Bathroom Tiling Tips and Tricks

If you have decided to install tiles in your bathroom on your own, you will need some tips to help you through the process, especially if you have never done it before. This is because there are some do's and don'ts of the installation. Read on to find out how you can perfectly install the tiles on your own.

Prepare Thoroughly

Thorough preparation prior to the actual installation can enhance the quality of the work. You want to clean the surface on which you will be laying the tiles and make sure its smooth as well. A light sander should help you smooth well. Smoothening is important because it creates an even surface on which the tiles are to be laid. Uneven laying of the tiles can lead to inconsistencies in the quality of the tiles. If you are installing the tiles on your shower wall, you will want to remove wallpaper if there was any.

If you are tiling on already existing tiles, you will want to thoroughly clean and dry the old tiles first.  For a better grip, consider scouring the tiles lightly.

Be Careful with Type of Adhesive That You Use

Your choice of adhesive is key in determining how successful your DIY bathroom tiling project will be. For this reason, you need to consider a waterproof adhesive because of the wet conditions in your bathroom. An adhesive that's susceptible to moisture and water will start decaying and crumble with time. This can, in turn, lead to cracking and breaking of your tiles.

Spread the Adhesive Well

The way you spread the adhesive affects how perfectly the tiles will adhere to it. Make sure that the adhesive is not spread too smoothly. Make some horizontal ridges on the adhesive while spreading it. These ridges will make it easy for you to level the tiles by simply flattening the ridges.

Space the Tiles Evenly

Uneven spacing of the tiles is a mistake you can easily make during the installation. Spacing the tiles unevenly will make some of them susceptible to loosening. Use a spacer, which can be anything including a matchbox or plastic rod, to measure even gaps after laying every tile.

Grout Evenly and Not Too Quickly

Don't rush the grouting after laying your tiles. Let them sit overnight or so to set properly before you grout. When grouting, make sure you spread it evenly. A squeegee can help you do this.

Tiling a shower or other part of your bathroom on your own is possible with the above tips, but if you're still unsure of what you're doing, you may want to contact the professionals to do the work for you. 

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