Slab tiles are undoubtedly one of the premier choices to add luxury and seamless functionality to your spaces. Their expansive layout provides the richness of virtual space and eliminates the crowded look even for compact rooms. But it's all possible by following a proper installation procedure. Mistakes during the installation process can lead to potential damage to slab tiles and ruin the overall aesthetic. But what are the common yet important mistakes one can make during the installation of slab tiles?
We will find out the most common mistakes that take place during installation of slab tiles that can leave a significant impact on your decor. Let's get started.
Achieving a Perfect Slab Tile Installation: Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Installation of slab tiles is a pure technical process having a number of prerequisites. Lack of preparation and unavailability of proper tools can lead to disruption. It is one of the common mistakes that is made during self-installation. Let's have a look at how lack of preparation can lead to severe damages.
Not Cleaning The Surface Properly
Prior to installation of slab tiles one needs to clean the surface adequately to eliminate dust and debris. Without proper cleaning, the surface remains rough and leads to poor adhesion as the residuals prevent the adhesive from forming a strong bond with the tiles.
Not Leveling The Surface
A level and even surface are essential for a successful tile installation. Neglecting to level the surface can lead to uneven tiles, cracked tiles, or compromised stability. Before installing the tiles, check for any bumps, depressions, or uneven areas on the floor. If needed, use a leveling compound or self-leveling underlayment to ensure a flat and even surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product being used and allow it to cure properly before proceeding.
These are some of the cases where lack of preparation results in improper installation and damage. Therefore before installing tiles be aware to properly clean and level the surface.
Poor Planning
Poor planning is one of the huge mistakes that can lead you to potential losses. Adequate planning is always required starting from measuring the shape to choosing the proper size of tiles. Without following a strict plan you are not only going to lose beautiful decor but also a significant part of your budget. Want to know how, let's see.
Not Assessing The Available Space
Measuring the dimensions of the room is pretty much essential for choosing the perfect size of slab tiles. You need accurate details about the available space and negative portions of the room to avoid the wrong choice of tiles. Poor planning leads to imperative measurements which will ultimately lead to the purchase of inadequate amounts of tiles with sizes that are not a perfect match to the space. It will end up with unnecessary cutting of the tiles at a high charge. Therefore to avoid the potential loss one should be careful during taking the measurement of any space.
Not Planning The Layout Correctly
Improper tile layout can lead to unsightly gaps, uneven patterns, or the need for excessive tile cutting. Before starting the installation, carefully plan the layout of the tiles, taking into account the size and shape of the tiles, the dimensions of the room, and any specific design patterns or motifs. Consider starting the layout from the center of the room or focal point and work your way outwards. This helps achieve a balanced and symmetrical tile installation.
As we all know precaution is always better than cure, therefore follow a proper planned strategy to install the slab tiles. It will help you to counter major obstacles and resolve your issues with ease.
Cutting The Tiles
Cutting is a crucial step that ensures the perfect fit of tiles to the surface during installation. Without proper cutting the tiles are not going to adhere to the surface properly resulting in a disproportionate look and potential damages to the surface. Let's have a look at some of the common mistakes done during the process of cutting.
Precision cutting of slab tiles requires proper marking on the tiles for versatile shapes and designs. Imperfect markings results in irregular cuts which causes waste of the material and money. Irregular cuts and uneven edges lead to forming gaps and overlaps during the installation. Therefore it is one of unforgiving mistakes made during the installation.
Using improper tools for cutting tiles can lead to chipped or damaged edges. It is crucial to use the appropriate tools designed specifically for tile cutting, such as a wet tile saw, tile nippers, or a tile cutter. These tools provide clean and accurate cuts, minimizing the risk of damage to the tiles.
Tips to avoid improper cutting of tiles
- Properly mark the cutting area according to the desired sizes and design
- Use tools that are only prefered by the manufacturer's guide for seamless cutting of tiles.
- Go slow and steady for precision cutting and avoid repetition
Application Of Adhesive
Application of a proper and well calculated amount of adhesive ensures that the slab tiles perfectly set with the surface without leaving any space or gap for air or dust. Choosing a wrong adhesive or applying an improper amount results in poor installation of tiles.
Applying an insufficient amount of the adhesive mixture doesn't help the surface to adhere properly with the tiles. It results in creating spaces and accumulation of dust and debris beneath the tile's surface. Gradually it will loosen the bond and lead to a potential movement of tiles resulting in cracks on the surface. This is how an inadequate amount of adhesive ruins your home flooring.
Uneven application of adhesive can result in uneven tile surfaces and compromised adhesion. When spreading the adhesive, use a trowel to create ridges or grooves in the adhesive layer. This helps to ensure a consistent distribution and proper bond between the tiles and the substrate. Avoid excessive pressure or manipulation of the adhesive, as it can disrupt the adhesive ridges and result in an uneven layer.
Tips to use the adhesive properly:
- Follow the recommended mixing ratios and instructions provided by the grout manufacturer.
- Mix only the amount of grout that can be applied within the working time specified by the manufacturer.
- Avoid using too much water when mixing the grout, as it can weaken the mixture and affect its consistency.
Some of the other common mistakes take place during the installation of slab tiles:
Lack of sealing: Leaves slab tiles vulnerable to stains and damage from moisture.
Poor spacing: Inadequate spacing results in a cramped and crowded appearance of slab tiles.
Uneven tile placement: Failing to ensure a level surface leads to unevenly placed slab tiles.
Inadequate subfloor preparation: Neglected subfloor preparation causes issues like uneven or cracked tiles.
Wrap Up
Installation of slab tiles is the art of proper planning and well-versed execution. It seems to be difficult but actually, it is very simple if you follow the step to step guide strictly. Avoid the above common mistakes to ensure a beautiful layer that will partner with you for generations. If you are still struggling with the installation process then don't hesitate to contact us or any other professionals.
Know Sunwin Ceramica
Sunwin Ceramica is one of the emerging stars in the field of ceramic industry. With a strong foundation at Morbi, Gujarat. Sunwin has spread its roots of standard and quality across the world. We are a global exporter of slab tiles and have already served thousands of customers with their desired slab tile designs. Our collection encloses a versatile range of premium designs and patterns to fulfill everyone's needs. We manufacture our slab tiles using ultra-edge technology and precision craftsmanship for ensuring high durability and exceptional beauty. Being extremely lightweight, our slab tiles promise you a hassle-free installation process. So what are you waiting for, choose from our premium collections that include, 800x1600MM | 800x2400MM | 800x3000MM | 1200x1200MM | 1200x1800MM | 1200x2400MM | 1600x3200MM sizes and avail exciting offers today!
Tile & Sanitaryware Manufacturer
Sunwin Ceramic is a renowned manufacturer of tiles and sanitaryware, recognized for its high-quality products & innovative designs. With a strong presence in the industry, we established ourselves as a leading brand, offering a wide range of ceramic & porcelain tiles and sanitaryware solutions.
