While it might sound like an easy and doable project to take on DIY-style, a bathroom renovation is always best left to a trained professional. One task that many people underestimate is in the application of bathroom tile.
There are many reasons why tile laying requires an experienced hand. It’s easy to make mistakes during this process — and the fix can be costlier than the initial project. Our professional team of bathroom remodelers at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes has helped countless homeowners with bathroom remodeling, and here are some of the most common mistakes we have seen when laying tile.
No Preparation
Just because you’ll be covering the floor with tile cement doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be cleaned and cleared beforehand. A professional bathroom remodeler will make sure the area is properly prepared for the tile. This means clearing away any dust, dirt and debris that could cause the tiles to lay unevenly. Professionals might use tile underlayment to make sure the tiles are evenly applied and to protect it from further damage during installation.
Incorrect Grout Use
Most people think grout is straightforward. However, different types of grout work well with different types of tiles, and a professional will know which ones to use. Applying too much grout can also be problematic as some variants dry faster than others. This means that certain areas might dry out even before you begin tiling. Grout should also be wiped away from tile surfaces as soon as possible to avoid stains which can be more difficult to clean when dry.
Wrong Number of Tiles
A professional experienced in bathroom remodeling will have a good idea of how many tiles you need to cover an entire area. Most homeowners tend to estimate how many tiles they need but this can often end up in a shortage. Tile breakage, miscalculations and other accidents are part of the job, which means the actual number of tiles you need is usually more than what you estimate.
Missing Battens
There’s a trick to laying tiles in straight lines, whether vertically or horizontally: battens. These are thin wooden sticks that serve as guides when laying down the tiles to make sure that all edges are aligned. While some experts can do this by eyeballing the tiles, it’s always a good idea to use batten when laying tiles.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes, our professional kitchen and bathroom remodelers can help you finish your home remodeling projects without hassle. Give us a call at (262) 923-8721 or fill out our contact form to start a conversation today. We serve homeowners in Union Grove, WI, as well as Paris, Somers, Sturtevant and the surrounding areas.
