Here at My Tile Market, we are passionate about providing the best quality and most affordable tiles and natural stone for both big and small tiling projects.
Installing tiles can open up your home, create a sense of flow, cool down your home during summer, create points of interest with patterns and colours, and overall contribute to the interior design style of your home. But before you begin, it is important to understand what is involved in the process of tiling, and what tools and knowledge are needed to achieve a professional result.
Here are 5 things to consider before tiling your home:
Tile Choice
The first thing that you need to consider is what tiles you would like to use in the space. Although this seems like an easy step, several things need to be taken into consideration, including the size, colour, style and finish of the tiles, the size and location of the space you are intending to tile, and the existing style of your home. These choices will affect the end result; for example, large tiles can make a smaller space look bigger, patterned tiles are best used as features or inserts, and textured tiles can be harder to clean, so it is best not to use them in areas such as kitchen splashbacks.
Looking for inspiration? Our full range of tiles, including outdoor, bathroom, wall, floor, porcelain, natural stone and mosaic tiles, can be found here.
Substrate Preparation
The second thing to consider before tiling your home is the substrate that you are intending to lay tiles upon. Although tiles can be successfully laid upon most types of substrate, including concrete, timber flooring, mortar, brickwork, cement render, plaster, brickwork and existing tiles, each type requires a specific method of preparation to ensure adhesion of the new tiles. Furthermore, each type of substrate has its own rates of moisture absorption, expansion and contraction, and stability.
Regardless of the type of substrate, all surfaces should be dry, clean and free of any coatings, including paint, polish, lacquer or sealers, before you begin tiling.
Correct Equipment
Perhaps the most important thing to consider before tiling your home is whether you have access to the proper equipment. Having the right tool for the job matters, particularly if you want a professional and lasting result. There are several tools used when laying tiles which you should consider hiring or buying before you begin your tiling project, including a laser level, tile nipper, grout sponge, tile drill, grout spreader and tile cutter. Depending on the location of the space you wish to tile, you will also need to purchase adhesive, primer and waterproofing products.
Need a particular tool? My Tile Market stocks a wide range of quality tiling equipment for both large and small projects. Browse our tiling tools and products here.
Time and Budget
Other factors to take into account before beginning your tiling project are time and budget. Tiling is a time consuming process, with at least 24 hours needed for the adhesive to set before grouting, as well as the amount of time spent preparing, cutting, laying and fixing any mistakes. Depending on the location of the space you are tiling, weather can also become a factor, particularly the threat of water penetration, which can slow down the process even further.
You should also work out the budget for your tiling project before you begin, allowing for the purchase of tiles and tools, and flexible enough to deal with any issues that may arise during the process.
Ready to work out your budget? Request a quote from My Tile Market and receive our proposal within 48 hours.
DIY Experience
The final thing to consider before tiling your home is whether to do the project yourself or call in the professionals. Although it is possible to tile your home yourself, having previous DIY experience is useful to help you avoid common mistakes and achieve the desired result. If this is your first time tiling, it may be a good idea to practice in lesser used areas, such as guest bathrooms or basements, and hire professionals to lay tiles in entertaining and high-traffic areas, particularly bathrooms.
If you are uncertain about the process of tiling, which tiles to buy, or what tools to use for your project, then drop into one of our three stores or Contact Us on the My Tile Market website.
The friendly tile experts at our three stores are more than happy to help you source the right tiles or pavers for your property, and find the right solution for you, no matter the size of your tiling project.
