Laying a new tile floor can easily change the look of a room. As a result, you might have picked this project as your next DIY remodeling endeavor. But the process is a lot more complicated than your standard 1000-piece puzzle. The guide below explains why this is one job that might be best left in the hands of experts.

What Problems Can You Run Into When Trying to Tile Yourself?

1. Cracked or Badly Cut Tiles

Some tiles, especially ones for the perimeter, have to be cut to fit. If you’re not adept at using a diamond wet saw or snap tile cutter, you’re likely to make imprecise cuts. Furthermore, porcelain tiles can crack easily. This can either result in a less-than-professional looking floor or a waste of tile.

2. Uneven Base

The key to flat, well-installed tile floors is a solid base. However, bathroom and kitchen subfloors can have imperfections that can prevent the tile from laying flat. Over time, this could lead to cracks. An experienced installer will build up the subfloor with a cement board if the underlayment isn’t up to par.

3. Incorrectly Laid Tiles

Setting the tiles may seem easy, but if the lines don’t look clean and even, it’s hard to fix it afterward. Plastic tile spacers are available to ensure the correct distance between tiles, but they can be difficult to remove afterward. Professional installers know the tricks of the trade to keep tiles even.

4. Loose Tiles

Back buttering the tiles helps ensure that they adhere strongly to the floor. However, some kinds of mortar require aggressive mixing to reach the right consistency. Additionally, bigger tiles require deeper layers of mortar to form a durable bond. 

5. Bad Grout

Applying the grout is one of the last steps to installing a tile floor, and is necessary to make the surface waterproof, but wiping the grout off the tiles before it hardens can be tricky. It can also result in the grout coming out or cracking.  

Have a vision for what you want your new tile floor to look like? Trust the professionals at CD Flooring in Kerrville, TX. These commercial and residential flooring experts not only offer a wide selection, with samples that you can take home, but they also provide installation and repair services. Call (830) 257-3350 to discuss your flooring needs, or request a quote online.