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If you're thinking of having a go at tiling, here are a few tips to remember.

Tiling Tips

• The layout should be worked out before fixing any of the tiles.
• On areas like windowsills, create a centre point and tile from the centre towards the edges.
• Use a good cutting tool such as a tile nipper plier. This tool is inexpensive and easy to use. Score the glazed surface of the tile by running the small cutting wheel along a ruler and snap the tile in half using the breaking wings. If you have a lot of tiling to do, invest in a tile cutter. Other tools available include the tile saw, nibbler and file.
• Make sure the surface you want to tile is dry and smooth.
• Use tile spacers to space your tiles evenly. These can be left in and grouted over later.
• Use a spreader suited to the job you are doing - size of tiles, walls, floors, awkward corners etc.
• Leave the tiles in place for at least 24 hours before grouting.
• Choose a grout made for the size of the gap you wish to fill otherwise it will crack and won't be watertight.
• When grouting, use a grouter to push the grout into the gaps and work in small areas at a time. An old credit card does a good job if you don't have a grouter.
• Wipe tiles with a damp cloth or sponge to remove excess grout.
• After about 10 minutes, use a grout finisher to create an even tile joint. Alternatively you could use a piece of dowel or your finger.

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