Tiling services: what do you need to know?

Finding tiling services that suit your needs can be a walk in the park if you take the advice of our expert, Paul De Simone.

What does it take to be a tiler?

Apart from completing a four-year apprenticeship, you need to have a good eye for detail and be able to see if your lines and levels are right. Also, you need to take pride in your work. If it's not good enough for you, then it's not good enough for the client.

What should someone look for when choosing a tiler?

My advice is to do your research. Ask for referrals from previous customers and give them a call to find out if they were happy with the job.

What are some of the hidden costs in tiling?

Some people don't think of waterproofing and are taken by surprise when they find out their existing waterproofing isn't up to scratch and needs to be redone. A good tiler will make their client aware of this possibility at the outset.

What's hot in tiles right now?

Porcelain tiles are popular at the moment. They're more expensive than ceramic tiles, but people will pay extra for superior quality. Also, larger tiles - 300mm x 300mm and up - seem to be more popular than small tiles, probably because they're easier to clean and really open up a bathroom.

How can you tell the difference between good and poor quality tiles?

As a rule of thumb, tiles from Europe are better than tiles made in China. This is because they have better quality-control procedures in Europe. Also, you can often tell the quality of a tile by its weight – the heavier and denser the tile, the better quality it usually is.

What advice would you give DIY tilers?

First of all I'd say, "Don't do it!" But if you must, then don't push the tiles too hard into the glue. A lot of people think they need to smack them down with their fists. But if you do this, you'll end up with tiles that are uneven and floors and walls that aren't level.

Contact an expert like Paul in your area to find out which tiling services they can offer you: