How to Remove Kitchen Tiles in 6 Easy Steps

Here at Raynesway Tile Warehouse, we know just how stressful it can be choosing new kitchen tiles, which is why we’re so passionate about providing an excellent service. As a family-run business, we pride ourselves on the warm atmosphere we’ve created in our showroom, and we know this is one of the reasons we’ve got such an incredible reputation that we do our best to maintain.

Our team of tile and bathroom specialists are on hand to offer expert advice and provide professional support every step of the way. We’ll be sure to discuss your needs, talk you through the benefits of each of our tiles, and help you find the ideal solution based on your requirements and personal preferences.

A common question that we get asked is how to go about removing tiles without damaging the wall. For those more DIY inclined, below we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide.

How to safely remove kitchen tiles: A quick step-by-step guide

Occasionally there will be signs of water damage, for example, and your tiles will need replacing and, in order to do so, your original tiles will need to be removed. The process of removing kitchen tiles is relatively straightforward, but it can be dangerous, so if you’re thinking of removing your tiles yourself, ensure you have the right protective equipment to protect yourself – namely, eye protection or safety glasses, a long-sleeved shirt, knee pads, and gloves for sharp pieces.

Step One: Remove a single tile

To remove a single tile, begin by sticking a piece of masking tape over the centre of the tile to stop the drill bit from slipping on the tile surface.

Step Two: Create a hole in the tile

Using your drill and the correct drill bit, create a small hole in the tile, taking care not to drill into the entire wall. Then you can remove the masking tape from the tile.

Step Three: Grout removal

Remove the grout from around the tile using a grout removal tool. Note that the grout around wall tiles is often thinner than the grout around the tile floor, so work gently to ensure you don’t cut through to the wall or any adjacent tiles.

You may decide to do this step first instead by scraping the grout away with a utility knife. You don’t need to scrape away every last bit of grout, but you do need to get rid of enough that the spacers are visible to make the tile removal as easy as possible.

Step Four: Remove the broken tile

The next step is to use a hammer and chisel to chip away the broken tile fragments. Start at the centre of the tile and work out towards the edge until you have removed the complete tile.

Step Five: Remove old adhesive

Now you’ll want to make sure all of the old adhesive is removed using a floor scraper or a hammer and chisel, depending on how difficult the adhesive is to remove. You might not be able to remove all of the glue and grout, but make sure the surface is even enough that installing a new tile is feasible.

Step Six: Create a clean and dry surface

The final step is to brush away any remaining dust with a clean cloth, preferably a microfibre cloth, until the surface is completely clear, ready for new tiles to be applied. If you can see any spacers, now is the time to remove them using a chisel or similar. Get your new kitchen tiles by visiting our bathroom showroom in Derby

Now you know how to remove your tiles, it’s time to decide what ceramic tiles you want. Be sure to visit our Derby showroom if you’re looking for high-quality tiles at affordable prices. Pop into our showroom where you can speak to one of our experienced tile experts today or get in touch using our contact form.

How to make your bathroom look bigger in 8 steps

For many of us, bathrooms can feel like a bit of a lacklustre space – we go in, do what we need to do, and get out. Typically, bathrooms are solely functional rooms, which means they are often small, cramped, and in need of a facelift.

However, this shouldn’t have to be the case!

Bathrooms have the potential to be luxurious, relaxing, and rejuvenating spaces. For this, there are several tips and tricks for making even the smallest bathroom look spacious with a choice of high-quality tiles and bathroom products.

So, before you head over to our Derby bathroom showroom to pick out all the things you need, here is all you need to know about how to make your bathroom look bigger in 8 simple steps.

1. Stick to lighter colours and neutral tones 

Light colours, especially white and ivory, give the illusion of a room being light and airy, even if in reality it is quite small. So, to make your bathroom look bigger than it is, opt for a light tile and wall colour, such as white paint, white grout lines, light fixtures, and white porcelain tiles.

