“Splashbacks are great for adding some texture and interest to a space but it’s worth remembering that they will also need to serve a practical purpose - keeping your walls free from grime and splashes from cooking or washing your hands. When it comes to the type of tile, ceramic or porcelain tend to be more favourable than the likes of natural stone as they are lower in maintenance – an important consideration given the fact your splashback needs to be water resistant and less susceptible to staining. “Once you’re happy with your tile choice, make sure you carefully work out how many tiles you need by measuring the area and adding 10% for any cuts and wastage. When you have your tiles and all the necessary tiling equipment, prepare the wall to ensure it is smooth, clean, completely dry and free from any dust or debris.
“Apply an even layer of adhesive to a notched trowel, and starting from the corner, spread the product over the area of two or three tiles at a time. Place the tiles firmly on the adhesive, using spacers to create an even layout. Allow to dry for 24 hours, and then fill the spaces between each tile using grout and a grout float. Pushing the grout deep into the joints will prevent moisture from getting behind the tiles, which is particularly important in kitchen or bathroom areas.
“Once finished, wipe down your tiles with a clean, damp sponge, working at a 45-degree angle down your surface.”
Fancy flooring “Firstly consider they type of tile you’d like for your floor and where it will be used. You’ll want something hardwearing and durable for a hallway, such as porcelain or natural stone tiles and something water resistant for the bathroom, either a porcelain or ceramic tile.
“To make sure your floor looks its best, measure everything and use floorplans to avoid over or under spending on materials. As with any tiling project, always allow for an extra 10% during the installation process so any issues can be quickly rectified.
“If you’re not sure how to calculate the amount of tiles you need, try using an online tile calculator like the one on the Topps Tiles website –
www.toppstiles.co.uk/tile-calculator. Simply type in your room measurements and let the tool do the hard work for you!
“If you’re a complete tiling novice, you might want to tackle a smaller flooring project to build up experience and confidence. Start small by replacing old, damaged tiles or creating a splash back. This will give you a chance to practice your skills before tackling a larger project.
“Make sure you prepare your floor correctly before tiling on to it for a professional and lasting finish. You’ll need a solid, smooth and level surface to tile onto and keep your floor in top condition.
