Basic Tiling QuestionsFAQs
Part 1: Where can I use tiles?
Part 2: Surface Preparation
..Q2A. Can I tile over old tiles or should I remove them?
..Q2B. Can I tile direct onto wooden floors?
..Q2C. What preparation is required for new plaster?
Part 3: Choosing the right tile
..Q3A. Is this tile suitable for this situation?
..Q3B. Can I mix tiles from different ranges?
..Q3C. Can I use floor tiles on the wall?
..Q3D. Can I use wall tiles on the floor?
Part 4: Setting Out
..Q4A. Where do I start my tiling from?
Part 5: Getting the Adhesive on
..Q5A. Is the right adhesive important?
Part 6: Spacing and laying tiles
..Q6A. Do I really need spacers?
..Q6B. When do I remove the spacers?
Part 7: Cutting with confidence
..Q7A. What is the best tool to choose?
..Q7B. How do I cut L-shapes?
..Q7C. How do I cut a curve?
..Q7D. Making pipe holes?
Part 8: What grout
..Q8A. Is the right grout important?
Part 9: When and how to grout
..Q9A. How long do I leave my tiles before grouting?
..Q9B. How do I put the grout on?
..Q9C. How should the finished surface look?
Part 10: A Professional Finish
Part 1: Where can I use tiles?
Wall and floor tiles can be used in an situation providing the correct adhesive is used.
Part 2: Surface Preparation
Q2A. Can I tile over old tiles or should I remove them?
Yes you can fix tiles over existing tiling, but first you need to check that the existing tiling is firmly bonded to the background, then clean and degrease the tiles. Make sure a polymer enhanced adhesive is used.
Q2B. Can I tile direct onto wooden floors?
Yes, but some floors need additional preparation. Contact one of our tilers for advice on your floor.
Q2C. What preparation is required for new plaster?
All new plaster, after 3wks curing time, must be primed with Sealobond PVA before tiling
Part 3: Choosing the Right Tile
Q3A. Is this tile suitable for this situation?
See our advice sections on porcelain/ceramic tiles for detailed help on choosing the right tile.
Q3B. Can I mix tiles from different ranges?
Yes, providing they are of the same thickness.
Q3C. Can I use floor tiles on the wall?
Yes, but check with us to get the right adhesive. The surface may not be strong enough.
Q3D. Can I use wall tiles on the floor?
No, they are not strong enough.
Part 4: Setting Out
Q4A. Where do I start my tiling from?
Measure the width of the wall and mark the centre with a vertical line. Tile outwards from this line towards the edges.
Part 5: Getting the Adhesive On
Q5A. Is the right adhesive important?
Yes, vital to your success. The wrong adhesive could ruin your tiling.
Part 6: Spacing and laying tiles
Q6A. Do I really need spacers?
Yes, on all wall and floor tiles. Correct spacing allows movement of the building walls and floors without the tiles cracking or blowing.
Q6B. When do I remove the spacers?
You don't. Just leave then in and grout over them. They should be below the surface of the grout and invisible.
Part 7: Cutting with Confidence
Q7A. What is the best tool to choose?
Choose a good quality, manual cutter with blade-guide and built in snapper. We supply these - just visit the Accessories section of our Online Showroom.
Q7B. How do I cut L-shapes?
First score the edges of you shape with your normal cutter, but don't snap them. Nibble out between the score lines with tile nippers or purchase an electric tile cutter (visit the Accessories section of our Online Showroom).
Q7C. How do I cut a curve?
Score a straight line from each end point of the curve and snap this off normally. Then nibble out the remaining part of the curve with your tile nippers.
Q7D. Making pipe holes?
Buy a hole cutting attachment for your electric drill. We supply these with special teeth for ceramic tiles. This will give you a perfect smooth hole in the correct position. For tiling round existing pipes you then need to split the tile in half (using your normal cutter) across the centre of this hole. You then place each half back round the pipe.
Part 8: What Grout
Q8A. Is the right grout important?
Yes, the correct grout is important, you may need a flexible grout, or even a 2 epoxy grout for your specific situation.
Part 9: When and How to Grout
Q9A. How long do I leave my tiles before grouting?
You can apply the grout anytime after 24hrs, unless a quick setting tile adhesive has been used.
Q9B. How do I put the grout on?
Apply a small area at a time, using a proper tiling rubber squeegee. Clean off excess immediately using clean water and a proper tile sponge. When dry, polish tiles with a cloth for that professional finish.
Q9C. How should the finished surface look?
The grout finish should be smooth and flush with the top surface of the tiles.
Part 10: A Professional Finish
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