Chances are, you have had much success in your previous DIY projects. But, there is always one task that seems more menial than others. We are of course referring to the task of laying out tile. Regardless of what you think, there is nothing quite like the look and feel of brand-new tile sheets to liven up a dated or gloomy looking room. You might have several places in your home that are ideal for a tile installation. As a purveyor of tile solutions in Hazleton PA, Tabla Supply is cognizant of what needs to be done, to ensure that a tile job runs smoothly from start to finish, and that it also maintains a creative foundation. But for those who are unfamiliar with the appropriate procedures, fear not. We’ve got you covered. For today, let’s talk 5 do-it yourself tile tips for contractors and homeowners.

#1- Laying Out A Tile Floor

If this is your first time undertaking this kind of project, start small, not big. If you want to try doing a floor in a small bathroom, powder room, or closet, maybe about 40 square feet would be a good size. It couldn’t hurt to study similar projects online and always measure twice and cut once. What follows is a general guideline for how to lay tile on floors, just keep in mind that this will slightly vary depending on the project.

  • To lay out tile on a concrete slab, the area needs to be clean and flat. Before installation begins, any old tile on the floor must be removed as well as the leftover adhesive on concrete. Cover any floor cracks with the appropriate crack isolation membrane, remember to fill in the divots too!
  • Next, a thin set (the adhesive) is put down and tiles are laid. During this process, movement joints should be installed all around the perimeter of the tile floor and every 20-25 feet of flooring on the interior and 8-10 feet on the exterior. These joints will prevent the tiles from popping up or tenting later when the temperature of the concrete changes, due to the seasonal shifts. Be sure to ask our team for any color-matching caulking that you may need. 
  • The thin set must dry thoroughly. During the many hours or more of drying time, no one should walk on the surface. It goes more quickly in hot, dry weather and longer during colder weather.
  • With some types of tile, such as natural stone, porcelain, and marble, pre-sealing may be needed. If this isn’t done, “picture-framing can take place when the grout is applied. This means that moisture from the grout or thin-set seeps into the tile to make an ugly border on every tile. 
  • Lastly, grout is applied, and the surface of the tile is wiped clean. This could involve several wipe downs to remove all the grout residue from the surface of the tile. 

#2- Adding A Tile Backsplash In Your Kitchen

It’s easy to install tile solutions in Hazleton PA when the tile is sitting on a cleaned-up, painted wall surface, behind counters, sinks, and range in your kitchen. First things first, remove all wallpaper. Then sand the surface and clean up dust. Some of the easiest to work with are mesh-backed sheets of mosaic glass or ceramic tiles. Measure your space to estimate how many sheets to buy. When you get home with the tiles, measure it again. Then use masking tape to outline the size and shape of the wall you are covering on a large piece of cardboard, laid on the kitchen floor. Lay down the mesh sheets of tiles to see how they will fit the space that has been outlined on the cardboard. 

#3- Adding Tile Trim To Stucco Walls On A Patio

A fire pit, fireplace, bench, or wall in an outdoor kitchen are all great areas for a Do-It-Yourself  Tile tile project. These tiles can be laid on stucco, provided that the stucco is in good shape. Inspect it beforehand and apply membrane to any cracks in the wall. The tile will also need the proper sealing from the manufacturer and have weather-proofing and UV protection. The application process for tile on stucco works very similarly to how you would add backsplash in a normal kitchen wall. 

#4- Putting Tile In Your Bathroom

When installing tile in your bathroom, you would follow the same process as described in the previous section. 

#5- Putting Tile Edging On Your Swimming Pool Water Line

For those who are ambitious enough to install tile solutions in Hazleton PA in this manner, setting new tiles along the water line in a swimming pool could be a great idea. It’s important to note that this will work best in a pool with a pebble-tech finish. This Do-It-Yourself Tile tile project could be more difficult in plaster pools, and as for fiberglass, we would not recommend even attempting it. Before the job commences, you will need to lower the water surface, and you may have to chisel off old tiles first and the grout between them. 

Planning Your Next DIY Project: Installing Tile Solutions In Hazleton PA

Tabla Supply is your one-stop-shop for all of your home improvement needs. From tiles to cabinets and everything else in between, our wide range of inventory is sure to impress. Contact us today or visit our store to start planning for your next project.