Tiling

Tiling is a popular alternative to using carpet, laminate or viynl flooring in bathrooms or kitchens.

Now there are more tile styles, colours, textures and sizes to choose from than ever before, the price of tiles can vary greatly. Prices for plain tiles can be lower than £1, though some tiles can cost over £10. With more expensive tiles don't forget the cost will start to add up as you buy enough to cover your floor, so if you have a very large bathroom but a low budget you may want to look at a cheaper tile. If you have a budget to play with then you may want to employ a professional to fit the tiles for you so you can be sure the fit is exact.

If you pay for a professional to fit the tiles for you the price will usually be dependant on both the size of the tile and the size of the room. For example if the tiles are small and the room is large its going to take longer to complete the job than it would in a small room using large tiles, this will mean the cost is higher. The installer may also have to cut tiles to size if they cannot fit uniformly into a room, which will again take a little longer. If you install a mix of large and small tiles to create a pattern, this will take longest as the pattern will generally not be uniform, and this could take more time as a result. Installation is frequently priced per tile, though there can be extra's on top of that initial price.

When installing a tiled floor you should start by cleaning the surface to which the tile is attached, else the cement used to hold the tile will not bond properly with the surface. Once the tiles are laid, grout will be inserted between each tile, to prevent movement and keep the tiles fixed in position. Once the tiles have been laid you'll not be able to walk on them for a certain amount of time, when they are set in place sealant can then be applied. This not only stop liquids from getting underneath and inbetween the tiling but if your using porus tiles then it will prevent them from getting stained by anything thats spilt on them.

Before laying sealant, the tiles must be cleaned again, this is because anything left on the tiles will be sealed beneath the sealant forever.

Tile is a versatile and flexible material to use when decorating. The tiles look great, and will last for years, making your home look wonderful for years to come.