Tiling and 10 handy tips

The craft of tiling requires skill. It is not without reason that as many as 80% of consumers entrust tiling to a professional, an experienced tiler. Tiles are an ideal solution for an atmospheric living room, a colorful kitchen, or a waterproof finish for kitchen and bathroom floors. However, correct installation and careful finishing after installation are essential. It is a wise choice to opt for tiles in areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, and toilet. Tiles offer minimal opportunity for dirt and moisture, while being easy to clean and maintain. When installing tiles, you will need a range of by-products, which you can also easily obtain from WDTegels.com.

At WDTegels.com, we present an extensive range of tile by-products, including powerful  tile adhesive, grout and the necessary tiling tools. It deserves extra attention: if you wish to install tiles on an absorbent surface, such as a concrete wall, plasterboard wall, or plastered wall, an adequate primer is indispensable and often even crucial for a sublime end result.

WDTegels.com offers a fine assortment of primers from the renowned brand Sopro. Take control of your tiling project and discover the high-quality products we offer at WDTegels.com, ensuring a flawless tiling experience.

Tiling yourself?

 Then good preparation with the right products and tiling tools is essential. Ask yourself a few questions: What surface will the tiles be laid on? Are you considering natural stone or ceramic tiles? For example, if you are laying tiles on concrete or applying them to a plasterboard wall, priming is necessary. If you are laying tiles over existing tiles, consider whether you are choosing ceramic or natural stone tiles. Also, consider which tile laying pattern you want to use, as different patterns are suitable for different types of tiles.

So consider in advance:

1. What surface will the tiles be laid on?
2. Are you choosing natural stone or ceramic tiles?
3. Which laying pattern do you want to use?
4. How will you install the tiles, with mortar/cement or adhesive?

Based on these considerations, you can purposefully choose the necessary materials and tools!

Laying floor tiles

How you want to lay the floor tiles depends on the type of tiles you have chosen. There are various laying patterns to choose from, but there are some general steps when laying floor tiles:

1. Always start by treating the floor with a primer. This ensures better adhesion of the tile adhesive and reduces or eliminates moisture absorption by the substrate. Keep in mind that the type of substrate (absorbent or tile-on-tile) determines the type of primer you should use.
2. If the tiles are for the bathroom, waterproof them using sealing tape and sealing paste. Waterproofing a shower is easy.
3. Prepare the tile adhesive according to the instructions on the package and mix it into a smooth substance. Stir it well again before use.
4. Apply the adhesive with a trowel and spread it evenly over the floor with an adhesive spreader.
5. For better adhesion, also apply some tile adhesive to the back of the tile. Place the tile with a sliding and pressing motion, so that it is firmly set in the adhesive. Remove adhesive from the edges of the laid tiles using a trowel.
6. Consider using a leveling system for a beautifully even result. Place the base and slide it under the installed tile. Connect it with a wedge when you have placed another tile next to it. Press it down with pliers. Then let the adhesive dry for at least 24 hours. Once it has dried properly, you can kick away the bases.
7. The last step is grouting floor tiles, which neatly finishes the whole and ensures that no dirt and moisture can get between the tiles.

10 handy tips for tiling

Finally, we share some handy tips and tricks so you can get started well prepared! From checking the delivered tiles to turning off underfloor heating. If you take these tips to heart, you will immediately reduce the chance of making mistakes!

1. Check that the entire batch of tiles has the same color code (nuance, tint). You will find this color code on the tile packaging.
2. Mix the tiles and do not take them packet by packet from the pallet. This way you are assured of a mixed laying pattern.
3. When making a laying plan, also determine the width of the joint you want to use. If necessary, use tile spacers for an even joint.
4. When making a laying plan, also determine the width of the joint you want to use. If necessary, use tile spacers for an even joint.
5. Before you start tiling, make a laying plan. Distribute the tiles from the center and ensure that there are no tiles smaller than half a tile at the edges.
6. Take into account extra cutting loss if you have to cut tiles at the edges. For a 60x60 tile, the average cutting loss is about 10%.
7. If the subfloor has expansion joints, never place a tile over the expansion joint, but transfer this joint into the tiles to be laid.
8. Before you start laying tiles, remove all doors from the frames and store them in another room.
9. When preparing the tile adhesive, use the correct mixing ratio (indicated on the adhesive bag) and never mix more tile adhesive than you can process within about fifteen minutes.
10. Ensure that the substrate is clean and dry, and if there is underfloor heating, it must be switched off.

Also check out our tips & tricks for grouting tiles and removing tiles! If you have any questions after reading this blog, please let us know!