Year: 2018

UK Pro Tiling/2018

How To Tile A Floor

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Two industrial tiler builder worker installing floor tile at repair renovation work
Two industrial tiler builder worker installing floor tile at repair renovation work
Tiling a floor is slightly different to tiling a wall in that it needs to be durable to foot traffic. The last thing you want is to spend time and money laying a floor only to find your floor won’t last the journey.

Darren Yorke, founder of UK Pro Tiling Training, believes that any professional tiler should be able to learn how to lay floor tiles with the correct tiling training.

When tiling a floor, it is important to prepare the floor correctly and take your time during all stages of the project.

Here are a few key steps on how to tile a floor

:

1.Prepare the floor

There are many different problems that can cause failure if the floor is not prepared right, the main one is bounce.

Bounce is a potential problem, especially on a wood floor board, and has to be controlled. A 6mm cement board overlay is the best thing to combat bounce.

Make sure the floor is clean, dry and apply SBR primers, use a flexi adhesive and grout. It is best to start furthest away from the door.

2. Work out the starting point

It is best to ensure that the floor is set out correctly so you don’t end up with small cuts anywhere. If its a square room you’re tiling, then you can put a centre line down the middle and start either side of this line.

You can also tile in the middle of the room, depending on which gives you best tile cuts. To do this, place your key tile at the opposite end of the main door and then tile backwards to the exit door.

3. Mix your tile adhesive

You will need a powdered cement-based adhesive for floors, one that you mix up yourself. Avoid ready-mixed adhesives as these take too long to dry and are generally not strong enough.

If you are using porcelain or natural stone, or if the floor has any wood features, then flexible cement adhesives would be required, floor cement usually has 20 minutes work time from mixing and sets in 3 hours.

4. Apply the adhesive

Once you are happy with the position of the key tile use a 10mm-12mm square notched trowel and make sure you trowel the ribs in one direction. Keep the trowel at a constant 45-degree angle.

5. Lay the rest of the tiles with the adhesive

Apply the tiles working across the room in rows of two at a time, blocks of 4 tiles together. Make sure you consistently check the levels and apply 3mm spacers between the tiles.

6. Cut tiles where necessary and lay them with adhesive

It is best to cut the tiles against the walls as you go so when you get back to the exit, the whole floor is completely tiled ready for grouting later.

7. Grout the tiles

Grout the tiles using a rubber grout float. Use a cement-based grout and force it into the joints between the tiles. Once this is achieved, get a sponge and clean the tiles using swirling motions, rinsing the excess grout off with clean water until the tiles are clean and the joints are smooth.

8. Clean down the floor of any excess grout on the tiles, then wait for the floor to dry

Make sure you do not let any adhesive or grout dry and harden on the tiles. This will be very difficult to remove once set.

Learn how to tile a floor with UK Pro Tiling Training

UK Pro Tiling Training can provide you with the education you need to complete professionally tiled flooring project. You can also take a look at our floor tiling guide for some tips on your floor tiling project.

Tips For Tiling A Kitchen Wall

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Tiles on a kitchen wall look great. As a result, tiled kitchen walls are popular. Let’s face it when we are cooking spaghetti bolognese and stirring the sauce in a pan on the hob, we can just about handle splashes of tomato on the tiles above the cooker. When it comes to red splashes on a wall, however, we cringe. Tiles are cleaner, more hygienic and have a much better aesthetic than plain walls.

Ultimately, tiled kitchens are essential (for most of us clean-freaks anyway!).

The key to a great kitchen tiling job, from start to finish= planning!

The last thing you want to do, as a DIY’er or professional, is poorly plan the project and lose money (and time) as a result.

If you’re wanting to make a success of your kitchen tiling job, then read on. We’re experts here at UK Pro Tiling Training!

Plan your kitchen tiling project

As with any project, it is essential to plan the tiling effort in your kitchen. This means you will be much more efficient with time and far less likely to make mistakes when it comes to measuring up and buying the tiles in.

