Tag: Tiling

Categories
Walls & flooring

How to tile a wall

Kitchen and bathroom wall tiles are a durable, long-lasting, aesthetically appealing option for DIY projects. Once you learn how to tile and get to know some basic tiling tips and tricks, laying tile can be a fun, inexpensive DIY project that enhances your home’s appearance. Once you learn how to tile a bathroom or kitchen, there are many kitchen and bathroom wall tile ideas you can try that improve the feel, function and value of your home. Tiles come in so many styles and colours, meaning your design options are endless.

How long does it take to tile a room?

Several factors determine how long it takes to tile a room. The room size, type and style of tiles used, and the complexity of the design you want to create all play a role in determining how long tiling a room takes. Additionally, whether you have experience tiling or not will affect the time it will take to complete a project. It will take most people a couple of days to complete a tiling job due to the preparation and drying time required.

Tiles make a great splash back for kitchens / Source: Aahil Tiling and Stones

Materials and tools

There are several tools you will need when retiling a bathroom or kitchen wall, floor or counter. They include:

  • Bucket
  • Sponge
  • Spirit level
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Tile levelling support 
  • Tile cutter – almost every tiling job will require cutting some tiles to size and shape you need.
  • Adhesive mixer
  • Tile nippers – this is a hand tool used to cut off small pieces of tile so they fit in tight spaces.
  • Cross spacers – cross-shaped tile spacers are used to ensure the tiles are placed an equal distance apart. Tile spacers help keep grout line straight and give tile work a professional-looking finish. 
  • Notched trowel for wall and floor tiles – this lets you control small amounts and thickness of the adhesive attaching the tile to
  •  the wall or floor will be.
  • Small gauging trowel – Use for mixing small amounts of quick-setting drywall compound or mortar.
  • Grout float – This is used for spreading and pressing grout between the tiles.
  • Angle grinder and a diamond cutting blade – This is used to grind or cut angles into the tile to fit into odd-shaped spaces.
  • Drill and diamond-tipped drill bit
  • Tile wet saw

How many tiles do I need?

To calculate the number of tiles you for the job, measure the length and width of the area you will be tiling. Multiplying those numbers by each other give you the area’s square meterage. Add 15% to cover cuts, waste and broken tiles. Divide the area’s total square metres by the square metres covered by the tiles in a box of the tiles you choose. This will tell you how many tiles you need. 

How to tile a wall

  1. Prepare the surface: clean the surface thoroughly. Remove any adhesives or coatings and ensure the wall, floor, or countertop is smooth. 
  2. Make measurements and markings: measure the wall to be tiled. Place a tile at the top of the wall and put a mark directly underneath it. Then place another tile below the mark and draw a line on the wall where it ends. Repeat this process until you get to the bottom of the wall. If the space between the last row of tiles and the floor is too small for a full tile, measure the distance. That’s the size to which you will have to cut the last row of tiles.
  3. Prepare the tile glue: whether you are using a pre-mixed paste adhesive or a cement-based tile adhesive, follow the instructions for preparing it outlined on the package. This ensures the tile will remain firmly affixed to the wall. 
  4. Lay the first row: thoroughly cover the back of a tile with adhesive and push it into the wall’s top left-hand corner. Make sure it is straight and lines up with the mark and the grid pattern you made on the wall.
  5. Check it is level: using a spirit level is a fast, simple and easy way to ensure each of the tiles you install is straight and level. Simply hold the spirit level up against the bottom of the tile.
  6. Continue laying rows: once you are sure your first row of tiles is straight and level, put in tile spacers and match each new tile to the one above it. The tile spacers will keep an even space between each row of tiles. 
  7. Cut and lay the corner tiles: Draw the cut lines on top of the tile and then cut off the excess with the tile cutter. Do a dry fit with the tile. Using a notched trowel, thoroughly butter the tile’s bottom with a thin set of the adhesive and press it into place.

Contact local tiling experts

How to grout a tile wall

Put a little water and some grout powder in a clean bucket and mix it until it has toothpaste consistency. Use a grout float to the spread the grout on the tiles in a diagonal motion. Make sure all the joints are filled with grout. When the grout starts to set, use a damp sponge to clean the tiles’ excess grout. 

