The Finishing Touch: The Dos & Don’ts of Completing a Tiling Job
Whether you consider yourself a bit of a seasoned pro or you’re happy to admit this is the first time you’re turning your hand to tiling, one thing’s for sure: it’s definitely not the quickest home improvement task to undertake!
Whether it’s a kitchen splashback or decorative addition above the bathroom sink, when done right, laying tiles can completely transform the look of a space. Make a mistake, however, and you can be left with a bit of a DIY disaster on your hands.
In any room, laying tiles requires patience to ensure you’re happy with the end result and get nothing less than a professional finish from your hard work. So, join us today as we look at everything from important considerations when drilling holes in tiles to top tips for sealing edges and advice on decorating.
Table of contents
Drilling tiles
Let’s start with the dos and don’t of drilling, as this is where you can cause a whole world of damage if you’re not careful.
Do…
ensure you have the right equipment for the job. Thanks to your trusty tiling tools checklist, you should already have everything you need to hand, but it’s definitely worth a mention. From the right drills bits to a cloth for cleaning up any mess, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need in one place so you can finish your tiling job with confidence, without realising a crucial tool is missing at an important time.
Don’t…
…rush. When you’re drilling tiles, it’s easy to become over eager and turn the drill on too quickly. This is the time to sit back and really think about what you’re doing. A wrong move with the drill or a heavy hand can mean you completely ruin the tile and have to remove the entire thing and start the process again – so take your time.
Do…
…measure! Holding a drill bit steady onto a glazed tile surface is no easy task. One slip and your beautiful new tile is suddenly a cracked mess. So, as well as X marking the spot, the spot also needs to provide enough grip for your drill bit so that you can be confident it won’t move once you give it a little power. An easy way to achieve this is to use some form of strong tape and apply it to the surface of the tile. With this in place, you can mark out your measurements on top of the tape, with the tape providing enough grip for your drill.
Don’t…
…let your drill bits overheat. If you allow your drill bits to get too hot, this is when cracks can occur, as the drill will cause vibrations due to the heat. Keep a steady hand and apply even pressure throughout. Once you’ve broken through the top layer, resist the temptation to press harder and try to maintain the same sort of pressure in order to avoid drilling right through to the wall.
Edges and corners
Applying the finishing touch to edges and corners means you have a variety of materials and colours to choose from. Don’t overlook this step, as it really will make all the difference to the finished product.
Do…
…caulk the edges. Once your tiling job is almost complete, you’ll need to stand back and examine your work. If you’re confident that the grouting is sufficient and it’s a job well done, you can apply a thin line or bead of caulking to the edge. This will provide a clean finish and help to repel any water that the tiles might be subjected to.
Don’t…
…leave it until later and forget about it. As you get to the end of your tiling job, it can be tempting to think you’ll finish certain aspects of the job later – especially if you’re waiting for sealants or grout to dry. However, you need to make sure that you’re finishing all edges and corners as soon as you’re able to. Otherwise, these final touches will soon be forgotten about, and all of your hard work will fall at the final hurdle, leaving a less than perfect finished result.
Do…
…wipe away residue. Grout haze can completely ruin the look of your new tiles, so even if it appears to be dried on, you’ll want to try and remove it without causing any damage. A mild washing up soap or vinegar can be ideal for removing stubborn, dried on residue. Simply spray small amounts at a time onto the problem area and gently rub with a soft cloth so as not to scratch the tiles.
Don’t…
…leave overhang of tile trims. If you’ve gone through the necessary steps to install tile trim, the last thing you want to do is fall at the final hurdle by not neatly trimming the edges to fit. Any overhang of tile trims can potentially cause damage, as fingers or items of clothing can be snagged by sharp or protruding edges. Remember to cut at a 90° angle to ensure a smooth and seamless finish.
Sealing
When it comes to grouting and sealing tiles, you might not know which types work best where, or how long they need to be left to set.
Do…
…give the sealant time to dry. The time needed can completely vary depending on the type of sealant or grout you’re using. Read all labels carefully and follow instructions recommended by the supplier. We stock a range of silicone, adhesives and grouts so you’re guaranteed to be able to find the best solution for your tiling job.
Don’t…
…walk on the adhesive while it’s setting. As mentioned above, this will depend on the product you choose, so follow the guidance on the label of any adhesives you use to know how long they will take to effectively set. Typically, 24 hours is recommended to ensure your tiles are properly set and there won’t be any movement caused by foot traffic.
Do…
…buy a quality, hygienic sealant that is less likely to mould over time. In places like the bathroom where moisture is unavoidable, you’ll want to ensure that the sealants you’re using are fit for the job. This means looking for a higher quality sealant that won’t begin to mould as soon as it’s touched by water. This is where it pays to look around for the best option for your needs – better to invest in the right product now than to regret it later.
Don’t…
…use high gloss finishes in areas with lots of water. Of course water is unavoidable in some rooms, but there are steps you can take to ensure your handiwork isn’t ruined when the shower water runs down your new tiles or the washing up water splashes onto the tiles behind the sink. So, rather than choosing one type of finish, grout or sealant for all tiling jobs, make sure you opt for the best product for each room.
Decorating
The final step in the process is finishing the room or area so that everything comes together nicely. Overlook this step and while your tiles will still look great, they won’t have the desired impact on the room’s overall look.
Do…
…think about interior design cohesion. If you’ve opted for black and white geometric tiles for your bathroom but were intending on accessorising with eye-catching turquoise toothbrush holders and shower curtains, you might need to rethink your design. Your tiles have the power to blend in or stand out, depending on the colour and pattern you opt for – but the last thing they should do is create an unwelcome clash with the rest of the room. So, if you didn’t consider this before you picked up your trowel, now’s the time!
Don’t…
…hide your new tiles behind accessories. Why go to the lengths of tiling an area of wall or floor, just to cover up your beautiful new additions? Instead, strategically accessorise the room in a way that allows your tiles to shine. There’s no reason why your tiles themselves can’t create a focal point in the room, so don’t feel as though they’re there to serve practical reasons only.
Do…
…consider practicality. Different areas of the house are more suited to different activities, and you should consider this when decorating around your tiles. For example, a wipe down paint might best complement the kitchen splashback and save your walls from unsightly splashes and marks. The same goes for the bathroom. If you haven’t tiled every inch of wall, consider what will work best for the remaining space. This room is subject to moisture several times a day, so keep this in mind when choosing suitable window dressings and accessories.
Don’t…
…lay furniture before the tiles are ready. As mentioned with foot traffic, adding heavy furniture to floors or adding fixtures and fittings to newly drilled holes in tiles before they’ve had time to properly set will undoubtedly lead to damage. It can be frustrating waiting to finish the job, but you’ll thank yourself in the long run when you’re looking at an expertly-CRAFTED tiling job!
If you don’t feel like today’s post quite has you covered, check out some other tiling mistakes over on our blog. If you’re not ready to commit to your next tiling project and are simply looking for some inspiration, you can grab a tile sample from us for as little as £1.99. Good luck!
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