When it comes to tile installation, spending money on high-quality tiles is just the beginning. Without proper installation, even the best tiles can wear out quickly, become scratched, or develop cracks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your tiles are installed correctly, helping you get the most out of your investment.
1. Choose the Right Material and Adhesive
- Floor Tiles: Install with cement and sand. This combination provides durability and stability.
- Wall Tiles: Use tile adhesive instead. If you try sticking tiles directly onto a painted wall without adhesive, they won’t hold well and may cause serious issues later.
2. Calculate Cement Usage for Floor Tiles
- Use around three to four bags of cement per 100 square feet of flooring, which strikes a balance. Using too much cement can cause tiles to become loose over time, while too little can make the tiles prone to damage.
3. Ensure Proper Slope in Wet Areas
- For areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and toilets, a slight slope is essential to avoid standing water. Stagnant water can cause stains, as tiles absorb moisture, leading to discoloration over time.
- Drain Channels: These are now trending for bathrooms. Installed slightly below tile level, they allow water to drain efficiently without leaving stains on the surface.
4. Insist on Quality Cutting Tools
- Using a diamond-cutting blade helps prevent chips and maintains the tile’s edges. Cheap blades can cause tiles to crack or paint to peel off during cutting.
5. Select the Right Tile Type for Each Area
- Ceramic Tiles: Made mostly of clay, they’re porous and need to be soaked in water before installation to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the cement, which weakens the bond.
- Vitrified Tiles: Non-porous and highly durable, making them ideal for areas with high foot traffic.
6. Check for Proper Alignment
- Tiles should be laid evenly, with all corners aligning perfectly. If tiles appear uneven or misaligned, it could indicate poor installation or an inexperienced installer.
7. Ensure Quality Grouting
- A grout joint of 2-3 mm can help accommodate any slight bending in large tiles. Avoid using basic white cement as grout, as it doesn’t hold up over time. A harder grout with epoxy is recommended for longer-lasting results and better water resistance.
8. Proper Curing and Cleaning
- After installation, ensure tiles are kept damp to cure properly, especially for the skirting tiles along walls. This will keep them securely bonded to the wall.
9. Check Tile Installation with Sound Test
- Tap on installed tiles. If you hear hollow sounds, it could mean gaps where cement was inadequately applied. Addressing these issues before fully paying the contractor is wise.
10. Pick Trusted Tile Brands
- Kajaria, Somany, Johnson, Solo, and Orientbell are top tile brands known for quality and innovative designs. While you can find good quality non-branded tiles, branded ones often undergo strict quality checks and offer more design variety.
