Installing tiles in a room will transform it by adding style, durability, and easy maintenance. However, it can be a meticulous process that will require careful planning and institution. Making minor mistakes can lead to unsightly results, costly repairs, and even shorten its lifespan.
So, we’ve listed down some of the common mistakes you can avoid during installation and ensure a long-lasting tile project.
- Not ordering enough tiles
With any DIY project, it can be tricky to estimate exactly how much you’ll need of a given material. Getting it right is essential, however—and never more so than when ordering tiles.
If you end up with fewer tiles than you need, the whole job will have to come to a standstill until another batch arrives. Worse still, tile colors and designs can also vary significantly between batches, even if they’re supposed to be identical. You could end up having to finish the project with tiles that don’t match.
Always take the time to establish a reliable estimate for how many tiles you’ll need—and order an extra 10% just in case. Chips and cracks happen, and you want to know you’ll have what it takes to finish the job regardless.
It’s always better to have too many than not enough.
- Not preparing the surface
Whether you’re tiling a floor, shower, or fireplace, not preparing the surface is one of the quickest ways to doom the final product. You could end up with crooked tiles, cracks, and lippage.
Always make sure that the surface is level and smooth. If necessary, fill in any gaps and sand down bumps or ridges. Do you have nails or screws protruding from the floor or wall? Be sure to get those out of the way.
Then, clean the surface thoroughly, wiping away any dust, debris, or liquids that could interfere with the adhesive. This will make the tiling process much easier and help keep the tiles in place longer. Source: Downright Tile
- Grouting too early
When it comes to grouting, patience is crucial. It’s vital to ensure that all tiles are fully installed and the adhesive has dried completely before starting the grouting process. Grouting too early can cause uneven drying, leading to an irregular finish and reduced durability.
- Incorrect adhesive application
While it might seem logical to apply adhesive dots to the corners of tiles, this is a frequent misunderstanding. An uneven application of adhesive can lead to tiles breaking or cracking over time. To create a strong bond, use a tile trowel to spread the adhesive evenly across both the back of the tiles and the area where they will be installed. Source: Niro Granite
- Lack of cleaning and poor workmanship
This is very clear, right? Well, sometimes tile setters will not take proper precautions cleaning the tiles and preparing the surface. Properly cleaning the back of tile will help obtain better bonding between the adhesive and the surface. Using the right joint and caulk is a best practice that will facilitate the installation work. It is important to highlight that proper inspections should take place at least 6 feet away from the tile, anything closer than that does not follow ANSI standards and might create additional issues. Source: RUBI
Hopefully, this article has provided you with the right insights you need to ensure proper tile installation. One way of doing this is to enlist the help of the right professionals who know the industry very well. If you want, you can get in touch with us and our experts will do the job in a very accurate way. Just contact us by calling on the number below!