Kitchen Tiles Scaled

Prepare the space to be tiled

Prepare the space to be tiled thoroughly. Make sure you have removed any old wallpaper or have sanded down your walls accordingly.

If you have just had a kitchen worktop fitted, make sure it is dry and securely in place before tiling around it.

Make sure you have covered everywhere with decorating cloths to avoids any devastation caused by splashes/spillages etc.  

Have everything you need at the ready

There is nothing worse than getting halfway through a project and realising that you’ve left half of your tools and materials either a) In your van, b) in the other room or c) in the loft (this one is particularly infuriating!).

Have everything you need for the job close-by. While this sounds simple, sometimes when we focus on getting things done quickly, the basic parts of your project can be overlooked!

Of course, when you are self-employed you will most likely have everything ready-to-go in your van. It is important to keep your van organised so you can access what you need, quickly and professionally.

Don’t rush and keep the project in good order

Don’t worry about taking too much time over a project, it is far more important to do the job properly rather than rush over it.

If you’re a professional tiler, you’re far better off overestimating your time than underestimating. Your client will be far more impressed with a job done well than a job done quickly.

Be prompt to arrive at the job in hand. Be professional. Be perfectionist over the project.

Search for tips

You can find tips on our website when it comes to tiling projects, you can find various articles in our News and blog section on what not to do when it comes to tiling, as well as how to grout, tips for floor tiling and more. You can even find a guide on how to install multi-coloured kitchen tiles.

Book onto a tiling course with UK Pro Tiling Training

If you would like to learn more, then consider booking a tiling course with UK Pro Tiling Training.

How To Grout Floor Tiles

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How To Grout Floor Tiles

Whilst it sounds extremely simple, grouting floor tiles isn’t always easy. What’s more, when the job’s not done right, the floor doesn’t look right! You can choose the best looking tiles in the shop but if you make a mess of the grout, they won’t look good.

It really is that simple.

What’s more, mistakes when laying grout on ceramic tile can be costly.

Professional tilers simply cannot afford to make mistakes when grouting floor tiles. After all, they would not be able to charge customers more money because it has taken them longer to fix their own mistake.

At UK Pro Tiling Training, we train our students to become efficient tilers and credible in the trade. Tilers who have trained with us will know exactly how to grout a floor.

In our opinion, it is imperative that professional tilers are 100% confident when grouting tiles before agreeing to lay a customer’s floor.

This is because, when done right, a professionally-laid, tiled floor looks incredible.

So, how can professional tilers ensure that they apply the grout in the best way possible for a fantastic finish?

how to grout blog

Here are a few grouting floor tiles tips:

Don’t overlook the following guidelines on how to put grout between tiles!

Make sure the old grout is removed (if re-grouting an existing tiled floor)

Additionally, make sure there is no dust or debris in the joins. If you are planning to grout a new floor, make sure the thinset mortar is fully dry before starting. The brand packet/tub should specify how long that particular choice of mortar takes to cure.

Choose a grout colour that matches the tiles

It is best to choose a grout colour that suits the tiles for the project so that the grout blends into the floor pattern.
Don’t just use the last tub of grout you opened! For the amount a customer is investing in the entire floor, an extra pot of grout won’t make a huge difference.
A professional colour match finish will make 100% positive difference though!

Will you opt for sanded or unsanded grout?

Sanded grout is generally stronger than unsanded grout so maybe a good choice when it comes to flooring. Sanded grout is necessary for tiled flooring with wider joints.

Will you mix your own or purchase ready-made grout?

It is recommended to mix your own grout when tiling floors as ready-made grout tends to have longer drying times than grout you mix yourself. Ready-made grout relies far more on having decent access to air.

Work in a small area at a time

Don’t overwhelm yourself with grouting the whole floor immediately. Instead, work in small areas at a time and focus on making sure the grout fills the whole area between the tiles. It is best to start in an area furthest from the doorway and make your way out gradually.  

Keep all your equipment close to the area that you are working on for ease. That way, you’re far less likely to tread grout or grout powder on the newly laid tiles.

