Explore the dos and don’ts of do-it-yourself tile installation to avoid mistakes and achieve a professional, polished appearance.
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of today’s blog post for an exclusive discount code!
Don’t: Choose your tile by appearance alone.
Pictured: Striped Mix Teak 10x10 Ceramic Tile
It can be tempting to select tile for your next home renovation project based simply on its appearance, but failing to investigate the material it’s made from can lead to complications.
Do: Research different tile types to determine which is best for your project.
Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, glass, and luxury vinyl often have different installation and maintenance requirements, as well as varying price points. We highly recommend doing some research about the types of tile available so that you can make an informed decision regarding which is most suitable for your intended application. Check out our article on the topic here!
Don’t: Choose premixed thinset mortar just because it seems easier.
Premixed thinset mortar can be a great choice for certain projects, such as small backsplashes. However, it’s not the best option for all applications.
Do: Consider the pros and cons of each type of adhesive.
Regular thinset mortar tends to be a safe default choice for almost all tile applications, but there are some cases in which premixed thinset mortar and epoxy mortar are better. Plus, each option comes with its own set of pros, cons, and considerations. Learn more about your adhesive options and which is the right one for your project in this article.
Don’t: Assume all grout is the same.
Choosing the first grout you come across at the hardware store may not give you the best results.
Do: Choose your grout carefully.
Knowing the differences between sanded and unsanded grout (and when to use each of them) can be crucial! Plus, the color of your grout can significantly affect the overall appearance of your tile, so be sure to give it some thought. Discover everything you need to know about selecting the right grout in this blog post.
Don’t: Jump into installation without any preparation.
It can be tempting to jump right into installation and get the project done as soon as possible, but doing so can result in unexpected problems down the line.
Do: Create a layout and prepare the space for the best results.
Not only do you need to gather your tools and materials before installation (find a list of everything you’ll need here), but you also need to create a layout to refer to throughout the installation process (check out our step-by-step guide) and fully prepare the space where you’ll be installing tile.
This can involve steps like clearing away the previous tile, thoroughly cleaning the area, removing baseboards, and trimming door casings. You’ll also need to ensure the surface is level and install a cement board or waterproof backer board and underlayment, or apply a leveling compound if necessary.
Don’t: Buy the exact amount of tile needed for the space.
It might seem better for your budget to buy just enough tile to cover the area where it will be installed, but we highly recommend purchasing at least 10% more than you need.
Do: Buy at least 10% more tile than you need.
Ensuring you have extras can provide insurance in case a few tiles break during the shipping process, or you accidentally cut a tile to the wrong size. It’s also nice to have some extras available in case you need to do any repairs in the future.
Don’t: Start installation at the edge of the room.
It might seem intuitive to start installing tile on one side of the room and work your way over to the other, but as you get to the end of the installation process, you might find that your floor doesn’t look even or symmetrical.
Do: Start installation in the middle for the best symmetry.
Starting installation in the middle of the space and carefully following your layout can ensure symmetry and a professional-looking finished project.
Don’t: Apply mortar to the entire space at once.
Mortar dries quickly, so applying it to the entire space usually results in frustration, as it’s nearly impossible to install all of the tile properly before the adhesive dries.
Do: Go little by little, installing one or two tiles at a time.
Installing just a few tiles at a time enables you to go at your own pace and ensure each tile is placed perfectly.
Don’t: Assume you can consistently space tiles on your own.
Tile spacers might seem like a tedious and unnecessary part of installation, but they make a huge difference in your tile’s overall appearance.
Do: Use tile spacers for a uniform appearance.
Tile spacers ensure your grout lines are perfectly uniform and consistent. Be sure to use them for a professional, streamlined look!
Don’t: Cut tiles to any size necessary to fit the space.
It might make sense to cut tiles as small as needed once you reach the edges of the room, but extremely small tiles tend to draw the eye and look strange next to full-size tiles, throwing off the overall appearance of the space.
Do: Avoid cutting tiles smaller than half-size by setting up your layout accordingly.
