Tiling - A big guide

Laying tiles is not as clever as you might think. But of course there are pitfalls! In this guide, we go through everything you need to be aware of when laying tiles.

TILING FROM START TO FINISH

So you've decided to lay tiles. How fun! Tile is both beautiful and timeless at the same time as it is currently a growing trend. However, it can be good to know exactly how to proceed, especially if you are going to do the work yourself.

1. CHOOSE A TILE THAT FITS YOUR WALL

To begin with, you have to choose tiles and that alone can be a challenge in itself. Today there are thousands of different types of tiles and it can be difficult to know which one is best for your particular wall. In most cases it is only a matter of taste, but something that can be good to keep in mind is that large tiles make the room look smaller and small tiles have the opposite effect. The same applies to dark and light tiles.

2. PURCHASE TOOLS AFTER RECOMMENDATION FROM PROFESSIONAL

When you have decided which tile you want to use, it is time to go through the tools and materials you need, in addition to the tile. Here is a list of the different things you may need:

• Water level
• Folding rule
• Pen
• Brush
• Roller
• Mixing buckets
• Mixing beater
• Drilling machine
• Toothpicks
• Usage life
• Tile cross / joint cord
• Rubber putty/joint plate
• Sponge
• Gloves
• Joint tub
• Tangle
• Pistol spray
• Spray bottle
• Silicone spreader
• Tile cutter
• Tile pliers/crackers

All jobs require different tools, so check with a professional about which tools you will need.

3. CALCULATE ACCESS OF TILES AND JOINTS IN THE PLANNING

When you have all the tools and materials, planning is important to calculate the amount of tiles and joints. Then measure the surface, especially carefully for pattern setting, and calculate how many tiles you will need. Remember to include spacers and buy a few extra plates so that you have them even if some plates break, for example when cutting or drilling. For best results, place the spacers at the edges or in the middle. If you put them in the middle, the surface can feel a little more alive, extra neat results can be obtained if the fitting pieces in the middle are in a different color or have a pattern. If you instead put spacers in the edges, we recommend that you use spacers of the same size for each edge. A symmetrical result is always preferable!

4. PREPARE THE JOB - REMOVE OLD TILES AND MOLDINGS

Now you have planned, procured tools and decided which tiles you will have. So what are you doing now? Preparing for the work itself! Move and remove things that can get in the way of the work, such as the stove and mouldings. If there is already old tile, it is time to tear it down. If there are old tiles, start by knocking down as much as possible with a hammer. Next, chip away as much of the unevenness as possible with a hammer and chisel before using a coarse brush to remove any residue. If there are still larger irregularities, these will need to be sanded away, otherwise it is time to putty.

5. PLACE TILES STARTING FROM CORNERS

Now it's time for the tiling itself! We recommend that you always start from a corner as it facilitates the setting. Start by placing the putty on the wall with the trowel and then use a notched trowel to pull it out. Be careful not to work on too large an area at a time, a good guideline to follow is to not work on a larger area at a time than you can attach tiles to within 10 minutes. Place the tile in from the top, calmly and methodically. Don't forget to use the joint cord or the tile cross. Press the plate firmly against the wall with light pressure and "rub" around it a little to the right position and press firmly so that the plate adheres and gets sealant on the entire back.

Take a plate off a little every now and then and inspect the back to make sure it's covered. With dowels, you should grind down the broken edge as evenly and finely as possible. Even if you get a good result, the finished edges of the tiles are usually finer, so try to put the broken edges of the pass pieces in the inner corners, downwards in the bottom row or at the top of the top row.

Read the packaging for the adhesive carefully, it usually states the amount of water you should use in relation to dry material and also tips on how best to proceed. Remember to mix the adhesive in a clean bucket and with a clean whisk.

Check the set from time to time with a spirit level to make sure the joints are straight. This is important if any small adjustments need to be made, once the grout has dried it is not as easy.

6. FILL THE JOINTS PROPERLY WITH DIAGONAL MOVEMENTS

When the entire tiling is in place, including the spacers, it's time to fill in the joints. When applying the joint compound, it is important to fill the joints properly, pull out the joint with the putty in several directions, even diagonally. Spread the joint compound properly and also remove excess joint with diagonal movements. When the joints have started to dry, it is time to wipe the tiles. Now it is important to wipe them at the right time, neither too late nor too early. When you wipe the tiles, it is best to use a slightly damp sponge. When the joints have been allowed to dry a little more thoroughly for about an hour, you can start polishing the surface with a dry cloth or dry cotton cloth. An old cotton shirt works great.

7. SOFT JOINT TOP AND BOTTOM EDGES, CORNERS AND PIPES

Finally, it's time for the soft joints at top and bottom edges, corners and pipes and more. To help you, you need masking tape, a spray gun and a silicone spreader. Start by placing masking tape along the edges and corners, but leave a gap for the joint. Then put the silicone or latex tube in the syringe and move in a simple movement along the corners and edges of the wall. It's easiest if you hold it at a slight incline. Also make sure you don't push out too much joint, it's better to take too little at first and then touch up. With the joint in place, it's the silicone spreader's turn. It ensures that the soft joint is smooth and tight against the substrate. Simply drag the spreader along the joint and then remove the tape. You can use your index finger as well, but it won't be as nice.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WITH HELP FROM US

Do you need professional help for your renovation? Feel free to talk to us at Stenbolaget. We can help you become a good entrepreneur.