Work at a 45 to 90 degree angle with the grout float

When spreading the grout into the joins and removing any excess grout from the tiles, make sure you’re holding the grout float at somewhere between 45 to 90 degrees.
This ensures for optimum efficiency.

Wipe the tiles with a damp sponge before leaving grout to dry

Clean the tiles to make sure there is no leftover grout on them. This will help achieve a shiny and professional finish at the end of the project.
Top tip: You can hair-dry a small segment of your floor to check that you have the right colour grout. Grout cannot be removed easily once dry.

Make sure the grout is dry before applying sealant

As long as all is well with the floor, allow the grout to dry thoroughly.

Make sure you thoroughly wipe the tiles after grouting so that when the grout dries, the tiles remain clean. 
Only apply the sealant once the grout has dried, follow the instructions on the grout product you’re using.

If you need some more information on how to grout floor tiles, the contact us at UK Pro Tiling Training.
 

Installing Multi Coloured Kitchen Tiles

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How To Tile A Kitchen with Multiple Coloured Tiles

If you are thinking of having a random look to your kitchen then why not try installing a multiple coloured tile to your kitchen splash back.

Tiles
Tiles come in all different sizes but a 100mm x 100mm size tile works best for this kind of look, there will be 100 tiles per square metre so when you buy your tiles from the tile shop an average 5 square metre area of splash back will produce 100 tiles of each colour over the 5 different colours therefore you will get 500 tiles.

Installation
You will need to select a 6mm wall trowel to apply these tiles along with a good quality tile adhesive; usually 2mm spacers will give the best look when grouted.

Where do you start?
In a kitchen it is always best to centre the cooker and the kitchen window and start either side of this line or in the middle of the line with a tile, however this can be offset a little if it is this layout will cause small cuts elsewhere.

Pattern
Kitchen Tile Samples

The biggest mistake people make when doing this pattern is using too much of one colour only to end up at the last square metre of installation with a large amount of the same colour left.

How to avoid this is to forget about the sheer quantity of tiles you have and just pick 10 of each colour and put them on the worktop in front of you then proceed to apply these tiles to the wall randomly depleting them all evenly as you fix.

Once all the tiles in each pile has gone on the wall, get another set of 10 each and repeat, continue doing this until you have the whole back splash done, this method will ensure that when you get to the last metre of tiles you will have evenly spread the tiles and reduced the risk of using too many at any one time.

Training

Thinking of learning how to tile like a professional then UK Pro Tiling Training run fast track intensive tiling courses, learn how professionals go about completing quality work, everything you need to know about running a tiling business in one course, for more info visit www.tiling-courses.co.uk or call 0796 028 6957.

How To Tile Around Windows

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Tiling around a window is no easy task and that’s why it is a job most often left to a tiling professional.

After all, if mistakes are made it can be costly to put right and, ultimately, without paying significant attention to detail and doing a decent job, the end result can look terrible, leading to leaks, mould and cracks in the tile.

A tiling professional, however, is trained to tile around challenging points in the wall and can apply tiles around a window flawlessly so they look elegant and sophisticated, while offering water resistance and durability.

At UK Pro Tiling Training, we train our tiling students to tile any project with accuracy and efficiency. We, of course, instruct our students on how to tile around windows.

windows

Here’s our step-by-step guide for how to tile around windows.

Before starting the job

  • Plan the project!

Make sure you plan out the tiles and grout lines on the surrounding wall and window to make sure they all match up before applying any tiles.

  • Collect the tools and materials you need, making sure they are accessible
  • Tape measure
  • Wall spacer
  • Sponge
  • Felt tip pen
  • Mitre Block
  • Grout spreader
  • Adhesive spreader (Notched trowel)
  • Adhesive (suitable for the room)
  • Grout
  • Tiles
  • Tile nipper
  • Tile trim
  • Tile cutter
  • Gloves
  • Safety Goggles

Tiling around a window

Measure the depth of the recess up to the edge of the window.

