Toronto Tile Installation

"...the prudent considers well his steps" (Proverbs 14:15)

If you're thinking of installing your own tiles, here are some questions to consider:

1. Do I have all the right tools? That includes a wet saw with cutting mitres
2. Do I know which glues and mortars to use? And which type of compound to put on which surface?
3. Are my floors and walls straight and level? Do I need to self-level the surface?
4. Do I know how to use spacers?
5. Do I know how to make tiles look level on uneven surfaces?
6. Do I know the "tricks of the trade" that will make this floor or wall look great?

I get a lot of calls from "Do-It-Yourself-ers" who decide to have a crack at installing tile. I can honestly tell you that even the best attempt by the keenest amateur usually falls short in some way...

• grout lines end up looking crooked
• floor tiles have excessive lippage (tiles of different heights)

I have had DIY-ers talk to me cursing the fact that they even contemplated such an undertaking on their own:

• The cement is too hard to mix
• They get fed up carrying heavy buckets of water - tiling is physically demanding!
• They thought they had a level surface, but now the whole floor looks like it's on a slope

I have even inspected jobs done by "professional" installers (usually a general contractor or carpenter), and the homeowner has been bitterly disappointed. Go to my blog to check out one particular tiling disaster.

HOWEVER, there is a good reason why my clients are satisfied with my work...it's because TILING is ALL I do. I believe that taking your time with each tile, to make sure it's properly laid, level and even, is key to a beautiful looking job. Going too fast or not having enough patience are what will ultimately lead to an aweful job.

Before you think about tackling your own tiling project, or contracting a non-specialist installer, call me for a free quote (416-729-6556). It might pay to get my free input.