Tiling
Tiling 101: Everything you need to know about Tiling installation.
2024/07/11
The Installation Company
Design Tips
When tiling a space, attention to design can elevate the aesthetic and functionality of the area. Here are some key tips to consider:
Layout: Measure your space accurately and plan your tile layout beforehand. Consider how the tiles will align with walls, windows and transitions between rooms.
Size: For small spaces, large tiles can create an illusion of space. Conversely, smaller tiles can add visual interest in larger areas. Match the scale of the tile to the size of the room.
Patterns: Different tile patterns such as herringbone, basketweave, or subways add visual interest to your space however these may not suit everyone especially potential buyers when you want to sell.
Transitions: Ensure smooth transitions between different floor types or areas by using transition strips or coordinating tiles. If it is difficult to match, consider using a threshold which is completely different to both materials and pattern neutral.
Functionality: In areas prone to moisture or spills, choose tiles that are water-resistant (porcelain) and easy to clean (glossy). For floors choose tiles that are less likely to cause slipping (matt finish) and can withstand wear and tear (porcelain).
Choosing Materials
Choice of tile: You will live with them for 5 to 15 years so be aware of your choice. Select tiles that suit the function and reflect your style however will appeal to a broad spectrum of potential buyers should you wish to sell your property. Consider factors like size, shape, color, texture, and durability. If you like busy patterns and bold colours, rather make use of smaller areas like splashbacks which are easier and cheaper to replace.
Grout colour: Grout colour can impact the overall look of your space. Choose a grout color that complements your tiles and desired aesthetic. Dark grout can create contrast and highlight the pattern, while lighter grout can blend in for a seamless look. Grout on floors will collect dirt over time and turn to a grey-ish colour over time. Avoid using light colours on floors – there is a reason grey has stood the test of time.
Finishings: Consider how your tiles will finish against walls and other rooms. Skirtings with a tile strip make for neat clean finish while edging along stairs protect the tile from damages and cracks.
Type of Contractor
Selecting an appropriate Contractor is one of the most important choices you will make. A good Contractor will help make the process comfortable and produce a good outcome. A poor choice may result in having to re-do the project. Your consideration must take into account your needs, desired outcome, your involvement and technical know-how and your appetite for risk and lastly your budget.
Basic: These Tilers are often self-taught or learnt the trade informally from others. These Tilers are found outside hardware stores and provide basic tiling services to many clients. These Tilers present value to the Client who wants to manage the project themselves and understands the intricacies and technical requirements of tiling but does not wish to do the manual labour themselves.
General Contractor: These are typically small businesses who have experience in general building projects and perform tiling as part of a broad suite of services. These contractors typically have vehicles, tools and some level of technical tiling knowledge and able to project manage the job.
Tiling Specialist – Residential: These are contractors who have extensive experience in tiling and have received formal training on correct installation techniques. These contractors have vehicles, the correct tools and able to perform an installation to specification.
Tiling Specialist – Commercial: These contractors have extensive experience in large scale commercial tiling projects. Staff have received formal training on correct installation techniques including advanced applications. These contractors typically have many vehicles, advanced tools (such as water-jet tile cutters) however focus exclusively on large commercial work only.
Prices
Tile installation prices in South Africa are influenced by several factors most notably the type of contractor, size of tile, application to wall or floor and size of area covered. Here are typical tiling costs however these may differ by region
| Basic | General Contractor | Tiling Specialist Residential | Tiling Specialist Commercial |
Small tiles (300mmx300mm) | R70 – R80 | R80 – R100 | R90 – R110 | R100 – R120 |
Large Tiles (600mm x 600mm) | R75 – R90 | R85 – R110 | R120 – R140 | R130 – R150 |
Xtra Large Tiles (1200mm x 600mm) | R80 -R100 | R90 – R120 | R150 – R170 | R160 – R200 |
Notes:
- Prices are indicative only and reflect averages based on our experience in the market.
- Tiling prices above can’t be applied to smaller areas such as bathrooms and kitchens as these require more cutting and installation is slower due to smaller spaces.
- You can expect a reasonably good Tiler to cover 20m² to 25m² of floor tiles in an open area each 8 hour day. This will reduce to 10m² to 15m² for smaller spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Things to be aware of.
- Ensure the same Batch number on every box of tiles purchased. If not, there is a risk they will have different shades. If they not the same, you have the right to demand an exchange.
- Ensure the same calibration (denoted as X,Y,Z) on every box of tiles purchased. If not, there is a risk the tiles will differ in size and the grout lines will vary significantly. If not, you have the right to demand an exchange.
- Not all adhesives as made equal. Be sure you purchase the recommended adhesive for the type and size of tile you installing.
- Larger tiles require faster drying adhesives else excess moisture may cause hollow spots or the installation to fail. More expensive adhesives include chemicals which allow for this
- Bonding Liquid is not designed to be mixed with water. Rather purchase the correct adhesive as this includes bonding agents and is far cheaper.
- Adhesives are not designed to allow mixing of half bags. The entire 20kg bag must be mixed with 5l of clean cool water and dispose of unused portions.
10 checks to assess if your Installer knows their stuff
- They check all tiles are from the same batch
- Check all tiles have the same calibration
- They mix full bags of adhesive and not half bags
- They calculate the layout of tiles before tiling and ensure proper centre lines
- Apply adhesive to at least 85% of the surface before placing down a tile (no spot tiling)
- Apply adhesive in straight lines and don’t use a curved or wavy effect
- For any tile >600mm, apply adhesive to the substrate and the back of the tile (buttering)
- Remove adhesive (down to the substrate) from in between the individual tiles before it dries
- Leave 8mm to 15mm space between the last tile and all walls and columns (perimeter joint)
- Use a tile cutter and not an angle grinder to make straight cuts. Angle grinders are used for small and irregular cuts only.
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Flooring Association
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t/a The Installation Company