Tiling made easy

With spring almost here it might be a good time to start thinking about some renovations around the home.

Milder temperatures and stable weather patterns mean planning your home reno project can be easier and not as subject to mother nature.

If you're embarking on a bathroom DIY project and are planning on retiling the room, there are some key considerations to keep in mind.

Ensuring you have the right equipment is essential, so why not make a trip to your local Kennards Hire and pick up what you need? Specialised equipment required for tiling includes trowels, an angle grinder, tile cutter or tile saw, a combination cutter, grout, a grout float, drill, tiles, tile spacers, timber batten as well as safety equipment and cleaning gear.

When preparing your tiling area it is important to ensure the subfloor is dry, clean and level.

After purchasing your tiles, it is also a good idea to allow ten per cent extra for wastage and off-cuts. Also, be sure to check each individual tile to make sure there are no major colour variations - if you have multiple boxes, you may want to mix them.

Before you start gluing the tiles, it is vital to use a measuring stick and lay everything out to make sure it all fits correctly and if your walls aren't perfectly straight, cut the tiles to accommodate angles.

When gluing, start with the walls and tile from the centre, out - working in a small area of about one square metre will ensure that the adhesive doesn't dry out.

Once you have placed the tiles, using an angle grinder to cut tiles around fixtures, you can begin on the grouting.  The mixture should be the consistency of toothpaste and work it into the gaps with a squeegee, using a sponge to remove the excess. A good sealant will help minimise the risk of mould forming.