Ceramic Floor Tiles

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Ceramic Floor Tiles

Ceramic floor tiles can create an idyllic appearance in any place. They have an elegant, refined look that goes beyond durability. Still, the entire procedure depends on a suitable and accurate installation. Many people make common mistakes when installing these tiles and hence incur costly repairs as well as frustrations. Avoid these mistakes, both as a DIYer and a professional contractor, in pursuit of the best results.

We discuss, in this blog, the common mistakes when installing tiles. Tile installation, if done step by step as per the procedure, will guarantee a beautiful and long-lasting tiled surface.

Why Does the Tile Need Proper Installation?

Correct installation of tiles is important for a number of reasons. First, the right installation is going to ensure that tiles stand the test of time and are less likely to crack or break. Good installation will therefore improve the appearance of space and hence add a professional look to your home or office. It can also ensure that problems such as water damage and mould are prevented, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

Install it with proper care to save time and effort later on. High-quality ceramic floor tiles from Face-Impex can be installed to last for many years.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Ceramic Floor Tiles
  1. 1: Lack of Proper Surface Preparation
  2. Tiles require a smooth clean surface before installation. Skipping this would result in either cracked or uneven tiles. Most people tend to let it slide without preparing the surface before laying the tiles. People who do this are most likely to have the tiles lift off and peel with time.
  3. Clean the surface thoroughly. Remove all debris, dust, or leftover adhesive on old flooring. Apply a self-leveling compound, if it is an uneven surface. In this way, it’ll become a flat base for the tiles. For instance, with the installation of ceramic floor tiles over concrete, one has to check on the moisture level. Install a moisture barrier if there is a high level of moisture.

Face-Impex provides floor tiles with ceramic that can suit limited spaces in sizes 300 x 300mm. Proper preparation of the surface, however, will ensure a good long time to your tiles intact.

2. Bad Detailing: Inadequate Planning and Layout

It also results from a lack of a good plan on how to install it; rushing into the installation without proper planning is another common mistake. The lack of a good layout plan leads to uneven cuts and inconsistent grout lines, resulting in a poor finish and wasted materials.

Start with a detailed lay plan. Measure your space carefully. When selecting a point from which to begin, look for those focus points in the room: windows or doors, for instance. For example, using Face-Impex’s 333 x 333mm ceramic floor tiles can make smaller rooms appear structured if laid in the right way. Dry-lay your tiles to see how you’re going to lay them before actually applying any adhesive. Tile spacers help maintain even grout lines. Having planned the layout saves you material and ensures a professional finish.

3: Wrong Tools or Materials

Wrong tools or materials might compromise your installation of tiles. Good durability brings about the right tools and materials. Incorrect choices usually result in uneven tiles or adhesion weakness.

For example, with low-quality adhesive, the tiles may detach from the wall.

I would now choose a suitable adhesive, specifically for ceramic floor tiles and particularly for wet applications, such as in kitchens or bathrooms. Some good investments would include a wet saw to cut the tiles neatly, and a notched trowel to spread the adhesive on the back of the tile. The size of the trowel ensures an even coating which is essential on larger tiles, such as the 600 x 600mm ceramic floor tiles from Face-Impex.

Proper tools and materials will ensure that you achieve a sturdier and longer-lasting installation. Avoid buying shoddy products.

4: Wrong Space and Alignment of the Tiles

Proper space and alignment are part of the essentials to provide a clean, professional finish. Uneven grout lines, misaligned tiles, and other mistakes can derail the whole look of the room. This usually occurs if an installer rushes through the work, failing to utilize the right spacers.

Always apply tile spacers to ensure that the grout lines between tiles are equal. Do not hasten through checking every single tile as you lay them but instead, use a level to ensure they lie completely even. It would be best if you started from the centre of the room to keep the tiles well-balanced and symmetrical. The Face-Impex ceramic floor tile in 400 x 400mm would prove good for large rooms only when they are laid perfectly and with equal spacing.

Observe which tile is placed next to which. This eliminates the possibility of misaligned tiles and provides a blemish-free and even finish at the end.

5. Wrong Grouting Techniques

Grouting is the final action in tile installation. It is where most projects get it wrong. A poor grouting job will result in either a weakened or cracked grout line, which makes your floor aesthetically not nice and practically useless at the same time.

To avoid this step, mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions, apply it uniformly, and knead it into the joints at a 45-degree angle using a rubber float. Before it dries, wipe off any excess grout from the tile surface. Be cautious not to use too much water in the process of wiping the tiles clean, as this weakens the grout.

Allow it to set for the amount of time that the manufacturer has recommended when placing the grout. If you grout properly, your tile installation will last for many years. You will certainly have a stunning and long-lasting Face-Impex ceramic floor tile if the right methods are applied.

How to Complete the Installation of Ceramic Tile

Here are some pointers to help ensure a successful tile installation now that we’ve covered what to avoid during the process:

  • Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Pay close attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer for grouting, adhesive application, and surface preparation.
  • Clean the Surface: Ensure the surface is completely clean and dust/debris-free before installing any tiles.
  • Use the Correct Tools and Materials: Invest in the proper tools for the job and be certain you are using good-quality materials.
  • Ensure Spacing of Tiles: Use tile spacers to establish even grout lines, and grouts should not be misplaced.
  • Proper Grouting: Ensure that it spreads evenly with the mixture so it won’t crack nor leave any void between the tiles.
  • Conclusion
  • There are so many fashionable and durable ceramic floor tiles available for any space, but the installation of these has to be carried out very carefully and cautiously. Many common mistakes that result in poor finishing are that they are placed without adequate spacing and not on appropriate surface preparation. For better results use Face-Impex quality products and follow the suggested procedures.