Things To Avoid When Installing Subway Tiles

Installing subway tiles are totally the new trend right now, and it is elegant and timeless. Installing the subway tiles is quick and easy as well as a cost-effective activity. But, it can also be a total pain to install the tiles without proper background search of the dos and don'ts of the process. So here are five things that tilers should avoid when installing subway tiles:

1. Lack of a layout plan

Before embarking on the journey of installing subway tiles, it is of profound importance to have a plan. The prior plans include being aware of the space, the pattern of choice, and the number and size of tiles required; it is also important to consider the floor and the ceiling to avoid ending up with slivers on either end or tiny cuts on the corners. It is advisable to make use of Excel to come up with the layout plan.

2. Indecorous wall preparation

This is the first mistake most tilers make. For a perfect job of installing cletile subway tiles on the wall, it is critical to ensure that the walls are free from fingerprints or grease stains. Unclean walls prevent both the adhesive and the tiles to adhere to the walls.

3. Cracking the tiles

Regardless of the material the tile is made of, they can easily crack, where having many cracked tiles can be both wasteful and expensive. To avoid cracks when cutting the tiles, it is advisable to use a wet saw and apply slow, even pressure to create a precise cut. It is worthwhile noting that the wet saw is a bit expensive, but most hardware stores tend to rent them.

4. Forgetting to mark the end tiles

The edges demand that one cut the tile to fit; hence, it is crucial to hold in place each end tile and mark it for cutting. When making the mark, subtracting the width of the grout joint is vital. This eps in avoiding having small tiles all over the subway, which destroys the intended outcome.

5. Lack of proper cleaning

Most people want to be proud of themselves after installing subway tiles by themselves, but end up disappointed for the messy work left. It is time-saving to scrap the thin set that oozes between the tiles as one continues to install the subway tiles since it is a lot difficult to get them out before grouting. Always remember to clean as you go.

These are just but a few mistakes that tilers do when installing tiles. The CleTile comments section is open for readers to comment on their views regarding the article as well as add other things that tilers should avoid when installing tiles.