How to tile over electrical outlets

When installing tiles over electrical outlets, turn off the outlet’s power. Outline the electrical outlet’s exact size and shape on the tile with a pencil using a tape measure. Use a clamp to fasten the tile on to a piece of plywood. Using a drill with a diamond-coated bit, drill a hole on each of the 4 corners of the lines drawn on the tile. Using a saw, plunge cut from one hole to the next. Remove the cut section of tile. Use tile nippers to clean off and smoothen all rough areas. Add adhesive to the cut tile, put it in place over the electrical outlet and let it dry.

A tiled feature wall in a shower / Source: Mrg Tiling

Can you tile over tile?

You can put new tiles over old ones to save time, money and hassles when retiling. However, don’t do so if the existing tiles are loose, lifting, damaged, or uneven. Even if you have the best tiles for bathroom walls, the new tiles will have all of the same problems. Plus, they may not adhere properly to the old tiles, and the added height can prevent cupboards and doors from opening and closing correctly. 

How to hire a tiler

Tiling a wall or an entire room can take some time and requires a lot of attention to ensure it is straight and neat. It might be worth your time to hire a professional tiler to get the job done to make sure the finished product is of high quality.

Licencing and qualifications

When hiring a tiler, make sure to research that they are properly licenced and qualified. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and relatives for some local tilers’ names with whose work they are familiar and impressed.

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

A guide to buying & installing a shower base

When you are renovating your bathroom and installing a new shower, you will need to choose the material that will be used for the shower base. You have a few options to choose from.

What is a shower base?

If you do not want the currently trendy wet room style, then you will need a base for your shower. Some bathrooms feature a walk-through style area that is completely tiled, but if that is not the look you want, then you may wish to install a cubicle-like setup with a shower base in it.

Source: Architest

There are a few specific benefits to choosing a shower base option over others. First, it is easy to install and very easy to clean – since there are no grout lines, the cleaning process is quick and painless. Additionally, you will not have as many problems with the waterproofing failing, something that is common with tiled shower floors. A shower base is great if you do not have a lot of space in your bathroom, and if you want an updated look without a lot of renovation work, this is a good option as well.

Types of shower bases

There are different types and styles of shower bases available on the market. You may want to choose the most common types of base, which is square in shape. You can, though, choose angles and curves as well. Some are designed to fit well in the corner of the room, making it easy for you to use as much space as possible. You can also choose from a range of colours, giving you a bit more design freedom. Also, these bases tend to be safer than other options if you choose one with a non-slip surface.

Materials

Most types of shower bases are made of polymarble or acrylic. Some are made of steel, glass, or ceramic, which might be more difficult to find. Keep in mind that some surfaces can be very slippery as well, making them less safe overall, especially for children and the elderly.

Shower bases are easier to clean than tiles as they don’t have grout lines / Source: CK Contracting

Polymarble shower bases

Polymarble shower bases are commonly used as they are solid and long-lasting thanks to being coasted in a 2mm hard gel-coat resin. They are also stain, scratch and chemical resistant, and easy to clean.

Polymarble is also easy to refurbish, revive worn surfaces by simply sanding or buffing the surface. They are also usually a more expensive option.

Acrylic shower bases

Acrylic shower bases are light and durable, and a cheaper alternative. They are extremely low maintenance and easy to clean – you simply need to wipe down the the surface. However, acrylic bases generally come in set sizes, so custom dimensions and drain locations isn’t always possible.

Contact local bathroom renovators

Installing a shower base

As far as installation goes, because shower bases need support and a mortar bed for proper installation. So while it is possible as a DIY job, if you’re not a confident renovator, it’s best to turn to a professional.

Cost of installing a shower base

When costing out a shower base, take into consideration the material, shape, and size. You can pay anywhere from $150 to $1000 for the shower base alone, and then must factor in the cost of installation.

Categories
Design & decor

6 interesting small bathroom tile ideas

We all look forward to relaxing in our bathrooms after a busy and tiring day. Like most people, you may prefer a luxurious and spacious bathroom with beautiful tiles. Unfortunately, the majority of us own smaller bathrooms. Although it may seem like you can’t execute your dream bathroom if it is smaller, you can still have the luxury and comfort you require from your bathroom despite its size.