  1. Measure each tile gap using the tile spaces.
  2. Cut the tiles to fit using a tile cutter, you can use a tile cutting machine or tile nipper.
  3. To finish the corner tiles, use a tile trim and cut at a 45 degree angle.
  4. Starting from the bottom, spread the adhesive and apply the tiles.
  5. Work up the sides and finish at the top.
  6. Use a wooden support structure to hold the tiles (specifically the top tiles) in place.
  7. Leave the adhesive to dry for 24 hours. Once dry, the tiles will be fixed in place.
  8. Apply the grout.
  9. Wipe the tiles clean with a damp sponge.

After applying the tiles

Once applying the tiles and the grout and all has dried, it is a good idea to spray the tiles around the window with grout protector spray. This will protect the tiles from any moisture, damp, mould and general wear and tear.

More advice from UK Pro Tiling Training

Learn more about tiling with UK Pro Tiling Training.

20 Bathroom Tile Patterns

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Don’t be fooled into thinking that your bathroom tile patterns should be simple and plain (bland and boring…). There are huge variations of tiling options that can add a great zest of life to your bathroom.

Whether you are looking for tile ideas for small bathrooms or larger washrooms, take a look at the 20 Bathroom tile patterns below and open your mind to what tiles and tiling patterns may look good in your home.

  1. Natural stone tiles

Natural stone tiles are incredibly popular in contemporary homes for their neutral appearance and durable qualities.

Natural stone tiles can be bought in various sizes and can be used for walk-in showers too, something we teach in our natural stone tiling course.

  1. Rainbow coloured tiling pattern

If you want to add a little colour to your bathroom, why not opt for a multi-coloured tiling pattern?

Multi coloured tiles can be a good choice of colour for smaller bathrooms, and work particularly well to brighten up your additional toilet or shower room.

  1. Checkerboard tiling pattern

The checkerboard tiling pattern has been around for a number of years, however, has most recently been seen to be making a comeback!

Best installed by a professional tiler, the checkerboard tiling pattern offers a sleek and sophisticated finish.

  1. Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is a safe bet for those on a budget as it is generally considered to be a cheaper bathroom floor option than tile.

While here at UK Pro Tiling Training we would always opt for tiles for their quality and long-lasting durability, we can understand the attraction to the lower initial cost that laminate provides.

  1. Marble tiles

Marble tiles most definitely have a luxurious edge that makes this type of tile stand out from the crowd.

Marble tiles work well in large bathrooms and kitchens.

  1. 3-layer tiling pattern

The 3-layer tiling pattern should be installed by a tiling professional and essentially features detailed ornamentation around the bath.

Another prestigious tiling pattern, the 3-layer tiling pattern can add a sense of supremity to your bathroom.

  1. Mosaic tiles

backgrounds-bathroom-blue-9082 (1)

Mosaic tiles are much smaller than standard tiles and can be applied in a straight-forward format, like in the image above, or can be applied in a more detailed, shaped design.

Professional tilers enjoy working with mosaic tiles as these tiles encourage creativity and variation.

  1. Chevron tiling pattern

The Chevron tiling pattern is a tiling pattern with a difference and will provide your bathroom with a retro feel.

The pattern will vary depending on the colours you choose. Bolder colours will result in a more obvious pattern.

  1. Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile and are incredibly popular for use in bathrooms and kitchens. The great thing about Porcelain tiles is the fact that they can be in a large format to fit in any size bathroom. Large porcelain tiles work exceptionally well for use on bathroom flooring.

  1. Straight lay tiling pattern

abstract-attractive-backdrop-8

The straight lay tiling pattern is the simplest tiling pattern of all, but it must be applied neatly to look chic and sophisticated.

The pattern consists of tiles (most often ceramic) applied in a straight horizontal pattern.

     11. Diagonal lay tiling pattern

The diagonal lay tiling pattern is similar to the tiling pattern above but, yes you guessed it, the tiles are applied on a diagonal slant.

      12.The Versailles pattern

The Versailles tiling pattern is a more complicated tiling pattern that looks effective in all areas of the home, including the bathroom, although is not recommended for very small bathrooms.