However, by no means do you have to stick to white – you can offset the lighter colour with coloured tiles, coloured towels, a bright decorative accessory or two, bold colours on the wall, and bathroom fixtures in natural colours and materials. If bright colours aren’t your cup of tea, you can also go for a lighter tile with a texture – making the room pop with a tactile element rather than a statement colour.

2. Tile all the way up to the ceiling 

Another way to make your bathroom appear larger is to draw the eye upwards. To do this, consider installing wall tiles all the way up to the ceiling.

When browsing our tile collection in our Derby bathroom showroom, you might also check out larger tiles than you were initially thinking, as this can draw the eye outwards as well as upwards, giving the impression of the room being taller and wider than it is.

3. Consider whether a bath is really necessary 

Take a moment to consider your personal perspective about your bathroom space. If you don’t feel the absolute need for a bathtub, this can save you a lot of floor space in your bathroom.

There are many fantastic bathroom shower ideas that can give you even more of a luxurious spa feel than a bath whilst taking up half the space. If you do opt for a shower instead, opt for a clear glass shower screen to make the space feel bigger.

4. Get creative with your storage 

Having clutter rattling around your bathroom can really reduce the square footage of your bathroom space – not to mention that a messy bathroom isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing. Clever bathroom cabinets, bathroom furniture and bathroom fixtures are not only fantastic practical solutions but are a brilliant idea to create extra space in your bathroom.

To maximise your space, consider putting storage in the nooks and crannies and awkward spaces you don’t already use. There are plenty of options when it comes to useful storage hacks a to give you additional space, including putting storage under your sink, building recessed shelving into the walls, utilising drawer dividers, and including magnetic strips on the backs of cabinet doors for your razors, tweezers, metallic makeup brushes, and other small bathroom products.

5. If you can’t go out, go up! 

If you don’t have much floor space, make the most of your wall space by opting for bathroom products that can be attached to the wall. From a wall-hung unit to open shelving, tall and thin cabinets, or even mounting vanity units on the wall, there are several ways that you can increase the usable space in your bathroom with this technique.

6. Opt for bright lighting 

When we discussed colour schemes above, one thing is clear – the key is to make the room lighter and brighter. So, what better way to do this than to amp up your light sources? Maximise the amount of natural light by widening your window, moving things away from the windowsill, and getting rid of any bulky window dressings that could be blocking natural light even when they are open.

If your bathroom still feels quite dark, then it’s time to add in some new light sources. If your bathroom is on the top floor of your house, you might consider a skylight. If not, update your light fixtures to brighter ceiling and down lights.

7. Utilise mirrors 

Bathroom mirrors are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your room look larger. Go for the biggest mirror you can, or many smaller ones, depending on your preferred design aesthetic. As the mirrors will reflect the room back to you, this will create the illusion that the room is twice as big as it actually is. Though it won’t, of course, be quite as effective, you might achieve a comparable result with shiny, glazed tiles.

8. Avoid breaking up the space 

Even if your room isn’t small, if you have visual barriers such as shower curtains, frosted glass dividers, radiators, or even extra walls, this can break up space and thus make it look a lot smaller. To make the room seem larger, simply make it as open plan as you can. For some, a wet room with heated flooring might be the best option, whereas for others simply taking down a half wall will do the trick.

Get expert advice by visiting our bathroom showroom in Derby

If you are looking for more bathroom ideas, recommendations on bathroom products, or expert tips and tricks for your bathroom designs, look no further than Raynesway Tile Warehouse.

Whether you are a single or family household, have a small bathroom or a larger space, are looking for a traditional bathroom or are partial to sanctuary bathrooms, our friendly and knowledgeable experts are always on hand to help you get the perfect bathroom, making the most of your entire space.

Visit our Derby bathroom showroom or get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help you.

DIY Tips: Can You Tile Over Tiles?

