Tips and advice when tiling

Tiling is a good skill to learn, and when done well, the job should not ordinarily have to be repeated or repaired. When deciding to tile a room you must consider the tiles purpose in its environment. Ceramic tiles can be applied to many different surfaces but each may require a different preparation. Bare plaster is the ideal surface on which to apply ceramic tiles, but ensure the plaster is sound.

Newly plastered walls should always be treated with a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) sealant solution - five parts water to one part PVA. This will seal the surface and promote adhesion.

To determine the number of tiles you will need, calculate the surface area of the wall by multiplying the length of the wall by its height (or by the height you wish to tile up to). This should be done for each surface you are planning to tile; then the figures for each surface should be added together. Always add at least 10% to your final figure to allow for wastage and cutting, and then divide the total surface area by the area of one tile.

Tiling adhesive is available as a dry powder that you mix with water or in ready-mix tubs, which can be used as both adhesive and grouting. Remember that some surfaces may require a particular adhesive e.g. shower cubicles, so ask at your local DIY store if you are not sure.

Remember not to lay the adhesive more than 4mm thick. Apply the adhesive evenly over the surface, but avoid covering too large an area as it may dry before you fit the tiles.

Finally, when grouting, make sure the adhesive has been given enough time to go hard (ideally 12 hours). Also check that there is nothing protruding above the surface of the tile that will get in the way of the grout. Finish off by using a grout shaper to create a smooth finish.

More tips and advice for fixing ceramic wall tiles, fixing mosaic tiles to a wall or replacing a damaged tile can be found at lets-do-diy.com