The Versailles pattern features four different tile sizes and, although, portrays a random look, requires meticulous planning. It is best installed by expert tilers.

   13. The basket weave tiling pattern

An intricate tiling pattern that portrays the weaved look, the basket weave pattern works well in bathrooms of all sizes.

   14. Herringbone tiling pattern

The Herringbone tiling pattern is another classic that can be complicated to apply and should be carried out by a professional tiler.

It is an excellent choice for making rooms look bigger and essentially consists of tiles, applied in V shapes by being placed at a 45-degree angle.

    15. Easy applicator tiles

Some tiling patterns are fused on larger tiles to make for an easier application, perfect for those looking to apply the tiles as a DIY task.

    16.The Brick Pattern

The brick pattern can make for another more retro bathroom wall tile design and is essentially made up of rectangular tiles applied in a brick wall format.

A good tiling pattern for smaller bathrooms or walls with an uneven surface, the slight misalignment of the tiles fools the eye into thinking the wall is bigger.

     17. The hexagon pattern

The hexagon pattern is made up of numerous hexagon shaped tiles applied to the wall or floor. It can be slightly more difficult to apply this shape of tile. Additionally, hexagon shaped tiles can be more difficult to come-by.

     18. Windmill tiling pattern

The windmill tiling pattern tends to be too busy a pattern for a whole wall or entire bathroom floor, however makes an affective border or feature area. It consists of four small rectangular tiles placed around a larger square tile. The windmill pattern is best applied by a professional tiler.

    19. English bond tiling pattern

The English bond tiling pattern consists of a combination of rectangular and square tiles applied in a horizontal format. This pattern makes a nice, yet similar, alternative to the brick tiling pattern.

     20. Vertical brick tiling pattern

The vertical brick tiling pattern is an alternative to the standard brick pattern and can be a popular option for contemporary homes.

White vertical brick offers the ultimate modern look for bathrooms.

More information on bathroom tile patterns from UK Pro Tiling Training

If you would like to expand your knowledge of tiling patterns with one of our professional tiling courses, then please do not hesitate to contact us at UK Pro Tiling Training.

10 Different Types of Tiles (Pros and cons)

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When it comes to tiling your home, it can often be overwhelming to choose which tiles you like best.

First of all, there’s the decision to actually having tiles at all, with so much laminate and vinyl alternatives available for flooring nowadays, it can take a while to opt for tiles. Particularly since tiles are often the more expensive option.

Here at UK Pro Tiling Training though, we think there is, of course, no choice when it comes to tiling your home. Tiles are far more durable than laminate and keep their aesthetic for a much longer period of time.

In addition, there are so many different types of tile on the market, there is bound to be a certain type of tile, perfect for your property or business premises.

But how can you tell which ones are which when it comes to different types of tiles? What are the pros and cons of each tile type?

Well, each tile usually has a certain character, and will probably identify itself to you whether it will fit your home.

Here is a list below of different types of tiles and how to tell what’s what:

1. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are among the most popular types of tile because they are straight-forward to install and extremely durable. Ceramic tiles are often chosen for kitchens and bathrooms because they are easy to clean and, therefore, don’t harbour germs.

Best for? Kitchens, bathrooms, Floors and splashbacks.

How to identify a ceramic tile

A ceramic tile is identified by putting water on the back of it, if it soaks in then the tile will be ceramic, this is because ceramic tiles have a clay backing that is porous, Ceramic tiles will be non-porous on the top as they will have a glass glaze on there.

Pros

  • Simple to install
  • Easy to clean
  • Long lasting quality
  • Huge variety of ceramic tiles available to choose from
  • Low cost
  • Ceramic tiles can be used for many projects. Suitable for floors, walls and kitchens.

Cons

  • There can be a lot of variation between ceramic tiles. It is important to pay attention to the exact size and style you’re purchasing. Buy 10% extra when you purchase them so that they’re as equal as possible.

2.Porcelain tiles

A porcelain tile is the most popular tile at the moment as it is, essentially, a type of ceramic tile. The great thing about porcelain tiles is the fact that they are even more durable and resistant than ceramic tiles, so can be used in public areas, as well as domestic properties.