It can be overwhelming choosing the right tiles, as the market is flooded with many options. Here, My Home Zen Spa recommend their top tile picks to help transform your bathroom into a sanctuary.

1. Subway tile accents

If you’re looking for a versatile option, the subway tile accents are the best. Despite being modern, its design is stunning and never get outdated. What’s exciting about these tiles is the fact that they come in different colours, patterns, and get made with various materials. As a result, you get to choose what you like.

If you want your other bathroom elements to shine, you can get these tiles in a pure white. Are you the creative type? With these tiles, you can contrast your grout colours and help give a different look at your shower, bath, or faucet. You’ll find them easily at your local hardware store.

Subway tiles on the wall in a small bathroom / Source: Engage Construction Pty Ltd

2. Glass mosaic accents

Mosaic tiles are available in ceramic or stone, but for a bathroom that pops – try glass mosaic tiles. You can use them for a full wall, or use sparingly to create an interesting frame or accent. Mosaic tiles are practical versatile, water-resistant and come in a variety of colours and patterns. Flex your creative muscles by playing with accents in your bathroom. If you are just using it for a small feature, remember to purchase a few spare for down the road, just in case you can’t find the exact type again.

3. Large format tiles

Large-format tiles come with a bunch of benefits when used in a bathroom. You should consider these tiles if your bathroom is small, as they can make a small bathroom appear larger.

They cover a large area and are easy to clean because they are applied with fewer grout lines. Large format tiles also create an elegant aesthetic in your bathroom. Large tiles come in various designs for you to choose what you like, including 3-D and wood-look plank tiles.

Large format tiles can be a great option for small bathrooms / Source: Mrg Tiling

4. Bathroom wall tiles

Wall tile styles for bathrooms will excite you with their durability. Despite serving you for many years, maintaining them is easy, and they improve your bathroom’s appearance. Bathroom wall tile styles come in various forms. For example, contemporary or traditional, and modern, mid-century, or old-world. It all depends on your taste. The market is flooded with what you need. When choosing wall tiles for your bathroom, consider various combinations and patterns. This will not only improve your bathroom’s appearance but also blend well with your bathroom fittings and décor.

5. Shower tile styles

If your bathroom has a shower or tub, you should consider installing shower tiles. Shower tiles are an excellent choice as they are waterproof if sealed properly and can be cleaned very easily. These tiles can turn your bathroom into a beautiful showpiece. When planning to build or remodel your bathroom, always remember to put the tub or shower tiles into account.

6. Porcelein bathroom tiles

Porcelain bathroom tiles offer many benefits because they are strong and durable but easy to clean and look beautiful in most settings. In comparison to other styles of tiles, procelein tiles are strong and durable – being super thin, moulded, and then fired at a high temperature.

The glaze on these tiles that helps to lock out water to ensure that no damage occurs to the flooring structure. They also do not scratch, fade, and are easy to keep clean and don’t stain easily – meaning they’ll last over the long term. There are plenty of design options to choose from – from textured, natural or polished finished meaning they are versatile to work with whatever design you’re after.

Tile style tips for small bathrooms

You don’t have to match all your bathroom tiles, but ensure that they blend well with each other, from the walls, showers, tubs, to the floor. Mixing various tile styles in your bathroom can elevate the look into a spa-like. It is, therefore, essential to choose tile styles for your bathroom wisely.

If your bathroom is limited in space, try using the following tile tricks to make it feel more significant than its actual size.

  • Use one tile type on all your bathroom floor, wall, and ceiling. It will help open up some space. If you decide to switch your tile pathway up or down the wall, it may visually reduce the room. As a result, your bathroom may appear even smaller.
  • When using both paint and tiles on your bathroom walls, use similar colours. You may ask why; it will ease the transition from one location to another. Different colours create hard stops when transitioning from a particular space to another.
  • Put tiles in your bathroom’s ceiling. It is a perfect strategy that will help increase your bathroom’s height.
  • Neutral colours are very popular with most bathrooms, but you get free to use what you prefer. But be careful about how you use your bright, dark, and bold colours. You may need to avoid colours that will dull your bathroom and interfere with its visibility. If you are the colour person, try balancing the neutral and bright colours. Neutral colours are exceptional, and you can get creative when using them in your bathroom. Though one neutral colour is okay, try mixing them.