This is the DIY Tiling Advice Forum for Do-it-Yourself Tile Fixers across the country. Find fast free DIY tiling advisers on Tilers Forums today and get that DIY tile job done and dusted before the next week!
Things to note when seeking advice as a DIY tiler
Tiling is a rewarding home improvement project that many homeowners take on as a DIY task, aiming to save money and gain a sense of accomplishment. While it may seem like an easy job, tiling requires careful planning, preparation, and precision to achieve a polished result. As with any DIY project, it is crucial to understand the complexities involved to ensure a durable, aesthetically pleasing finish. Seeking advice from professional tilers can make a significant difference in the outcome and prevent costly mistakes.
One of the first things to consider when embarking on a tiling project is surface preparation. Properly preparing the area is essential for ensuring the tiles adhere well and last over time. Professionals have the knowledge to assess the condition of the floor or wall, identify any underlying issues such as uneven surfaces, dampness, or structural problems, and recommend the necessary steps for proper preparation. They also know which adhesive and grout will best suit your tiles and environment, ensuring a secure installation. DIYers, on the other hand, might not have the expertise to choose the correct materials or perform the necessary surface treatments, which can lead to tiles not sticking properly or the grout failing prematurely.
Another reason professional tilers are invaluable is their experience with cutting and laying tiles. Tiling requires precision, particularly when it comes to fitting tiles around edges, corners, and other obstacles. A slight miscalculation can result in uneven lines or awkwardly placed tiles, affecting the overall look of the space. Professionals have the right tools and techniques to make these cuts accurately, ensuring the tiles are aligned perfectly. DIYers often lack the specialized tools that ensure clean and precise cuts, leading to uneven grout lines or imperfectly fitted tiles.
Furthermore, tiling is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about ensuring the tiles are installed in a way that supports long-term durability. Professional tilers understand the importance of working with the natural expansion and contraction of materials and the effects of temperature fluctuations. They know how to leave the right amount of space between tiles for grout and how to adjust for any imperfections in the subfloor or wall. If not addressed, these factors can cause tiles to crack, grout to deteriorate, or tiles to shift over time.
Additionally, professionals can provide guidance on design decisions. With years of experience, they can help homeowners select the right tile patterns, colors, and layouts to complement the space and achieve the desired visual effect. They can offer advice on the best placement of feature tiles and help create a balanced and attractive design. A well-laid tile pattern requires expertise to achieve the intended visual appeal, which DIYers may not always be able to replicate without professional input.
In conclusion, while DIY tiling projects can be fulfilling, it is essential to recognise the value of professional advice and expertise. Professional tilers ensure that the work is done right, the tiles are securely installed, and the final result is both functional and beautiful. Seeking their guidance can prevent costly mistakes, save time, and guarantee a more durable, long-lasting tiling installation.
These are the latest 20 DIY tiling advice discussion threads on Tilers Forums
- Hi everyone, I’m working on a tiling project over an old concrete slab, and I’m running into some concerns about adhesion and long-term durability. The slab itself is structurally sound, but… Read more
- First things first: Wall tile, Porcelain (Top Cer) My house is a stable 20°C (new build UFH) I followed the instructions 5:1 and then wash tiles with a (very lightly damp) sponge when grout… Read more
- Hi, does a decoupling mat need to be sealed? Do I seal nothing, kitchen area only or all of it? Cheers!
- Please can you help i have just had my bathroom done. I bought Ardex coloured silver shimmer Silicon to match grout. The residue from Silicon has stained tiles. I have tried: White spirit… Read more
- 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… Read more
- Hi Im looking for some suggestions/advice on how to tile a wall outer corner with the following border tile, images attached below. Can anyone recommend the best finish for these? Thanks… Read more
- 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… Read more
- 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… Read more
- 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… Read more
- 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… Read more
- 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… Read more
- 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… Read more
- Most tutorials suggest 'pushing firmly'. How do you know how firmly, and how can you ensure that each tile is 'equally' pushed into adhesive, ensuring it's level?
- How do you know when you need a new scoring wheel on a manual (Rubi) tile cutter? Is there anyway to know before tiles aren’t snapping cleanly?
- Hey All, So we're in the midst of a project and it's been interesting. Is there a type of edging that can be used to "hide" and/or protect the edges of the tile that are protruding? While… Read more
- Hello, after watching so many instructional videos and planing, I just can't understand how to tile a simple drywall construction in our bathroom. I got some good advice here so I hope you guys… Read more
- So probably a basic question but this is my first attempt at tiling and want to get it absolutely right. If I start with a full tile from the upstands, there are several sockets which would be in… Read more
- As stated we love seeing your DIY stuff! Take a couple of photos and show off your project here!!! I'll go first with my dad's handiwork tiling the bathroom!
- Hi, super basic question, Okay to prime standard multifinish surface and left to dry the day before tiler comes, with Bond It SBR Admixture 1:1 with water? SBR Admixture A styrene butadiene… Read more
- Hi! I'm having a new extension built on my house. In fact, I've spent today putting in the CAT6 ethernet network (cables and conduit) and bashing through the old gable wall to join the two… Read more
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