Ceramic tiles can be used throughout the house to add an extra element of design to any room. You can put ceramic tiles behind the stove to add a decorative accent to the kitchen, and in various places like the bathroom and other rooms throughout the house. To install the ceramic tile yourself, you need to learn the essential skills necessary. The most important skill is how to cut ceramic tile. Here are some tips for cutting ceramic tile.
Considering Safety
When learning how to cut ceramic tile, you need to first understand that there are some safety considerations. First, you must always wear safety goggles. When you cut ceramic tiles, dust forms and it may have sharp edges. If this dust lodges in your eyes, it can cause some damage. Also, make sure you learn the proper technique when using power tools to prevent injury.
Measuring the Area
The next step is to measure the area where you will put the tile. Calculate exactly how many tiles you will need and how many need to be cut. Remember that you will need to consider the space for the grout when making your calculations.
Making the Cut
Once you measure, you are ready to start cutting the ceramic tile. You can either use a tile cutter or tile jig. If you decide to use a tile cutter, measure the area to be cut. Use the tile cutter to make an indentation in the tile. In addition, take a straight edge and hold it next to the cut. Move the tile cutter up and down the straight edge to make the indentation deeper. Once it is deep enough, slowly work the tile back and forth in your hands or with a pair of pliers to eventually break the pieces in half. If you decide to use the tile jig, remember to use proper safety procedure and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Learning how to cut ceramic tile is a valuable skill. Ceramic tiles are a great way to add accents to any room.
Some people decide to do the entire tile installation themselves. If you decide to put down the new tile for your bathroom remodeling project, then you’ll have a bit job to do. When you get started, there are a few mistakes that you should avoid.
Take Your Time
One thing you need to avoid is taking any shortcuts. When you go the easy route, it can make the job a lot harder. Before you lay the tile, it is imperative that the surface is both clean and smooth. You can use a sander to help get the surface smooth enough to work with. If you don’t do this, it is going to be more difficult to install your tile.
Stock Up on Tile
Not getting enough of the tile you have chosen is another mistake to be avoided. As the process goes on, you never know when you may need a bit more tile. This can be due to factors such as incorrect measurements or cracking a tile and needing a new one. then you’ll need a new one. A good rule of thumb is to get about 15% more than you planned, in case there is a problem. Then, if you do have a bit left over, you can keep it in case a tile that gets cracked or damaged later.
Use a Waterproof Adhesive
Not using waterproof adhesive is another big mistake to avoid. Since you are laying tile in the bathroom where there is a lot of water and moisture, you need to make sure that you use an adhesive that is waterproof. If you don’t use a waterproof adhesive, it can later crumble or rot away and cause problems with your tile. Ensure that you go with the right adhesive for the tile in the bathroom.
Uneven Spacing of the Tiles
You’ll also want to avoid the mistake of getting uneven spacing between the tiles you are installing. If the spacing is off, your tiles may come loose in the future. It is best to measure the gaps that are between the tiles, so you know that they are spaced correctly and won’t have problems down the line that could have been prevented.
Grouting Before the Tile is Ready
Grouting the tile before it is ready is another problem to avoid. Many people try to grout right away, but you should wait a whole 24 hours before you decide to do the grout work. This way, you’ll be sure that the adhesive on the tile has really set and they won’t move around while you are adding the grout to the tiling.