pretty. It is necessary to chalk out the layout of your tiles before you begin to install them so that you have an idea of how they will look. You should ideally make a rough sketch before you begin tiling. This will not only help you to visualise how the tiles will look but it will also help you to know which tiles need to be cut, how many tiles to order, and whether the tiles you have chosen are of the right size.
Miscalculating the needed number of tiles
Do not buy the exact number of tiles that you believe you will need for your tiling job. It is always better to buy at least 10% extra tiles by taking into account difficult cuts, breakages, and miscalculations. This surplus would ensure the successful completion of your tiling project.
Using the wrong adhesive
This is generally a common mistake, especially in rooms or spaces that have a lot of moisture such as bathrooms and swimming pools. In rooms where the moisture is high, it is necessary to use a waterproof adhesive. If waterproof adhesive is not used, water may seep through tiles even if they have been fitted properly. This seeping water will eat the adhesive and thus the tile may crumble, crack or break.
Bad grout
Choosing the right grout is an essential step for tiling. Grouting mistakes may lead to damaged, uneven, and cracked tiles. Bad grout may also lead to a distasteful look. It is necessary to choose clean, clear grout lines so that your tiles look pretty and excellent.
Grouting too quickly or unevenly
It is necessary to use tools such as a squeegee for support while spreading grout. This will ensure an even and slow spread. If you grout large areas quickly, you won’t be able to set up tiles before the grout begins to dry. This may lead to uneven tiling and a shabby look. Do not let the grout dry too quickly, instead set up tiles one by one and clean off the excess immediately. The harder the grout gets, the more difficult it will be to clean it.
Letting excess grout stay
Excess grout is common on fresh tiles. But do not let it sit on the tiles for long, instead remove it as soon as you lay down the tiles for a clean and pretty look.
Tiling mistakes can not only damage the aesthetic look of the tiles but can also prove to be fatal for their health. It is necessary to take proper precautions while tiling to ensure a long-lasting and pretty look.
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