How to identify a porcelain tile

A porcelain tile is identified also by putting some water on the back of it, if does NOT soak in then it will be a porcelain tile, this is due to porcelain being vitrified which means non-absorbent.

Best for? Commercial applications. Porcelain tiles are hard-wearing enough for airports, leisure centres, shopping malls and other public locations. They are, therefore, easily strong enough for domestic homes.

Pros

  • Extremely resilient
  • Can be bought in a larger sizes
  • Big variation

Cons

  • Porcelain tiles can be slightly more expensive than ceramic tiles
  • It is important to use a special setting material, specifically for porcelain
  • Harder to cut and drill

3.Marble tiles

Marble tiles have a unique and beautiful aesthetic and, for many people, are a cut above and incomparable to other types of tile. They are a popular choice of tile for kitchen countertops.

They do, however, damage fairly easily, therefore, it is essential to buy high-quality marble tiles from a reputable dealer.

Best for? Floors and kitchen counters.

How to identify a marble tile

A marble tile is a natural stone and has to be cut therefore there will be no moulding on the back as you would find with a porcelain or ceramic tile.

Marble is usually polished and has a vein system running throughout the tile from the front to the back.

Pros

  • Luxury aesthetic, sophisticated appeal
  • Good variation of marble tiles

Cons

  • Can be a more expensive option of tile
  • Requires more maintenance than other types of tile
  • Needs to be cleaned often
  • Needs to be sealed to prevent staining from grout

4.Granite

Granite is a type of tile that looks fantastic and stays that way, due to its durability and resistance to staining. It can be a popular type of tile for rustic rooms.

How to identify a granite tile

A granite tile is polished and has a speckled appearance; these speckles will go right through the tile showing on the front, sides and back of the tile, it also has a smooth finish on the back.

Best for? Bathrooms.

Pros

  • Beautiful look of granite
  • Durable
  • Stain resistant

Cons

  • Tends to be an expensive tile option
  • Some people don’t like the look of granite
  • Can get slippery when wet
  • Hard to cut

5.Quartz

Quartz is a top choice of tile for the floor of any room in your home. Quartz tiles are durable and not too expensive.

How to identify a quartz tile

A quartz tile can be a pure colour, or it can have metallic chippings in the appearance.

Quartz is not strong enough to make a solid tile out of, so it is normally mixed with a resin to make it stronger.

Best for? Flooring. Quartz can also be used for kitchen countertops.

Pros

  • Low maintenance
  • Shiny appearance
  • Cost-effective
  • Strong
  • Doesn’t harbour germs since Quartz is non-porous (doesn’t allow air or liquid to go through it).

Cons

  • You’ll need to be careful with the products you use when cleaning the tiles
  • Can get slippery when wet
  • Colour can fade overtime

6. Limestone

 Limestone is fairly durable and will stay in good shape from medium to long term. It has a natural looking, light appearance and works well in various rooms of a house.

How to identify a limestone tile

Limestone is a matt finished tile usually light in colour, it has a smooth back and is quite dense, it has an appearance that looks stained a little like marble.

Best for? Flooring.

Pros

  • Limestone tiles can be cut easily
  • There can be variation between different type of limestone tiles so you can choose from lighter and darker tones
  • Not too expensive

Cons

  • Not as durable as other tiles
  • Soft material
  • Heavy
  • Require ongoing, regular maintenance

7. Terracotta

dustbin-floor-garbage-119812

Terracotta tiles have a unique colouring and, although are not for everybody, look stunning in the right room. They can also be used outdoors and are, therefore, extremely versatile.

How to identify a terracotta tile

Terracotta is baked clay and is usually pinkish or reddish / salmon in colour, it is quite thick and very porous.

Best for? Indoor and outdoor use.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Natural and earthy look
  • Cons
  • Variation between each shade of tile
  • Lower quality tiles can deteriorate fairly quickly
  • If left unsealed, terracotta can crack easily as it is so porous

8.Slate

Slate has a very elegant and sophisticated aesthetic and can be used in a variety of rooms. It can also be applied outdoors.

