Tiling - how to know that your tiles were laid perfectly

1. Tile substrate

Tiles can be laid over almost any surface, as long as its clean, dry, and level, and has the right load-bearing capacity. Any debris must be removed, especially if youre removing an existing covering. Also, make sure you use a self-levelling compound to get an even surface. If youre dealing with a highly porous surface, also apply a tile primer. This will also ensure the tiles adhere better to the substrate. If youre tiling a bathroom or another room with great exposure to water, be sure you apply a waterproof coating.

2. How to measure for tiling

Once youve prepared the substrate, you should measure the surface and draw a tile layout. Its crucial you take the measurements as this will help you realize exactly how much material you need. Dont forget to add at least an extra 10% allowance for wastage due to cutting. If you decide to lay tiles on your own, but still want to get a desired outcome, be sure to find the centre of the room using a string. Connect opposite walls with ropes, and the point of their intersection is your starting point, and tiles are laid along this line.

Also, it might be a good idea to first lay tiles without an adhesive, especially if they include a pattern to check if the resulting layout is what youre looking for. Dont apply any adhesive until you get what you wanted. In case youre planning to tile both your wall and your floor with (approximately) same-sized tiles, you should normally start with the wall, as grout joints on wall and floor surfaces should make a continuous line.

2.1 Diagonal tile layout

Forget about a straight layout and make your tiles stand out! Diagonally laid tiles will make the room look more dynamic, and although this installation will require more effort, costs, and wastage, we think its worth it. In this case, youd need to include a 15–25% allowance, although this depends on the angle. A diagonal layout usually implies a 45° angle necessary to connect opposite corners, but in reality, it doesnt matter if the angle is acute or obtuse, as long as you achieve the desired effect. Make sure you draw the layout before you start laying the tiles. Here, too, you should start from the centre, where the strings intersect, or from the most conspicuous point.

3. Tile cutter

The most important tool for ensuring successful and precise cutting is a tile cutter. It can cut any type of tile at the precisely set spot. Its used to make the initial cut, after which the piece is separated by hand or with special pliers. To make a hole for pipework or valves, you can use a tile nipper to cut with millimetre precision. Alternatively, you can also use a cordless drill or a circular saw. Since a tile cutter is a hazardous tool, make sure you take extra care when you use it.

4. Tile adhesive

The lifespan of tiles is also dependent on the adhesive applied. The adhesive must be suitable for that particular type of tiles and substrate. Large-sized tiles are heavier, so they demand a stronger adhesive. Tiles can be made of different materials, and that is also true for adhesives. Finally, the room where the tiling is performed is also important. Those with fluctuating temperatures, such as steam baths and saunas, require a heat resistant tile adhesive, while a waterproof adhesive is a must in wet rooms, like bathrooms and swimming pools. Water-resistant tile adhesives are needed for outdoor and unheated areas. Don t forget to check the expiration date before you buy an adhesive. If you want to lay tiles over wet mortar, you should know that you have 4 hours to complete the task. When dissolving adhesive in water, stick to the manufacturers instructions - good adhesive means long-lasting and stable tiles.

5. How to stick tiles to the substrate

First and foremost, tile adhesive should be spread evenly across the substrate. Then, use the notched edge of the trowel to create furrows. Tiles are then laid next to one another, one by one, with mild pressure applied. Plastic spacers are placed in between, and finally, tiles are secured in place with a couple of gentle hits with a rubber mallet. The purpose of spacers is to ensure equal and straight grout joints. Once all tiles are laid, allow your adhesive at least 12 hours to cure.

6. Grouting

Once the adhesive is completely dry, youve reached the final stage of tiling, which is grouting. Grout should be mixed according to the manufacturers instructions, and then applied to grout joints diagonally using a trowel. Make sure each joint is completely filled, but not overfilled. Tiles should be wiped after every filling to prevent formation of lumps of hardened grout. In the end, tiles and grout joints should together form a smooth and level surface. The final stage is to remove any excess material with the trowel sponge, which should remain dampened with clean water. There can also be some cement residue on tiles, which can be removed with standard vinegar and a brush. Dont apply grout to corners, expansions joints, and window/tile joints. Instead, seal them with an adhesive tape and a special elastic silicone sealant.

6.1 Groutless tiling

Although it is possible to install tiles without grout, you have to make sure certain preconditions have been met. The first one is to get the so-called rectified tiles. These tiles have ground edges, which makes them completely even and smooth, and fitting each other perfectly. Regular tiles arent so perfectly smooth, which is why they require grout, which renders the whole surface even and level. The downside of rectified tiles is that theyre quicker to come loose, which affects their lifespan. Unlike regular tiles, they only have the adhesive to secure them in place, but lack grout.

7. Tiling costs

We left pricing for the very end, as, so far, we only spoke about situations where the substrate has already been prepared and all the necessary material is in place.

7.1 Tiling costs without substrate preparation and materials

A tilers costs typically average between NGN800 - NGN1,500/sqm.

7.2 Tiling costs with substrate preparation and materials

The cost of purchasing supreme mid-priced 0.5 cm thick tiles and materials, preparation of the cement substrate, and installation of tiles indoors using acrylic adhesive and grout amounts to roughly NGN5,000/sqm.

Extra information

We asked one of the experts we work with what grouting involves and whether any special products are used. He said that he usually uses German Sopro and PCI grouts. Grout is applied diagonally in both directions using a rubber trowel. Its important that grout joints should be filled to the top, left to cure for a couple of minutes, and then wiped with sponge. The colour of grout should be similar to that of tiles for aesthetic purposes.