It goes without saying that moving into a brand-new home or completing a home renovation can be as equally stressful as it is exciting. This can lead us to consider options that help to cut down on time, effort, expenses, and – not to be overlooked – mess.

One idea you might be thinking of exploring is to tile over your current tiles. But how can you do it? And, even more importantly, is it a good idea? Let’s take a look.

Is it possible to tile over old tiles?

The short answer to the question: yes, you can! However, the real question is why?

Tiling over other tiles can save you time, effort, and money when undertaking a renovation, not to mention eliminating the risks associated with the equipment and tools used to remove tiles, like an angle grinder.

However, if you go down this route, you must follow these guidelines.

Make sure that your existing tiles are secure 

To tile over tile, you must first make sure that your current tiles are secure on the wall. Check to see whether you have any loose tiles and that your original tiles are properly bonded to the wall with tile adhesive.

Is the surface flat?

You should also take a look at your original wall finish and texture. If you have an uneven surface, tiling over tiles might not be the best way forward. However, bathroom floor tiles with straight lines and a flat edge might be more suitable, as you need a flat surface to tile effectively.

Clean the tiles thoroughly 

Use a soap or degreaser that is specifically designed for cleaning tiles. If the surface is not clean, the adhesive for the new tiles will not be able to properly bond with the individual tiles.

Consider the space you might lose 

Adding a new layer of wall tile or floor tiles will reduce the volume of your bathroom. Thus, it is important to consider how this might affect your sink, bath, shower fittings, and the overall layout of the room.

Will the new tiles stick to the existing tiles

It is suggested that you coat the existing tiles with a slurry coat or primer grip product. This adheres to the existing surface and leaves a tacky surface for your new adhesive to stick too.

Get the right tools for the job 

Make sure you have the correct adhesive and grouting for your particular tiling job and desired aesthetics. This means getting floor tile adhesive for your bathroom floor, as well as the right shade of grout for your grout lines.

Where can I purchase tile products to complete the job?

At Raynesway Tile Warehouse, we have a team of friendly, approachable, and informative tile experts that are always on hand to help. Whether you visit our showroom or take a look at our DIY products online, we will be happy to ensure you get all the right products to complete the job.

We have a wide range of kitchen and bathroom tiles available for you to choose from, including ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, and even mosaic tiles. They come in a wide selection of different colours, textures, shapes, and sizes, and can be arranged in numerous different designs. With us, you can rest assured that you will find something to suit every aesthetic!

Visit our tile showroom in Derby for more advice and products

If you are unsure about whether tiling over your tiles will be the best option for you, don’t worry – we can help! Our team boasts many years of experience, assisting you in picking the perfect tiles for your new bathroom, and advising you on whether you should remove your current tiles or tile over the top.

To continue your search to find out if tiling over tiles is the best solution for you, visit our showroom for inspiration and advice in Derby, call us on 01332 49 21 06, or email us at sales@rtwderby.co.uk.

Is Bathroom Underfloor Heating Worth It?

As products go, bathroom underfloor heating is pretty up there with how innovative it is. Once installed, you can remove conventional radiator systems and use this type of floor heating product instead. Simply adjust the temperature setting and enjoy the gentle distribution of heat that is emitted from underneath your floor surface.

At Raynesway Tile & Bathroom Warehouse, we have helped plenty of people across Derby, and the nearby areas of Belper and Ashbourne, with these modern bathroom heating solutions. And, while our customers are very happy with the heating experience, a question we often get asked at the start of the process is: “Are they worth it?”.

So, in today’s blog, we thought we’d answer that exact question, and provide you with a list of pros and cons so that you can decide for yourself whether or not a conductive floor finish is worth it. To learn more about our range of floor tilesclick vinyl, or our ability to give your bathroom suite a new lease of lifecontact us today by phone on 01332 492 106 or email us at sales@rtwderby.co.uk.

Is This Bathroom Heating System Worth The Money?

