Tiling a bathroom is a challenging but achievable project suitable for those with a modest amount of DIY experience. Of course, the size of the challenge will vary with the size and complexity of the project. But the more important consideration is knowing the right technique. Being informed of the right approach, and having some straightforward DIY skills makes all the different to the final outcome. Part of this is knowing how to avoid some common mistakes, especially as even one seemingly small mistake can lead to serious problems later on. Many Sydney homeowners have undertaken a Bathroom renovation and achieved very satisfying results, provided they have done their research and preparation.
TileWave – Tile Outlets Sydney
TileWave is Sydney’s premier supplier of tile, and bathroom building materials. With a broad range of floor tiles and wall panel options, we look after all sorts of home bathroom and tiling renovations and large commercial project. We know supplying the right materials puts you in a position to achieve the best possible results.
What are the Common Bathroom Tiling Mistakes.
The old adage about preparation being half the job applies here, as it does for most areas of life. If we don’t have the right materials, if we haven’t decided on the outcome we want, if the area hasn’t been cleaned and prepared, then we have very little chance of achieving a satisfying result. So, it makes sense to do our homework and basic preparation.
1. Poor Surface Preparation
Wall tiles need a flat, clean, and sound surface. Dust, grease, paint, old adhesive, or uneven spots stop tiles from bonding properly. If we skip this preparation process then hollow spots, or cracks or lifting tiles will soon appear. The substrate must be clean, dry, fully cured (if newly built), and level. Any cracks or dips should be repaired before tiling begins. Floor tiles need as much planning as wall tiles, though good drainage may require the floor to slope towards the drain rather than be completely flat.
2. Not Planning the Layout
Starting from a corner or wall without measuring and marking layout lines often results in crooked rows, narrow cuts on one side, or mismatched joints. Good planning involves measuring the space, marking horizontal and vertical guidelines at 90 degrees, and dry-laying a row of tiles to check how they will finish at edges or around fixtures.
3. Miscalculating Tile Quantities
Trying to buy the exact number of tiles for a project is a common error. Breakages, offcuts and mistakes are almost guaranteed during installation. Measure the area you need to cover and buy at least 10% more tiles. This will cover wastage, cutting mistakes, having to cut tiles around pipes, and for replacements if a tile is damaged in the future.
4. Using the Wrong Adhesive or Primer
Tiles in wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries or pools need waterproof, flexible adhesive. Using standard adhesive can cause tiles to loosen or the adhesive to break down when exposed to moisture. Primer is also essential for porous surfaces like plaster or screed and creates a stable bond between the substrate and adhesive. Skipping primer or using the wrong type can result in poor adhesion and failed tiles.
5. Dotting Tile Corners (“Dot and Dab”)
It is a mistake to just apply adhesive to corners and centre of the tile. This was a common DIY shortcut, and once considered a suitable method. But it has since been shown to leave the tiles prone to cracking due to the hollow voids between the tile and underlying surface. Instead, the adhesive should instead be applied evenly to the back of the tile using a notched trowel. Large tiles require this more than smaller tiles. Older tiling projects that used the ‘dot and dab’ method often suffered premature damage that required repair at a later date. It is far better, long lasting, and cheaper in the long term, to correctly cover the whole of the tile back with notched adhesive.
6. Skipping Tile Spacers
Tile spacers ensure consistent gaps between tiles, which results in straight grout lines and even spacing. Laying tiles “by eye” often leads to crooked rows and uneven joints. The small, initially unnoticeable imperfections soon accumulate as we add more tiles to a row, so the end result is noticeably uneven. Use spacers, and leave them in place until the adhesive has fully cured.
7. Incorrect Trowel Use
Adhesive on the back of the tiles is applied with a notched trowel. This gives just the right amount of adhesive, neatly spaced in even lines. Of course, different-sized tiles will require a different amount of adhesive. This is achieved by using a different notched trowel. Using the wrong trowel notch size can result in too little or too much adhesive under the tile. We recommend a 6mm notch trowel for small wall tiles, and 10mm notches for standard tiles. Large format tiles may need 12–20 mm notches and additional back-buttering for full contact.
8. Rushing or Incorrect Grouting
Grouting too quickly or across large areas before tiles are set can cause a patchy finish. Grout should be spread evenly with a squeegee or float at a 45-degree angle, working in small sections. Excess grout must be wiped off tiles immediately before it dries. One of the most common signs of amateur tiling is dried grout left protruding on the tile surface.
9. Ignoring Expansion Joints
Tiles expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Without expansion joints around walls, between different surfaces or over large floor areas, pressure can build up and crack tiles or grout. A small gap (around 3 mm) should be left at room edges and filled with flexible sealant, not grout.
10. Failing to Waterproof Wet Areas
In bathrooms and other wet areas it is essential to have waterproofing beneath tiles. Grout and adhesive are not really waterproof on their own. Without the proper waterproof membrane, water can seep into walls or floors, causing mould, swelling timber or structural damage. Corners, joins and areas around baths or showers must be fully covered before tiling.
11. Not Inspecting Work Early Enough
Mistakes can occur. But if we catch them quickly, they can usually be fixed. It is not too difficult to correct misaligned tiles or tiles with uneven height if we catch them in the first few hours, while the adhesive is still soft. But it is hard to change this once everything is set, usually after 24 hours. And if we try to remove a misaligned tile at this stage, we risk damaging the surrounding tiles.
Individual tiles are small, but they are used in combination to cover a large area. The technique used for tiling follows the same principle. It is not difficult to put an individual tile in place, but we have to get each tile exactly right, or the irregularities and mistakes will accumulate. It is best to get this right as we progress, or at least catch any mistake as early as possible.
Final Thoughts
There are three broad elements to consider when tiling a bathroom. First is planning the type of décor that we want. Second is thoroughly preparing the surface. And this is the patient, methodical approach to correctly putting each tile neatly in its place. By being thorough and avoiding common mistakes, homeowners can achieve a longer-lasting, satisfying result.
