Choosing a beautiful tile is just the beginning of a spectacular looking tile job. You will also need to choose a grout that accentuates your tile choice. Prior planning to ensure tile-leveling and grout lines are perfect is another step that must not be overlooked. Use of the right products, plus planning and preparation, will quickly separate a good tile job from a tile job that is impeccable in looks and functionality.
Prepping & Planning to Ensure Proper Tile-Leveling and Grout Lines
The time to consider tile leveling and grout lines that are perfect is during the planning process. In non-square rooms, you will want to plan your tile cuts. The most stunning tile cuts are those that seem natural and look symmetrical. When possible, try to save the tile you will need to cut for non-prominent walls and balance the cuts, so they’re not too small. A two-inch cut tile, especially from a large tile or tiles with a pattern, looks conspicuous and out of whack with the rest of the wall or floor.
The same is true for fixtures and drains. You might not have as much choice when renovating an old bathroom or other room as you would in a new build because everything’s installed, and drains can’t be adjusted. But try to plan the cut for a new drain or fixture so as much of the pattern is intact as possible, or the fixture is centered rather than off to one side.
Another consideration for patterned tile is transitions at corners. Make sure patterns will come together rather than create a conspicuous combination of patterns. Proper planning will allow the tile pattern to flow through the corners and create an aesthetic and artistic eye-catching seam.
Ensuring Proper Tile-Leveling and Grout Lines During Installation
When using a thin set, be sure to let it cure for a full day before grouting. Many contractors and installers pay little mind to grout; it’s mostly an afterthought. However, an impeccable tile job deserves a great grout. When mixing the grout, twirl the bucket and ensure, with a margin trowel, all the dry powder is mixed. While your grout is slaking, vacuum out the empty grout lines. Your grouting job will go much smoother, because you will have removed dust, debris and dried thin set. Now, remix your grout with a few swirls, to ensure your grout has the consistency of peanut butter – creamy, not chunky!
Now, smear the grout onto the tile diagonally, which will push it into the grout lines. Apply the grout upward along vertical lines. Now that you’ve filled all the grout lines, clean up the excess grout by sweeping your float over the surface, and finish with a moistened sponge.
When the tile surface is clean, tool the grout lines with a clean, moist sponge, so you have consistent, smooth grout lines. Finish your clean-up after a 30-minute break, with a microfiber towel, to remove the grout haze. But, don’t forget to save some grout for repairs and to caulk the inside corners. There, doesn’t that look marvelous?
Contact Tell Projects
If you’re like most of us, you’re probably nervous about your first tile job. That’s OK. If you’re too nervous, unsure of yourself or if you’ll have enough time to finish, call the professionals at Tell Projects, (832) 730-2471. Our professionals can give you that impeccable tile job you’ve lain awake imagining. For tile-leveling and grout lines that are straight as an arrow (forgive the cliché), get the help you need at Tell Projects, by email, info@tellprojectstx.com.
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