Category: Tiling News and Blog

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?

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.
 

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

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.

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?

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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 (Wales)

Course attended 

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 

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 learn to tile in a short time? 

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. 

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.

When it comes to choosing the walls and floors for a domestic bathroom, tiles tend to be the choice that comes out on top.

After all, the bathroom is a place that is bound to get wet and, therefore, non-waterproof flooring, like carpet and real wood floors, are often disregarded (and with complete sense!) when choosing a bathroom surface.

Now we’ve established that tiles work well in a bathroom in comparison to other types of floors, let’s answer the question of which type of tile is the best for use in a bathroom?

When choosing the type of tile to install in your bathroom, you should consider a few different options.

Important! Consider the following when choosing your bathroom tiles

Quality of tiles: What is the tile’s vitreosity?

This is less about the price and quality of the tile material, however, more about the fact that you should be using tiles that do not absorb water in wet areas.

Vitreous tiles do not absorb water and are ideal for outdoor areas and for use in bathrooms. Ultimately, if the tiles are not vitreous you’d be best to install them in dryer areas of the household.

If you don’t understand vitreosity, we’re about to tell you more.

What does vitreous mean?

Vitreous essentially means that the bathroom tile has been glazed so that it has an absorption rate of equal to, or less than, 7 percent. This means that in most cases, the tiles are frost-proof (completely ample for a bathroom then, of course!).

When looking at ‘Vitreosity’ in detail, you can separate it into the following categories:

• Non-vitreous tiles- Non-vitreous tiles offer a low density and have a water absorption of more than 7%
• Semi-vitreous tiles- Semi-vitreous tiles have a water absorption of over 3% and less than 7%.
• Vitreous tiles- Vitreous tiles offer a higher density and have a water absorption of over 0.5% but less than 3%.
• Impervious tiles- Impervious tiles are extremely dense, with a water absorption of 0.5% or less. This is where good porcelain tiles for bathroom use are generally categorized.

Bet you’re now wondering what types of tiles are vitreous and, therefore, suitable for a bathroom.  

The following types of tile can be used in a bathroom:

Glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles- Porcelain tiles are generally impervious when they have been glazed and are, therefore, ideal for use in bathrooms.

Glass- Glass tiles have a clean, hygienic look and feel. They are easy to wipe over after use and popular in modern homes. They are best used on the walls or low-traffic areas of the floor. Tiles make a great option for a feature wall.

Quarry- Quarry tiles can be semi-vitreous or vitreous, so make sure you investigate the type of tile you are buying. The more vitreous the tile for a bathroom, the better.

Natural Stone- Natural Stone tiles have a rustic and modern aesthetic. While they generally withstand water well when used in a bathroom, they will need a waterproof membrane applied beneath them as they are not completely waterproof – we teach a fantastic 1 day stone tiling course to help tilers learn about natural stone tiling.

Types of Natural Stone:

Marble- Marble originates from limestone and can be treated for use in bathrooms. Marble is favoured for its interesting colours and patterns when used in a bathroom.

Granite- Granite is harder than other tiles and is often used in areas of high-traffic on the floor.

Slate- The great thing about slate is the fact that it is slip-resistant and, therefore, a popular tile for use on the floors.

Limestone- Limestone tiling is suitable for use on the floors of a bathroom. When light in appearance, limestone makes great floor tiles for small toilet rooms, making the room light, airy and spacious.

Now: You’ll also want to consider the bathroom wall tile sizes

If you have a large bathroom, you could opt for larger tiles across the whole of your wall and floor space. Smaller tiles, such as mosaic tiles, tend to work best on feature walls or in smaller bathrooms.

Here at UK Pro Tiling Training, we train our tilers so that they can advise what will work best on particular projects. Whether you are looking for small bathroom tile ideas, or want to re-tile a grand ensuite, we’re confident that a tiler trained with us will know exactly what to recommend for each project.

It gets better.

Learn how to tile your own bathroom

If you would like to learn how to tile a bathroom or create a feature wall for a bathroom, then sign up to a course with UK Pro Tiling Training.

Whether you are completing a DIY tiling job or are working as a professional tiler, there are certain tiling tools that no project can be completed without.

More importantly, professional tilers should ensure they have the right equipment on hand to ensure a first-class finish. After all, a mediocre, DIY-like job is not going to cut it in the tiling profession.

Once you are trained in tiling and have the skills for tiling, you’ll need to make sure your equipped with the right tools before embarking on any paid project.

As well as a pencil, a tape measure and other obvious DIY essentials like a spirit level and PPE, such as safety goggles and safety shoes, you will need a handful of tools established purely for the tiling field.

As tiling experts and passionate about the industry, UK Pro Tiling Training share 10 tiling tools that no tiler should be without. We explain what they are and why they”re used.

Most of the tools can be bought from various stores online, including ScrewFix, Toolstation and Wickes.

Here’s our checklist of 10 tiling tools no tiler should be without:

1. Grout Float

A grout float is used once the tiles have been applied to press the grout between the gaps in the tiles. It looks similar to a trowel and feature rubber “squeegee-like” parts that manipulate the grout.

Grout floats do not last for long due to the malleability of the rubber but are not hugely expensive to buy.

2. Grout Sponge

A grout sponge is a dual-purpose sponge that is made specifically to remove any leftover grout from the tiles.

Use the grout sponge as you go to keep the tiling job looking professional. After all, when the customer is popping in and out of the room, they won’t want to see a whole wall of grout-marked tiles. Using the sponge can keep the room looking fairly polished and the customer feeling happy. At the end of the project, using a grout sponge will give the project a clean and professional finish.

3. Notched Trowel

A notched trowel is essentially the only way to spread adhesive on your tiles. Made from steel, you’ll need to choose the right type of notched trowel for the tiling job in hand. A curved notched trowel is best for walls, while square notched trowels are usually used for floors. All notched trowels feature a notched edge and a smooth edge.

4. Tile Nipper

Perfect for awkward edges and irregular areas of tiling applications, tile nippers are hand held, plier-like tools that allow you to cut the tiles into chunks in a controlled fashion.

5. Rubber Mallet

A rubber mallet can be useful when gently knocking the tiles into place.

6. Tile Cutters

One of the best type of tile cutters is the rail tile cutter that can be bought in various sizes to suit various types of tile. It is unlikely you’ll get any tiling job which does not involve cutting tiles, There are also electric tile cutters which are used for cutting sections out of tiles.

7. Tile Spacers

Tile spacers are small pieces of plastic that are used to help you evenly space the tiles on application. Most spacers are cross-shaped and come in 1mm-6mm sizes. Use between tiles to ensure correct spacing.

8. Mixing Paddle

Mixing paddles are designed to fit to most paddle drills and are used for mixing adhesive and grout. Any alternatives will not give a professional touch to your job, therefore always turn up to a tiling project with a mixing paddle, even if you think you could get away with using another stirring device.

9. Bucket

Turning up with an old ice cream tub or washing up bowl is far too DIY when you”re a professional in the tiling industry. A bucket is essential for mixing and will save you a lot of time when it comes to clearing up any mess made. For everyday projects a 10L bucket will suffice, for bigger jobs, you’ll undoubtedly need a 25L bucket.

10. Tile Drill

A tile drill is the only type of drill that will allow you to drill a hole into the tiles without breaking them.

More information on tiling tools from UK Pro Tiling Training

We offer extensive information on tiling tools at our courses at UK Pro Tiling Training. We are also on hand following the course if you have any questions about tiling tools, such as where to buy and which tools can be useful for particular projects.