While we are biased, we think it is worth it, especially if you’re planning on installing new flooring material (such as bathroom tiles) and renovating that room anyway. Our team can supply the underfloor heating as part of the bathroom refurb project so you’ll literally feel the heat benefits on your bare feet before you know it. Twin it with a smart underfloor heating thermostat and you can set the perfect temperature any time of the day or night. Here at Raynesway Tile & Bathroom Warehouse, we only supply the underfloor products, we do not install them.

Traditional conductors of heat such as bulky radiators are all well and good, and cheaper to install. However, in the long run, the annual costs will far exceed the underfloor heating cost. That’s because you’re working with a more modern, more energy-efficient product. Floor heaters only need to be heated up to around 30 degrees to effectively heat a room, whereas a conventional heater would need to go much higher (typically around 75 degrees) before you felt a benefit. Not only does this make this form of heating more expensive, but it also makes it more dangerous, especially around small children.

The Pros And Cons Of This Type Of Flooring

Pros

Underfloor heating systems distribute heat evenly across the entire bathroom, meaning no cold spots.

Enjoy a minimalist look without bulky radiators, or create more space for other pieces of furniture.

During those cold winter mornings, ditch the fluffy slippers and instead enjoy the feel of an underfloor heater.

Cons

This installation process can be expensive in properties where the room needs to be retrofitted for this type of heating system. This is because a lot of work has to be done in the floor space to make it suitable.

While the heat is far more energy-efficient, it does take a little while longer to come on. By programming the smart thermostat, however, you can avoid this waiting period and ensure it’ll be warm when you wake up or return from holiday, for example.

How We Can Help Here At Raynesway Tile & Bathroom Warehouse

So, bar a mildly inconvenient installation process, and the need to get to grips with a new thermostat, there really are no drawbacks to investing in this bathroom heating solution.

Our team can walk you through every step and will ensure the supplying process is simple and pain-free. We draw on years of experience are able to supply the underfloor products in good time. Before long, you’ll be enjoying the low running costs and gentle heat distribution.

To begin your journey toward an underfloor heating haven, get in touch with us by giving us a call on 01332 492 106 or email us at sales@rtwderby.co.uk.

6 Bathroom Renovation Ideas That Will Increase Your House Price

Raynesway Tile and Bathroom Warehouse

A bathroom remodel, bathroom renovation or simply the addition of some stylish bathroom decor can really make this oft-neglected part of your house somewhere you look forward to spending time. As well as having a luxury bathroom to enjoy, a recently renovated traditional bathroom or contemporary bathroom can add real value to your wonderful home. So, with that in mind, we’ve come up with 6 of the best ideas that you can use to completely transform your bathroom. From walk-in showers, stunning mirrors and gorgeous bathroom tiles, we have all the advice!

Invest In A Walk-in Shower

If you think that you’ve got a bit of a dated bathroom then one of the quickest ways you can bring it into the here and now is by investing in a good quality walk-in shower, preferably with one of those large rain shower heads fitted directly over the person. If you live in areas with hard water or suffer from limescale then showers can tend to look a little dingy. Thankfully there are so many shower types to invest in. Whichever one you choose, it is sure makes your bathroom look more inviting and the perfect place to unwind.

Boost Your Storage Areas!

You can never have enough space in your bathroom. If you want to increase your resale value then you can’t go wrong with focusing on offering up as much storage space as possible. This extra space will be a huge pull for potential buyers, especially families who all need to find places for all their bathroom items. If you have a gap in your bathroom then why not put up some simple shelving units? Or purchase a free-standing cupboard that can house your essentials, both are perfect examples of how a little can go a long way.

Give Your Bathroom A Stunning New Colour Scheme

For those on a budget, a new colour scheme can, quite literally, brighten up your entire bathroom! Whether you opt for neutral shades for a classic look, something that helps aid the natural light, or you fancy going wild and treating yourself to bright colours to give off a trendy contemporary bathroom feel the choice is all yours.

Install Good Quality Mirrors

We’ve all been there, getting ready to head out for the day, be it work or an evening out with a loved one and not having a really good mirror to help you look your best – it’s infuriating! This is why installing a mirror that offers up a glamorous glow can really help push a sale over the line. There is so much choice when it comes to mirrors from traditional framed mirrors and brass mirrors to more contemporary frameless mirrors. It shouldn’t take you long to find the perfect one.

Let There Be Light!

As well as mirrors, light fixtures that drown the bathroom in a really beautiful light is always a plus. As well as natural light, light fixtures can add some serenity and zen to your bathroom. So, show off what a calming, relaxing your bathroom is to potential buyers and invest in some lights.

Get Some Bathroom Tiles Installed By Raynesway Tile Warehouse

Now, we might be biased but as bathroom renovation ideas go, we can’t think of a better one than purchasing some stunning bathroom tiles. From large porcelain tiles, ceramic patterned tiles, mosaic wall tiles and natural stone tiles, our range of bathroom decor can take a dated bathroom and turn into a luxury bathroom that is sure to catch the eye of any potential buyer.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in a bathroom renovation or general home renovation and are looking for a company that has a wealth of experience in tiles then Raynesway Tile Warehouse are the people for you. If you’re a homeowner in Derby, Ilkeston, Beeston or the wider East Midlands Area and want either wall tiles, kitchen tilesfloor tiles, ceramic tiles or underfloor heating for your wonderful home or new designer bathroom then get in touch with the team at Raynesway Tile Warehouse today!

How to Keep Your Kitchen Clean During the Coronavirus Lockdown

Raynesway Tile and Bathroom Warehouse

It has ground the economy to halt, kept us indoors and has had people scrambling for the essentials at their local supermarkets. It’s no secret that the Coronavirus outbreak has changed all our lives in recent weeks. 

As well as these global issues, the Coronavirus pandemic has also made us look closer to home about how we can be more hygienic in our homes and in particular our kitchens. So, today we thought we’d talk about some top tips to make sure you’ve got a clean, Coronavirus-free kitchen.

Before You Use Your Kitchen, Make Sure It’s Clean

Don’t start cooking until you’ve cleaned your kitchen – not only will put you in the right headspace to create a culinary masterpiece but by cleaning your kitchen surfaces you’ll also be getting rid of any foodborne illnesses, virus particles and those lingering dishes you’ve been meaning to put in the dishwasher. 

And don’t worry, to clean your kitchen, you don’t really need anything special, simple soap and warm water are incredibly effective at defeating most viruses including the novel Coronavirus. 

Get Yourself A Clean Routine In Place

We’re all better when we’ve got a routine, floating from one thing to the other isn’t always the most productive or effective way to go about your business. The same can be said for cleaning your kitchen. 

Having a routine will ensure your cleaning products are getting used and kitchen surfaces are being cleaned. Further to that, having a clean routine means you won’t be using a towel or j-cloth that has already been used to clean food-preparation surfaces. In short, it keeps things in order and prevents cross-contamination

Wash Your Hands… And Use A Clean, Dry Dishtowel To Clean Them

We’ve been told it a million times since the first case was reported in the UK… wash your hands! And not just ‘wash your hands’, but wash them for 20 seconds with hot soapy water. Why? Well, not only is it the right, hygienic thing to do but it has also been shown that the novel Coronavirus outbreak has a fatty outer membrane (also known as a lipid) around each cell which is easily broken down and disrupted by soap and water – so by washing your hands you’re actually helping to flush the Coronavirus pandemic down the plughole!

When it comes to cooking, you should be washing your hands every time you’ve touched raw or uncooked meat, uncooked food, oily food or anything else that may have virus particles or foodborne illnesses present.