How to identify a slate tile

A slate tile is very rustic and is made up of layers, the sizes of slate can be quite random and colours vary from black and blue to green.

Best for? Floors and roofs.

Pros

  • Looks great
  • Not too expensive
  • Longevity of life- when installed correctly

Cons

  • Can be prone to damage: splitting and cracking
  • Slate must be applied on a solid surface with a suitable mortar

9.Travertine

Travertine is a type of limestone and has a fantastic rustic look that works well in kitchens and bathrooms.

How to identify a travertine tile

Travertine tiles have various, swirling colours featuring in them. Travertine can look similar to limestone. Travertine is also called travertine limestone.

Best for? Flooring, particularly with in-floor heating.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Natural appearance
  • Stylish
  • Long – lasting
  • Easy to repair

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Needs ongoing maintenance
  • Can be expensive
  • Can be cold without underfloor heating

10.Wood Look

Wood look tiles are popular in many different homes. Wood look floors are popular since they are easy to clean and often make rooms look bigger.

How to identify a wood look tile

It’s simple! The tile will have a wood effect. Wood effect tiles are made from porcelain or ceramic.

Best for? Home interiors.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Ease of cleaning
  • Can be applied in a pattern
  • Not too expensive
  • Offers a waterproof alternative to true hardwood

Cons

  • Many people don’t like the “falsity” of wood look tiles
  • Colder appearance than real hardwood

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Conclusion

When it comes to choosing your tiles, it is best to know that all types of tiles have pros and cons. You should, therefore, choose your tiles based on your own personal situation.

It may be beneficial to get a professional opinion before going out and purchasing your tiles. A professional tiler  may see issues with the project that you may not. This can save time and money in the long run.

How To Tile On Tile

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As experts in the tiling industry, we have come across many questions throughout our many years in business. In this article, we’re answering the question: “Can you tile on top of wall tiles?”.

Can you tile on top of wall tiles?

There are 4 main considerations to take into account before tiling on tile:

  • Is the weight ratio of the wall strong enough to take two sets of tiles, plasterboard 32kg per square metre, plaster skim 20kg per square metre
  • How well are the existing tiles fixed
  • What is the condition of the wall below the tiles as you cannot see it
  • Depth problems.

If all these points above are ok then you can tile on top of tile

So how do you tile on top of tile?

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Here’s our guide to how to tile on tile:

  1. Prepare the surface thoroughly.

Make sure the existing tiles are securely fixed to the floor or wall surface. You can tap them lightly with a coin and listening to the sound to make sure they are firmly in place before tiling on top of them.

Tip: How do you know if a tile is loose? You’ll hear a hollow sound when you tap the tile.

Remove any loose tiles and re-apply the tiles with thin set mortar. Even out any uneven surface on the tiles. Level out the tile surface using a right-angle grinder and masonry wheel to grind down any points that are higher amongst the tiles. Remove any loose grout with a rotary tool. Vacuum the tiles and use detergent to clean them, rinse with water and leave them to dry.

  1. Spread the adhesive

Before spreading the adhesive make sure you use a good acrylic primer and leave to dry, using some sand in the primer will add an additional key .

Use a latex- modified thin set mortar when applying new tiles onto existing tiles. Make sure to make-up the mortar in small amounts at a time to avoid it drying up and becoming lumpy or covered in a set film.

Make sure you spread the adhesive over the whole tile, pay particular attention to this when you are applying large tiles onto existing tiles.

Tip: Always apply the adhesive in one direction, using a notched trowel.

  1. Set the tile.

Push the tile firmly in place and slide about 3mm and back again, complete the application process with the rest of the tiles.

Laying Ceramic Tiles. Tiler placing ceramic wall tile in position over adhesive

Once all the tiles have been applied, follow the usual drying procedure and grout using the usual grouting method. Wipe off any excess grout and adhesive with a sponge. Clean the tiles once dry.

Can you put tile on drywall?

You can apply tiles directly onto drywall. Make sure you remove any grease from the drywall before you apply your tiles, prime with acrylic primers, leave to dry.

Can tile be installed over painted drywall?

You can tile over painted or unpainted drywall, as well as textured wall surfaces and plaster. You cannot, however, tile over wallpaper, lead paint, plywood walls or glossy surfaces.

Can you put a tile backsplash over tile?

A backsplash essentially describes the material used to cover the part of the wall between the top of the kitchen counter and the upper cabinets.

A tile backsplash tends to work well when tiling on tile since the increased thickness tends to work well between the countertop and the wall.

Learn to tile on tile with UK Pro Tiling Training

At UK Pro Tiling Training, our 9-day tiling course will equip you to be prepared for any aspect of your tiling project, including how to tile on tile.

Testimonial Update Adrian

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Testimonial update: Adrian (Wales)

 

Course attended IMG_5433

UK Pro Tiling Training

Course Duration

2 weeks intensive training

Update after leaving UK Pro Tiling Training

 
I attended UK pro tiling training course and done an intensive 9 day fast track tiling course, 6 months has now passed since leaving the course so here is what ive been doing since leaving

Straight after I finished the course I wasted no time and started the ball rolling with advertising heavily and using Darren’s guidance on advertising it didn’t take long for the phone to start ringing.

My First Job
 
My first job laying a slate floor, feeling a little nervous i contacted Darren for some reassurance who immediately responded even though it was a weekend evening with some more sound advice. The job went fine and I had nothing to worry about, everything that was taught on the course just fell into place.

Tiling Full Time IMG_5423

Within a week I left my dead end job and concentrated on my own tiling business and I have been working 7 days a week to keep up with demand of the amount of business that I am winning due to the training and business sales advice given by Darren.

Success rate
 
I am averaging 90% success rate on winning my jobs. In the last six months I have been trading I have also been in a financial position to be able to give something back to the community by being able to sponsor a girls under 12 football team.

Best Thing I’ve done
 
Since starting my tiling business it has been the best thing that I have done and my only regret was I wish I did it sooner and found this course.

If you are hesitant in any way I would suggest speaking with Darren or Tracey and enroll on one of their professional tiling courses, you will not regret it one bit and the after course support is fantastic.

Many thanks to Darren and Tracey for helping me achieve my goal.

Best wishes Adrian.

Contact

 
If you looking to change career as Adrian did, then check out UK Pro Tiling Training website on www.tiling-courses.co.uk to find out more

Is It Possible To Become A Tiler In A Short Time?

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Is it possible to learn to tile in a short time? IMG_6408

What is Tiling?

Tiling is the fixing of ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles to walls and floors, there are many different sizes of tile but the process of fitting them all is very much the same method.

Where are tiles fitted?

 
Tiles are fitted usually in all domestic and commercial buildings from bathrooms, kitchens, cloakrooms, and any floor. Tiled surfaces are great as it produces excellent finishes aesthetically plus also hygienic and easy maintenance. Tiles are often used in swimming pools to add a little water proofing properties but mainly for their look as a beautiful deep blue glazed tile will make the water also look the same colour.

Apprentices in tiling

 
Some young tilers learn the trade at 16 or 17 years old over a 2 or 3 year apprentice and would also attend a college once a week to learn the theory and background preparation involved with tiling, this is a long slow drawn out process.

Fast track intensive courses. bathroom

There are a few fast track professional tiling courses in the UK where tiling can be taught much faster than going to a college and as an apprentice.

UK Pro tiling Training is one of the best training centres in the country and only specialise in quality tiling training, here you can attend a 3 week course and be fast tracked all the information you require, this course is designed for adult minds and not young people where you will receive a 10,000 word hand-out covering all the different situations that you will find yourself in when it comes to laying tiles, the practical part of the course is in your own workstation which is a mock up of bathrooms, kitchens and floors so you can learn how to fix and shape tile to overcome all the usual problems that a professional tiler would come across.

If your looking to become a tiler then visit www.tiling-courses.co.uk to find out more.

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