DIY tiling: the ultimate bathroom renovation

Here are some things you should consider before beginning your DIY tiling project.

Be prepared

The old adage is true: the finished job is only as good as the preparation. There is a large volume of information available on DIY tiling, from videos and books to online instructional guides, so take advantage and make sure you know exactly what you're getting yourself into.

Make friends with your tile suppliers

They are your best resource during your tiling project. Not only can they figure out how many tiles you need from some basic measurements, but they can also advise which tiles are suitable for your surface and which adhesive and grout is best for the job.

Start small

For a first project, it's best to choose smaller tiles, as they can be more forgiving. With larger tiles, unevenness is much more obvious, and can result in undulations in your wall or floor. A smaller surface area is also a good starting point, to get you in good practice for that big job later on.

Prepare your bathroom tiling surface

Surfaces should be dry, flat and stable, and free of dirt and grease. Never apply tiles over wallpaper or any material that can come away from the surface. Remove flaking paint and level uneven surfaces by removing bumps and filling in holes, as these can cause tiles to crack.

Begin in the middle

It's best to start at the centre of the room. This makes the cut tiles much less prominent, as they will be hidden at the edges. Find the centre by stretching string from wall to wall. The first four tiles should meet at this central point.

Make alternative arrangements

A DIY tiling project often stretches over several weekends, so if your bathroom is going to be out of action all that time, it's important to have a back-up plan.

DIY tiling can be fun and rewarding if you plan well, so see the range of tiles available at your local tiles store today: