Five Tips for First Time Tilers

So, you like the look of tile on the bathroom floor, and you think you can do it yourself? You probably can, given enough time, a little research, and the help of someone who's tiled before.

One of the most important elements of tiling is size. Ladies have known this for years, and anyone who tiles will quickly learn that size does indeed matter, and on several levels.

1. Room Measurements

Take accurate room measurements. "Measure twice, cut once" can save heartache for any construction project. If the room you've decided to tile is a large room, take the time to be sure you want to tackle the job yourself. Tiling is a laborious process that doesn't allow for breaks. It may make more sense to hire a big project, and save your first attempt for an area with less square footage.

2. Big Tile - Little Tile?

Once the room has been accurately measured, carefully consider the size of the floor tile that will be used. The smaller the tile, the more of it you will have to lay, and the more lines that will have to be perfectly straight on the floor.

Smaller tile works well for cobblestone effects and can give the floor a more upscale look, but only if it is done well. Since larger tiles will cover more area, there will be fewer of them to buy, and there will be fewer lines to keep straight.

3. Patterns

Adding decorative glass tiles or patterns can give a beautiful look to your tile floor, but these types of additions also mean more complexity, more cutting, and more measuring.

If adding glass tiles or patterns is a must for you, even the first time around, try using larger decorative tiles and simple patterns that do not require intricate cuts or measurements.

4. Tile Shape

Just because floor tiles are now available in a variety of shapes does not mean the first time tiler should utilize them for their project. The smaller the shaped piece, and the fewer the 90 degree angles it has, the more difficult it will be to work with. What may seem like a dazzling idea for your new tile floor at the home improvement store can quickly turn into a nightmare of mismatched edges, misread patterns, and wavy grout lines.

5. A Tile Cutter, and A (Few) Friends

Even if you stick with large, square tiles, you will need a tile cutter for your tiling project, and a few good friends. If you are lucky, one of them will have experience with tiling.

Tiling floors requires continuous work. The tiles must be laid in the tile cement at precisely the moment the tile cement reaches the correct consistency. The same excellent timing and continuous work is needed with grouting the tile. This is why a few friends helping is necessary. Someone needs to cut the tile. Someone needs to put the tile cement down, and someone needs to lay the tile. Even if you are working in a small space, a few extra sets of hands is crucial to the success of the project.