In renovation circles, tiling is one of those jobs that looks easy until it’s done wrong. Trades know straight away when a tiler knows their craft. In trade talk, bad tiling is called out fast—lippage, hollow tiles, and uneven grout lines are dead giveaways.
Every solid tiling job starts with surface prep. Walls and floors must be level, clean, and solid. Experienced tilers often screed floors or use tile backer boards instead of trusting old plaster. Skipping this step is asking for cracked tiles later. On site, you’ll often hear, “Prep is the job.”
Tile layout comes next. Pros always dry-lay or mark out centre lines before mixing adhesive. This avoids tiny cuts at edges and keeps patterns balanced. In trade talk, clean cuts and symmetry show respect for the craft. A laser level is commonly used to keep rows straight, especially with large-format tiles.
Adhesive choice matters more than many people realise. Large tiles need flexible, high-grab adhesive, while wet areas require waterproof systems. Bathroom tiling always includes tanking before any tile goes up. Good tilers follow open times and don’t rush the set, because rushing leads to tiles slipping or sagging.
Spacing is handled with proper tile spacers or leveling systems. These reduce lippage and keep joints uniform. Once the adhesive cures, grout goes in. Trades choose grout based on joint width and location—epoxy grout for high-moisture or heavy-use areas, standard grout elsewhere. Clean-up timing is crucial; leave it too long and you’re scraping haze for hours.
Finishing details separate top work from average work. Neat silicone lines at corners, clean trims, and properly sealed edges make the job last. On site, this is called “snag-free finish.” If water can get in, it will.
Conclusion
In trade talk, good tiling is all about preparation, precision, and patience. When done properly, tiles don’t just look good they perform for years without cracks or failures. It’s one of the clearest signs of quality in a renovation.
