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These 12 Tile Mistakes Are Easily Avoidable
By TIM BUTTERS
Test Samples
Before you begin, place a sample tile on the floor, or hold it at eye level with a wall to see if it clashes with or enhances the room in natural and artificial lights.
Lacking Tiles
To ensure you have enough tiles, double-check your calculations before you begin and add extra tiles (about 10% more) to account for mistakes and breakages.
The Right Size
Many believe that small tiles are tailor-made for small spaces, but this is a mistake. The more grout lines you have, the more claustrophobic the space will feel.
Small tiles are better suited for dynamic patterns or uneven surfaces. A good rule of thumb to follow is to use larger tiles on floors and smaller ones on walls.
Preparation
Before tiling, surfaces must be flat, dry, dust-free, and sufficiently rigid to support the weight and structure of the tiles. Walls may need to be waterproofed as well.
You can tile directly over smooth cement or timber floors with a cement fiberboard cover, but not wooden floorboards, as their flexibility and movement can crack the tiles.
Drilling
To safely drill into tiles without cracking them, using a cordless drill is your best bet. Depending on your tile of choice, you may need a specialist drill bit.
When drilling, press down with some force. Cover the area you’ll be drilling with masking tape so the drill can get a better grip, and avoid damaging the tile.