Set up your layout so that you never have to cut a tile smaller than half-size. This will result in a more polished and intentional-looking finished product.
Don’t: Wait until installation is complete before cleaning excess adhesive.
Cleaning is never fun, but waiting to clean excess adhesive from the surface of your tiles will only make it harder and more time-consuming.
Do: Clean as you go, before the adhesive dries and becomes difficult to remove.
Cleaning as you go means you’ll spend less time scrubbing and experience less frustration.
Don’t: Try to install natural stone or glass tile on your own without any DIY experience.
Pictured: Aquatic Bluish Grey Hexagon Glass Mosaic Tile
Both natural stone and glass tile can be challenging to install if you don’t have any prior experience. While experienced DIYers may be able to achieve a successful installation, those who have never installed tile or dealt with these materials before may find it more difficult than expected.
Do: Hire a pro if you’re doubtful of your abilities.
It’s often worth it to hire a professional to install natural stone or glass. You’ve likely already spent a lot of money on these high-quality tiles, so it’s only right to do them justice and have them installed properly. Plus, if you don’t already have the necessary tools to cut and install them, hiring a pro who already has both the expertise and the tools can simplify the process.
Don’t: Only follow general guidelines from online articles.
While online articles like this one can be great sources of general information, trusting them over specific guidelines given by the manufacturers of your tile, adhesive, or grout isn’t recommended.
Do: Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidelines.
You’ll get the best results by combining the general principles offered in online articles and videos with the specific guidelines provided by the manufacturers of your tile, adhesive, and grout.
Don’t: Rush through the process.
It’s hard to be patient, but rushing can lead to problems with your tile installation.
Do: Allow plenty of time for the adhesive and grout to set and dry.
Once you’ve estimated how long tile installation will take, double your estimate for a more accurate idea. Things likely won’t go as planned, and it’s important to be prepared for that. In addition, allowing sufficient time for the adhesive to set and the grout to dry before moving forward with the installation process is crucial.
Don’t: Forget to seal porous tile.
Pictured: Luxor Carrara Arabesque Crackled Glass Mosaic Tile
You can harm your porous tile’s longevity by failing to seal it.
Do: Seal your natural stone tile to enhance its longevity.
Be sure to seal your tile if you’ve chosen natural stone or unglazed ceramic. We also recommend sealing your grout. Learn whether your tile needs to be sealed here.
Don’t: Assume your tile can handle any type of cleaning products.
Abrasive cleaning products can damage your tile and could even result in discoloration and other unwanted effects.
Do: Research your tile type to determine how to clean and maintain it properly.
Do some research to figure out what types of cleaning products are appropriate for your chosen tile. Often, you can even make your own cleaning solution from household ingredients. Learn how to properly clean and maintain various types of tile in our blog post on the subject.
Don’t: Expect your grout to last forever.
It would be wonderful if grout was a one-and-done type of deal, but it will eventually need to be replaced. Its lifespan isn’t as long as that of most types of tile.
Do: Replace your grout as needed.
While there isn’t an exact rule as to when you need to replace your grout, it can be helpful to keep a lookout for indicators that your current grout is no longer satisfactory. Cracks, crumbling, staining, mold, and discoloration are a few signs that new grout may be necessary. Check out our overview of the process here.
Don’t: Throw away leftover tiles.
Once you’re done with installation, you might want to toss the extra tiles in the trash - but that would be a mistake!
Do: Save them for future repairs or use them for fun DIY projects.
If any of your tiles crack or otherwise require repair or replacement in the future, those extra tiles will come in handy. And if you’re the crafty type, you can also use your leftover tiles for all sorts of projects! We’ve created a list of ideas for upcycling excess tiles in this article.
Find the Perfect Tile for Your Next Project at Tilezz.com!
At Tilezz.com, we have a wide range of tile options to choose from, with natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, glass, and luxury vinyl in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. And with fast delivery, insured shipments, and easy returns, it’s never been simpler to shop for tile online.
Take a look at our full product range here, or visit our blog for design inspiration and DIY installation guides.
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