Transfer Food To Clean Containers

Once you’ve finished cooking up a storm be sure to transfer your food, be it fresh or leftovers, to clean containers that can be stored in the fridge or freezer for a long time. Doing this prevents it being left out on the side, attracting nasty bugs and making things inedible.

Further to that, it might be a good idea to move dried foods, grains, cereals and other cupboard items to clean containers. By doing this you’re all but guaranteeing there are no virus particles or nasty respiratory viruses on your containers.

If you’re unable to disinfect cardboard containers, packages and clean cans then the advice says you can leave them in a cupboard for 3-4 days as these materials aren’t exactly a fun place for the Coronavirus outbreak to live.

All this is just part of good food preparation, food safety and common sense!

Don’t Forget To Have Clean Floors

We walk on them, our pets walk on them, we drop stuff on them and yet it’s the last thing we think to clean. Making sure you’ve got clean floors is just as important as having clean kitchen countertops. All sorts of remaining germs are living there and it’s important to clean them, and your kitchen tiles, even if it’s just with warm, soapy water.

If you can use a disinfectant solution, a disinfectant spray or similar cleaning product, then that will provide the most thorough clean but as we said, warm soapy water on your floor tiles is just as effective. 

Don’t Bend Over Backwards To Clean, Adjust To Your Schedule!

We all lead busy lives (not so busy now, of course, thanks to quarantine, social distancing and predominantly working from home) and it’s important not to make cleaning your life’s work! It doesn’t have to look sparkling, smell amazing and gleam – as long as you have done all the basics and have put in a bit of elbow grease then you’ll have a clean, Coronavirus-free kitchen.

Keep Viral Wipes, Cleaning Aids And Cleaning Products Where You Can See Them

If all those items are at eye-level instead of tucked away at the back of the cupboard under the sink then it stands a chance that your clean routine will be kept spick and span. Having these items, especially viral wipes and disinfectant spray, around your kitchen countertops will ensure you’re able to quickly mop up that spillage, clean up that bit of food and wipe that spilt drink. All this will help remove any longer-lasting stains and remaining germs thus making your big clean easier and more manageable!

Looking To Revamp Your Kitchen With New Kitchen Tiles?

For over 25 years we have been helping the people of Derby, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, the areas of Burton upon Trent, Nottingham and the surrounding towns of the East Midlands fit stylish wall tiles, kitchen tiles, floor tiles, ceramic tiles and underfloor heating to their home.

If after reading this you feel inspired to revamp your kitchen and want a family-friendly company to supply modern, exciting new tiles then why not give Raynesway Tile and Bathroom Warehouse a call or drop us an email and let us know how we can help you

Planning Your Bathroom: How To Get It Right

While the kitchen may be the social hub of the home, the bathroom is most people’s place to get away from it all, relax and pamper. With this in mind, when you’re refurbishing your bathroom you want to make sure you get it right, and that takes careful planning. Here at Raynesway Tile Warehouse, we have seen plenty of bathrooms over the years, so here are our top tips to ensure you get your bathroom design right.

Layout

If you are simply refurbishing your old bathroom, it may be worth trying to stick to the original layout as closely as possible. If you want to swap your bath and toilet around, it will probably require major re-plumbing work and could increase your overall refurbishment costs.

Storage

Storage is essential in any bathroom, to avoid having all your personal hygiene products on display to the world. Invest in some wall mounted cupboards for one side, or if you’re working with a small room, insert a cabinet behind your mirror above the sink.

Tiling

It is vital that you choose your bathroom tiles carefully, as once they are in place it is very difficult to change them. Pick an overall colour scheme first, then select your tiles accordingly. Consider purchasing a couple of different coloured tiles to create a block effect, perhaps with one wall a different colour. We have a wide range of tiles to choose from at our warehouse in Raynesway.

Heating

Tiled flooring can be particularly cold, so we recommend underfloor heating for your bathroom to ensure your feet don’t get too chilly. It’s a very cost-effective heating solution, and eliminates the need for radiators allowing you more space. We will supply and fit underfloor heating across Ashbourne, Raynesway and Derby.

