Installing tiles, such as subway wall tiles, adds a modern touch to any space. Subway wall tiles come in different colours, materials, and designs, hence their popularity for home beautification. However, tile installation is not as easy as it appears. A small mistake in installation can ruin your whole project. To guide you in the best results, here are five common mistakes to avoid with subway wall tile installation:
Lack of Planning
Among the biggest mistakes people make in the installation of subway wall tiles is skipping the planning stage. Subway tiles come in different shapes and sizes, and there are multiple ways to arrange them. It may be a traditional brick pattern or even herringbone or vertical layouts. Without planning, the tiles may not align as you expect, causing uneven patterns and an unprofessional finish.
Take some time to design your layout before starting the project. If possible, create a rough sketch of how you want the tiles to look on your wall. You can even lay the tiles on the floor first to get a feel for how they will fit in the space. If you’re unsure, consult a professional or get advice from a store like Face-Impex to ensure your design choices will work. It’s always better to communicate your design plans upfront, as once the tiles are laid, removing them can be costly and time-consuming.
Incorrect Surface Preparation
Good surface preparation is the case for any faultless tile job. Subway wall tiles will not stay in place well on an uneven, dirty surface because the adhesive may not stick well. This can cause cracks or tiles to fall off. Before starting, ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and even with complete removal of dirt, dust, or grease.
Moreover, the tiles will not align properly if the wall is not level; there may be gaps, or the pattern will appear misaligned. Always check the surface with a spirit level. If necessary, apply a patching compound to iron out uneven spots. For areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, you may need a backer board to provide additional support and prevent water damage.
Using the Wrong Grout Color
The colour of the grout you use for your subway wall tiles plays a huge role in the overall look of the space. Although grout is practical, helping to hold tiles in place, it is also a design element that improves the look of your installation. Choosing the wrong grout colour can ruin the aesthetic of the tiles.
If you would like to highlight the individual tiles, grout colour would be best chosen as a contrasting colour from the tiles. White grout with dark subway wall tiles will bring the edges of the tiles to your attention for a bold look. Conversely, if you would like a more subtle look, you can use a grout colour that matches or complements the colour of the tiles; this creates a smoother, more seamless look.
At Face-Impex, you’ll have all sorts of grout colours to choose from. See that the grout you have chosen goes with your tiles and enhances your general design idea. Don’t forget the texture of the grout as well. Smooth grout cleans easier, while textured grout may add an extra design element.
Not Using Tile Spacers
It is essential to use tile spacers to have the same gaps between tiles. These small plastic pieces ensure tiles are evenly spaced, giving the entire installation a neat and professional look. Skipping this step can result in uneven spacing, which will be obvious once the tiles are in place.
Subway wall tiles can usually only be rectangular; spacing may look off if there’s not enough. It’s also tempting to just “eyeball” the spaces between, but this usually results in uneven gaps. Variations can be quite noticeable, especially with patterned layouts.
Investing in tile spacers is a small step that makes a big difference in your overall installation quality. These spacers keep the tiles aligned and provide a constant gap for grout to be placed. You will find the right spacers at Face-Impex, who offer various sizes to your needs.
Choosing the Wrong Materials for the Space
When choosing materials for your subway wall tiles, you need to get the right ones for the area you are tiling. Not all tiles suit every space, especially kitchens and bathrooms, as such areas may be prone to water contact.
For example, ceramic tile may not be the most advisable if the area is intended for a wet environment unless sealed. Porcelain, in contrast, would better work as these are considered harder and less permeable.
If you intend to tile a kitchen backsplash, then you should consider having materials that conform to safety standards. The Face-Impex range of tile materials ensures compliance with safety regulations and hence you do not have problems down the road. You also have to ensure that the tiles you chose are clean and easy to maintain, especially in high-traffic or high-moisture areas.
Final Thoughts
Subway wall tile installation could highly beautify your space if done appropriately. These common mistakes to be avoided will save time and money and avoid much hassle. Planning the lay and preparing the surface is essential, followed by getting the right grout to ensure that spacers are correctly installed and the right material to get the desired result in tiling.
If unsure during the installation process, an expert opinion can be of great use. Face-Impex is always ready to help you with all your tile needs-thousands of high-quality tiles and professional assistance to facilitate easy completion of your project.N