| 5 Steps To Complete A Successful Ceramic Tile | | | | water proofing. |
| Installationby: Manuel Kupka | | | | The right preparation will be directly affect the |
| If laying ceramic tiles is totally new to you, "5 Steps | | | | lifespan of the ceramic tile installation. Unless you |
| to complete a successful ceramic tile installation" is a | | | | want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this |
| set of basic but important tips that you will help you | | | | right from the start. |
| avoid making costly mistakes on your next bathroom | | | | This is probably the most important point to ensure a |
| or ceramic tile installation. | | | | long lasting tiling job. Don't rush it. |
| - Plan which Tile | | | | Laying the ceramic tiles safely |
| - Shop around if you want to save | | | | The technique of laying ceramic tiles is not especially |
| - Prepare the surface for a long lasting job | | | | difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before |
| - Lay the tiles | | | | anyone can easily master it. Clearing the room to be |
| - Finishing touches | | | | tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer |
| Plan which Tile | | | | and easier. Don't forget to wear your safety goggles |
| This step is often underestimated and sometimes | | | | when cutting or chipping tiles. |
| even forgotten (can you believe it?). Planning your | | | | Laying ceramic tiles can also be a bit messy, if you |
| ceramic tile installation from A to Z is probably one of | | | | don't want dust all over the house we suggest |
| the most important steps for a smooth, easy going | | | | sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. |
| and problem free bathroom tile installation. | | | | A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will |
| Some things to take in account are; | | | | do the job quite well. |
| - Suitability of the tile | | | | Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin |
| - Pattern /colour of the tile | | | | and never forget to read the manufacturers |
| - Size of the tile | | | | directions before even opening the tin. If some ends |
| - Size of the area to be tiled. (This is important data | | | | up on you, just clean it with water as soon as |
| that will be vital to know how much tile, grout, etc, | | | | possible. Even though tile adhesives aren't usually |
| you have to buy) | | | | abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause |
| - Adhesive, mortar or grout to suit your needs | | | | an allergic reaction. |
| Not all ceramic tile installations are the same, different | | | | Use a spirit level to help you with the depth & level |
| tiling installations may require different mortar or | | | | of the tiles and spacers to maintain an even distance |
| grout. DO NOT feel shy about asking the suppliers | | | | between them. |
| for advice or help in calculating how much you need. | | | | The finishing touches |
| They will gladly help you, as they are likely to make a | | | | Once the tile adhesive or mortar has cured (dried) |
| sale. | | | | and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with |
| Shop around if you want to save | | | | the finishing touches. |
| This isn't as difficult as the first step, however when | | | | You'll have to fill the spaces between tiles with grout |
| the budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right | | | | making sure you don't leave any gaps as these cause |
| tile for the ceramic tile installation you want. You are | | | | damp problems, in a shower for example. |
| going to have to make some compromises and so | | | | The technique is very simple, use a rubber faced |
| don't get carried away by the beauty of some of | | | | trowel to spread the grout and a cotton cloth to |
| the ceramic tiles. Prices can vary a lot between | | | | clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards. |
| different tiles, so some end up rather expensive for | | | | There are many different types of grouts; you'll have |
| only a few square metres. | | | | to choose the right one depending on the surface |
| Always shop around, it has never been easier. Just sit | | | | and chosen tile. |
| in front of the computer and use the Internet. Use | | | | Now that you have your ceramic tiles laid down, you |
| local directories to find the suppliers close to you and | | | | only need to take care of them, usually |
| pay them a visit. | | | | manufacturers provide information on taking care of |
| Before making your final decision always check the | | | | their tiles and only minimal effort is required. Most |
| chosen tile under different lights as the results can be | | | | household cleaning products will do the job well, if |
| surprisingly different. | | | | some particular stain is stubborn, there are many |
| Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before | | | | commercial stain removers, just make sure you use |
| laying the ceramic tiles | | | | the right product for the right tile. |
| The surface to be tiled (floor, wall or any other) will | | | | You are now closer to discovering how satisfying it |
| often need to be prepared, this can include work like | | | | can be handling a tile installation yourself; just follow |
| filling, levelling, smoothing, priming and sometimes | | | | these 5 steps to get the best result. |