With everyone trying to save money wherever they can nowadays, a lot more people are trusting in their own skills to get repairs and updates done around the home. Paying for professional labour is not cheap, and you could be talking thousands of dollars to have certain jobs done at home by the pros. If you are able to do all of the labour yourself, you not only save money but also earn the experience and pride for having completed it.
Installing kitchen tiles, whether they be on the floor, walls, counters, or ceiling, for that matter, is not the most difficult job for a do-it-yourselfer. A lot of the hard work is trying to figure out what tiles you want to buy and lay down. There are many options out there, and the price range varies quite drastically, so it’s important that you take the time to consider all of your options. As every homeowner’s tastes, budget and kitchen layout are different; it’s crucial that you find a solution that will work for your specific needs.
Continue reading for a simple, straightforward, no-nonsense guide to installing and maintaining your new kitchen tiles.
Do a Trial Run
This is an essential step, especially for those who do not have a lot of experience in home improvements and renovations. Before you get the actual grout down, which will be “permanent”, it is smart to organise your tile and lay it out how you want the finished product to look. You can also use spacers between each tile to make room for where the grout would go. If the test run goes according to plan, you will know exactly where your tiles are going to be laid, and you can move forward with the work.
Grouting Considerations
While there are tiles that do not require grouting, we are going to assume that your tiles do, just to be safe. Before you get too far into the tiling process, you always want to start with a test area. You want to ensure that the grout is not going to mess with the colour or look of your tiles, as that would completely throw off the overall look you are going for.
Once you are sure that the grout and tiles are compatible, it is safe to get started. One thing to remember when grouting any tile is to not get too far ahead of yourself. If you grout the whole area at once, the grout will dry before you can get the tiles in place. Try to do three square metres or less at a time. You also want to wash the tiles/grout a few times before allowing it to set.
It Is Time to Lay
Laying tile in a kitchen is not as complicated as some may think, and it really just requires attention to detail and a steady hand. When the grout is properly mixed and ready, it is as simple as laying some down and spreading it evenly over the area. Depending on the size of your tiles, you will require different amounts of grout, so ensure you ask your tile supplier.
Lay the first tile down, ensuring it is in the right spot, and add spacers to all four sides. Continue laying the tiles and spacers until your first area of grout is covered, remembering to wash them as you go. Just keep at this pace until the tiles are all down. You can then go back over the entire thing, filling in grout where needed, and give everything another wash before letting it set.
Once your grouting has fully settled, you can now remove the spacers and discard them. One final washing of the newly tiled area should be enough to let you see your finished project the way it was meant to be viewed.
Keep Your Tiles Clean
The best thing you can do to maintain your newly tiled kitchen, and ensure they have a long life, is to keep them clean. Most tiles are extremely easy to keep clean, and they just require a mild cleaning agent and water. Your tiles will be happy when they are clean, and it is always a good idea to keep them happy.
Don’t Doubt Your DIY Tiling Abilities
If the thought of tiling your own kitchen seems a bit out of your comfort zone, it really doesn’t have to be. Tiling is one of the easiest and most straightforward renovation jobs, and once you complete your first project, you will wonder what was ever holding you back. By taking the time to do things the right way, double and triple checking your work, and following basic instructions, just about anyone can complete a tiling job in their kitchen. All it takes is a little initiative, and you can become a regular DIYer faster than you could have ever imagined.
