Before you start work, if you are removing wall tiles above, around or near sinks, baths, worktops etc, protect these surfaces with several layers of dust sheets, old towels or whatever you have available to avoid the surfaces being scratched. If you are removing wall tiles from above, as an … [Read more...]
How to Deal with Discoloured Grout
Tile grout, especially in wet and damp areas such as showers and around baths does tend to discolour after a period of time and if left alone will eventually turn black and become very unsightly. I have the same problem in my own bathroom but rather than re-grout the tiles (one of my top … [Read more...]
How to Lay Floor Tiles
Please read tips and advice on the tiling page for tips on tools required, setting out, using a guide rod, cutting tiles and using tile spacers. DIY tip:- To achieve a better finished 'look' to your tiled floor, skirting boards can be removed and replaced after the floor has been tiled to give a … [Read more...]
Tile Calculator
Use the chart below to find out how many tiles you will need for your tiling project. Remember to add around 10%, to allow for breakage and tile cuts you will no doubt have to make. … [Read more...]
Removing Grout and Regrouting Tiles
This is one of those less desirable DIY tasks, if the grout has become discoloured and won't clean up using the various cleaning solutions that are available in the shops, the only option left is to re-grout the joints. The existing grout needs to be removed, Ideally to a depth of around 3 to 4 … [Read more...]
How to Cut Tiles
To cut tiles you have a wide choice of tools available, you can use a scribe, which has a diamond or carbide tip to mark a cut line on a tile. There are manual tile cutters, powered tile cutters and various tile saws, hole cutters and drill bits. To use a scribe to make a cut in a tile, … [Read more...]
How to Tile a Wall
Tiling a wall is straightforward providing the wall has been prepared correctly (see where to start), I always use a ready mixed waterproof adhesive and plastic tile spacers with a width of around 3 mm, which can be purchased from all tile and DIY stores. The spacers are in the shape of a cross and … [Read more...]
Setting-Out Before Starting a Tiling Job
Spending a little time on the setting out of your tiling can save you having to make difficult cuts in tiles and improve the overall finished look and layout. Having the first row of tiles perfectly level is the key to a good tiling job, if they are not level you will be making adjustments to … [Read more...]
How to Grout Tiles
Tools required :- Grout spreader, sponge, sealant gun, damp and dry cloths. When the tile adhesive has set, you can grout the joints between the tiles. Most ready mixed adhesives double up as a grout as well. Check the adhesive you have left over for grouting doesn't have any dust or debris … [Read more...]
Preparing a Wall for Tiling
The first job to do is to remove any existing tiles from the wall, this can be done using a hammer and bolster chisel (wear safety goggles and gloves), protect any surfaces in the work area to avoid damage caused by falling tiles and be aware of any sharp pieces of tile on the floor. When all the … [Read more...]
