This is the tiling advice forum category. Find bathroom tiling advice, floor tiling advice, and everything between. Peer-reviewed wall and floor tile installation advice.
DIY Tiling Advice
Checkout some of our DIY tiling advice threads on TilersForums.com.
- I'm just wondering how to tile round an internal corner in terms of how to butt the tiles up to the wall. As they say, a picture says a thousand words, so should I go for A or B: And whichever option I go for, am I right in thinking that I'd need to caulk […]
- Hi guys, had some great advice here before so thought I would ask here for advice again regarding porcelain patio instalation on (fairly flat) concrete substrate. Tiles are 90 cm x 60 cm and 2 cm thick. Area is 54m² What is the best adhesive to use? I like mapei, used it in the past […]
- I'm planning on tiling my porch, and the tiles and adhesive will take up around 13mm of height. The porch is currently back to the concrete slab, which is around 70mm below finished floor height. This means making up 50-60mm of height. This seems too thick for bonded screed, and too thin for an unbonded […]
- I hope you can help we are trying to source (for a match) some 300mm by 300mm matte white taco tiles with a black insert. We are finding this hard as a lot of the websites we find seem to have 200mm by 200mm or 316mm by 316mm. I have attached some photos for reference […]
- Hi – I ripped up laminate flooring on a concrete subfloor. It was my first DIY project and instead of using mortar to even out any glue that was stuck on or sand off, I used a thin layer of self leveler. I mixed it correctly but for some reason still wasn’t level so I […]
- Beginner DIY Tiler, I'm contemplating drilling (with ceramic tile carbide tipped drill bits) then using a hand saw with tungsten blade to cut the required piece out. Would this work okay? I don't think using a wet saw, which I do have to do this would feel comfortable and using a manual saw you can […]
- Hi, Looking for advice mainly on how much adhesive I should remove from between the tiles in a shower before grouting. I stupidly didn't remove a lot of it before it thoroughly dried, and while there is room to put grout in the gaps between tiles over the adhesive (in other words, the adhesive doesn't […]
Tanking and Wetroom Tiling Advice
- Hi, Can anyone please give me some advice. I have an old bathroom and I want to turn it into a part wetroom. It is the flooring that I need help with. Currently it has wooden boards with haphazard ply on top. My plan is to: 1. Remove ply. 2. cut a hole for shower […]
- Hi all New to the forum, anyone have an idea how to clean and get these white stains off a newly installed black slate shower tray (8 months ago), my wife have stupidly used a product called ViaKal and it might have damaged the surface – but im unsure if this is stain or damaged. […]
- Shower bath tiling preparation: plaster and wooden windowsill | Tilers Forums Find Shower bath tiling preparation: plaster and wooden windowsill Advice and Help. How-to Shower bath tiling preparation: plaster and wooden windowsill in the Tanking and Wetrooms advice boards on Tiling Advice | TilersForums.com. Shower bath tiling preparation: plaster and wooden windowsill on… www.tilersforums.com There […]
- hi advise is needed please I’m not a professional, we installed a wet room in December Maxxus former Bsa membrane Mapei flexible adhesive Ceramic tiles Thought we had done a good job however this week we have noticed some of the tiles are squishing water through when we lifted said tiles they don’t seem to […]
- ok…so I have at last made a start and am currently planning the frame and base for the new wet room. I could do with a little advice though. All of the info I have read say plywood for the base. I have loads of 22mm OSB in my shed so was thinking I might […]
- Ok, so they’re not BRAND new, but @Schlüter-Systems Ltd looking to expand both sizes and colours, to include the Trend line colours. 45degree fine detail profiles to protect mitred edges from 2.5mm all the way up to 12.5mm. So I thought I’d try to get them some feedback. I’d appreciate it if you’d complete the […]
- Hi I have tanked my shower with mapei waterproofing,now I need to stick pvc panels to the ceiling.can anyone recommend something I can use please.
