10 things not to do when you are laying tile 1. Buy a book---They make every thing look so easy in a book and you can't really ask questions of the book, especially the dumb ones, but lets face it if you have
never done this before most questions seem dumb.
2. Listen to others--- Every one has their opinion and most are very willing to share it with you. But this can just make you confused. Like all those opinions there are as many ways to do a job. You will end up not knowing which way to go.
3. Avoid the experts--- This really means seek them out. Most home improvement stores have classes for free. TAKE ONE laying tile can be scary but once you have done it even a few times in a class. You will feel more confidence on your own.
4. Spend a lot the first time--- Make your first tiling project a small and simple as possible and use the more inexpensive tile. You will break tile when cutting it. Get the wrong measurements. Remember most cuts need to be done as you go. If you think oh I need 12 tiles for this side at 5x12 and cut them all you will probably have waste. On that same note don’t throw anything away till the job is complete you never know if that small piece of tile will fit right there. So you see starting with the $8.00 per tile can really add up opposed to the $2.00 for your first project.
5. Assume your house is level--- Now if you have hung wallpaper in you home you know exactly what I mean. Homes over the years settle and let’s face it sometimes it is just the work of the builder. But assuming your area is level is a mistake you will have to deal with sooner or later. Sooner being before tile is glued down. After is when you have to break and tear out what you just put down.
6. Leave the old linoleum down.--- For me this would have been under the # 2. Listen to others. Several people told me just put the cement board down on top. Big mistake, now I am have to level the tiles with the adhesive and praying that it will work.
7. Be cheep with tools---I know that money is tight for many of us. That’s why you are doing you own tile work, most likely. But with tools you need to buy the best that you can afford. The job will go better and you will struggle less if you have the right tools. Perhaps talk to a neighbor and share the cost of a tile saw. But remember the top priced one isn’t always the best one. Shop wisely you will then enjoy the task and the results.
8. Skip the spacers---I have a good eye for level things. If you hear this out of the mouth of the one doing the tile, run don’t walk to the home improvement store and get those spacers. But remember #5 the spacers won’t take everything right. If you have an old house, level and evenly spaced might have to be negotiated for the project to work out in the end.
9. Do you bathroom yourself if it is your only one.--- This is the time to call in the professionals, or at least the help of friends. Remember there are several steps in laying tile that can’t be rushed. Time has to be given between certain steps. So if you do your only bathroom yourself make arrangements with your neighbor to use theirs for the time yours is out of commission.
10. Take this project on without the help of someone who “REALLY” knows what they are doing. If that means you have to show up at their house to check out their work then so be it. And if you see that they really do know how to do tile work, Then make them you new very best friend.
