Tiling Top Tips

Here are Tile Depot’s top tips to help make your tiling easier:

Buy more tiles than you’ve calculated you’ll need. This is to allow for any breakages or mistakes in cutting. Any spares can be kept for future use, or if they are stocked by Tile Depot they can be returned to any store within 28 days of purchase for a refund.

Plan the design and layout on paper first taking into account fittings and fixtures in the room and then recheck all your measurements before starting.

1. Ensure all surfaces to be tiled are clean, dry and suitably prepared before you start. Read our Tiling Preparation guide to make sure you are in the best position to begin laying your tiles
2. Avoid using less than quarter of a tile at the edges, as small parts are difficult to cut accurately.
3. Avoid patterned tiles at corners, as they will have to be cut and the design will be affected.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using their adhesive, grout and cutting tools.
5. When spreading the adhesive, work in small areas (up to one square metre), so the adhesive doesn’t set before you have laid the tiles.
6. Use spacers between all tiles, to regulate the distance between the tiles, so you produce uniform grout lines.
7. As you are laying the tiles, use a spirit level to regularly check the tiles are level.
8. Always use safety goggles and protective gloves when cutting or trimming tiles.
9. As you are laying the tiles, use a spirit level to regularly check the tiles are level.
10. Always use safety goggles and protective gloves when cutting or trimming tiles.