Tilers’ Talk Forum Advice
- I'm converting a small bathroom in to a wet room. It has a sliding pocket door. I was going to tile the whole room with 600 x 300 porcelain tiles but the wall of the pocket door is extremely flexible. I'm an experienced DIY guy and have researched this project to within an inch of […]
- Morning All! I thought it was about time to start a new Good Morning Thread. The old thread can be found HERE but is quite long so not as easy to find specific posts. So tell us what you are up to – we like being nosy whether you are starting a new project or […]
- Got to use this fix-a-floor stuff today. What a load of… rubbish, and that's being kind. One loose tile 300 x 300 and the grout cracked a bit. Drilled eight 4mm holes in 6mm grout lines. Cut the nozzle for a snug fit. Injected it in. Only about 5% went in, while most just came […]
- Hi all I’m new to this forum, the reason for me joining is I’m keen to train to gain city and guilds. Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks Justin
- Hi am Vinny,
- UK Tiling Forum Welcome to the UK Tiling Forum. Here at TilersForums.com we have hosted a place for UK tile fixers to get together with UK tile manufacturers, UK tile importers, and UK adhesive manufacturers a place to do business together. We’ve done this well for nearly 2 decades now, so we thought we’d open […]
- Our Plumbers Forum is now on a new domain. www.PlumbersTalk.net is now online. We've transferred our plumbing forum from PlumbersForums.net. Your logins should work as normal (if you're a member already of course). This is the only Plumbers Talk forum we have swapped. I am working on some Building Standards websites too. So check these […]
For more Tiling Advice Click HERE.
Tiling is a popular choice for both walls and floors in UK homes, offering durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or planning to hire a professional, understanding the key aspects of tiling can ensure a successful and long-lasting installation. Here are some essential tips and advice for tiling in the UK.
Planning and Preparation
1. Choose the Right Tiles: Select tiles that are suitable for the intended area. For example, porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for bathrooms and kitchens due to their water resistance, while natural stone tiles can add luxury to living areas and hallways. Ensure that the tiles meet the British Standards for quality and safety.
2. Measure Accurately: Calculate the area to be tiled and add an extra 10-15% to account for breakage and cutting. This ensures you have enough tiles to complete the project without interruption.
3. Surface Preparation: A clean, dry, and level surface is crucial. For walls, ensure any old wallpaper, paint, or loose plaster is removed. For floors, check for cracks or unevenness and repair as necessary. A primer can help improve the adhesion of the tiles.
Installation
1. Layout Planning: Before applying adhesive, lay out the tiles to determine the best arrangement and minimize cuts. Use spacers to ensure consistent gaps between tiles, which are essential for grout lines.
2. Adhesive Application: Use a suitable adhesive for the type of tile and surface. Apply it evenly with a notched trowel, working in small sections to prevent it from drying out before the tiles are laid.
3. Cutting Tiles: A tile cutter or a wet saw can make precise cuts. Always measure and mark tiles carefully before cutting, and wear appropriate safety gear.
Grouting and Finishing
1. Grouting: Allow the adhesive to dry completely before grouting. Apply the grout with a rubber float, pressing it into the gaps between tiles. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge before it sets.
2. Sealing: Natural stone tiles and some types of grout may require sealing to prevent staining and moisture penetration. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
3. Final Touches: Once the grout is dry, polish the tiles to remove any haze. Inspect the installation for any missed spots or uneven areas and make necessary adjustments.
Maintenance
1. Cleaning: Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water will keep tiles looking their best. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.
2. Repairs: Address any loose or cracked tiles promptly to prevent further damage. Keep spare tiles from the original batch for future repairs.
Professional Help
For large or complex projects, or if you’re unsure of your tiling skills, consider hiring a professional tiler. A skilled tradesperson can ensure a high-quality finish and save time and potential frustration.
By following these guidelines, you can achieve a beautiful and durable tiled surface that enhances the functionality and aesthetic of your home. Proper planning, execution, and maintenance are key to a successful tiling project in the UK