Embarking on a DIY tiling project? Unleash your creativity and transform your space with our comprehensive guide to the art of DIY tiling.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, from selecting the right tiles to mastering the perfect adhesive application. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned DIY enthusiast, our insights, tips, and tricks will empower you to tackle your tiling project with confidence. Let’s dive into the world of DIY tiling and discover how to turn your vision into a stunning reality, one tile at a time.
A. CHECKLIST – TILING TOOLS
Before you get started, ensure you have the right tools for the job. Here’s a guide of your must-haves before beginning your tiling project:
- Tile cutter/tile nipper to cut tiles
- Drill paddle for mixing tile adhesive
- Tile adhesive applicator for either wall tiling or floor tiling
- A squeegee to remove excess product off the face of the tile – adhesive & grout
- A rubber mallet to bed the tiles into the tile adhesive
- Tile spacers for evenly spaced grout joints
- High density sponge to clean the surface of tiles
B. QUALITY OF TILE TO PURCHASE
- Calculate the wall and/or floor area to be tiled
- Add on an extra 10-15% of tile to accommodate the cutting and breakages
- If one is tiling diagonally and additional 20% of tile will be required.
- Good practise to purchase tiles with the same batch number.
- Purchase the correct tile for the application i.e., hard wearing tile for high traffic areas
Precision creates perfection. Don’t rush the process. Start by ensuring you have all the right tools, have chosen the right tiles for your space, and don’t forget to talk to the Tike Tak team for any advice or guidance along the way.
C. QUANTITY AND TYPE OF TILE ADHESIVE TO USE
- Purchase the correct tile adhesive to suit the type of tile. For example, use ceramic tile adhesive to lay ceramic tile and porcelain tile adhesive for a porcelain tile.
- When tiling in wet areas replace the water in the tile adhesive mix with Tile Bond to waterproof the tile adhesive.
- When calculating the quantity of tile adhesive consider the levelness of the substrate. A level substrate will use less tile adhesive than an uneven substrate. Always purchase an extra 10% tile adhesive for wastage.
- More tile adhesive will be used when laying large format tiles (tiles bigger than 600mmx600mm)
D. KEYING / PRIMING OF SURFACES TO BE TILED
- When tiling over steel floated walls/floors of high-density surfaces like concrete/existing tile, the surface must be primed or keyed using Tile Key… see tiling specifications.
E. WATERPROOFING THE TILE ADHESIVE
- When tiling exterior applications, swimming pools, bathrooms etc. the tile adhesive must be waterproofed by replacing the water when mixing the cement tile adhesive with Tile Bond.
F. GENERAL TIPS
- Always refer to the relevant tiling specification when laying tiles to ensure tile panels are laid correctly i.e., installation of expansion joints when tiling large living areas.
