Decorating - Tiling

Required Tools: Tiling Kit, Grout, Spirit Level, Plumb Line, Undercoat Paint/Primer, Adhesive Trowel, Tile Adhesive

• 
  Make sure the surface to be tiled is clean, dry and flat. If it is porous you will have to use a primer before tiling.
• Nail a timber batten to the wall you wish to tile- leave the nails protruding slightly for easy removal later. Position it one tiles height from the floor or skirting board. Make sure it is level with a spirit level. Use a plumb line to measure the vertical from the batten and secure another batten in this position to give the vertical line for your tiles. Make sure the battens are straight and at right angles to each other before beginning.
• Measure how many tiles and spacers it will take to cover one line on the wall (including spacers). Reposition the tiles to avoid leaving small slivers of tile at the end of a row.
• Apply the adhesive out from the corner formed by the battens. Use a notched spreader to evenly apply the adhesive over about three square feet, no more than 2mm deep.
• Attach the tiles by gently moving them into place over the adhesive. Place spacers between the tiles for even spacing. Make sure the tiles are level throughout using a spirit level. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a sponge.
• Continue tiling small areas over the wall to prevent the adhesive drying out.
• It may be necessary to cut tiles to fit. Use a tile cutter or for bigger jobs hire an electric tile cutter if required.
• One the wall is completed leave for 24 hours to allow the adhesive to dry.
• Grout the joins using either a sponge or professional squeegee. Make sure the grout is pushed firmly into the spaces. To finish run a blunt piece of wood, such as the end of a pencil or piece of doweling, down the grouted lines.
• Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge and buff the tiles with a soft cloth.

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Suggested Tools

UniBond Floor Tile Adhesive Grey 1.8m

Price £16.29

Dunlop Fix 'n' Grout Waterproof Adhesive

Price £14.69

UniBond All-in-One Dual Surface Floor Tile Adhesive & Grout 5Ltr

Price £16.99

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Comments

eszaq1

07/02/12 14:19

BANG!!
I've just drilled into the wall and hit the light spur and the rising main. Any ideas?

Richard | Site Admin & DIY Guru

07/02/12 16:10

You should probably turn off that circuit at the distributor board and call an electrician - damaged wiring can constitute a fire and electrocution risk. UK regulations mean that any work on repairing mains cables would not be legal (although I am not a lawyer, this is just my understanding) unless you are qualified to do so.

It's always worth investing in an AC/pipe/stud detector when doing any drilling round the home - you can save yourself a lot of hassle.

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