At Raynesway Tile Warehouse we don’t just offer tiles – we also provide bathroom units and accessories. If you’re refurbishing your bathroom in Ashbourne, get in touch today for more information. Visit our warehouse in Raynesway, call 01332 75 70 70 or contact us online.

Five Benefits of Using Ceramic Tile Flooring

When planning a new floor, different options on the market always tends to make the process a tad bewildering. Amongst the options available, ceramic tiles are one of the better choices. Originally known for its tough and enduring properties, the recent decorator effect has added an extra spice to the overall popularity of ceramic tiles. From colonial to contemporary, these tiles have all kinds of designs, styles and patterns to match every specific need and want of the users. These tiles have wide adaptability and can be easily combined in almost any setting, including kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, etc.

There are several reasons why ceramic tiles are so enduringly popular amongst most homeowners. Here is a rundown on why people keep on coming for the not-so-meek ceramic tiles.

1. Environmental-friendly

Ceramic tiles are made out of a combination of clay and other natural materials, and do not contain any kind of odour, allergens or harmful/ toxic chemicals. Even the most modern glazed and unglazed tiles are made by using natural vitreous coatings, thereby making them all green.

2. Can Virtually Install on Any Surface

Ceramic tiles are known for their extremely versatile nature. You can have these installed on almost any kind of home surface, provided the surface is evenly levelled. The creativity and imagination of a person are the only limitations to its adaptability. From dining room porches to the hearth of the fireplace, nearly any surface can be easily tiled, both indoors as well as outdoors.

3. Makes One an Artist

The market is full of ready-made ideas to get one’s creative juices flowing. With a wide range of colours and patterns available, you can mix and match the tiles with the walls, and contrast both in an artistic manner. With some wild imagination, you can create abstract creations that even Picasso would find impressive!

4. Easy Maintenance

Ceramic tiles are usually good at sticking to their bases; they do not tend to move from the spot they were installed. If combined with good and levelled grouting, normal sweeping and mopping is all it takes to keep them as good as new.

5. Excellent Investment

Ceramic tiles are not one of the cheapest options available in the market, but their durability and aesthetic value tend to provide adequate value for the money invested. The initial investment would easily get diluted over several years of stunning appearance and minimal maintenance.

To find out more about the benefits of ceramic tiles for your flooring get in touch with the team here at Raynesway Tile Warehouse on 01332 75 70 70.

DIY Advice: Top Tiling Tips For A Professional Finish

Tackling a tiling job in your home can seem like a daunting task, particularly if the room is large or you’ve not done any DIY tiling before, but it’s a straightforward process that, with enough care and the right amount of quality materials, anyone can take on.

With these top tips, and our range of high-quality tiles and tiling tools, you’ll be well on your way to a professional finish that’ll make your kitchen or bathroom shine.

Tip One: Preparation

Make sure you have more than enough tiles for the job – buy around 10% extra to give you spares in the event of breakages or future repairs

 

Make sure the surface you’re tiling is clean and dry

 

Apply sealant to any porous materials like plasterboard

 

If tiling a wall, use wooden battens to ensure your tiles are straight when applied.

 

Start from the centre and work our way outwards – that way, if you need to cut any tiles, these will be by wall or floor edges and give you an even look.

 

Finally, mix you’re your adhesive as per the manufacturer’s instructions and only use clean cold water – dirty or warm water can affect the adhesive’s effectiveness.

Tip Two: Tiling

With the right preparation, providing you work with care and don’t rush the job, the actual process of laying the tiles can be really straightforward and not really pose any problems. Get your ready mixed adhesive and apply it to the wall or floor covering 1m2. Apply your tiles with a firm twisting motion to ensure good and even contact with the surface – use tile spacers to ensure even spacing.

Leave any shaped or cut tiles until last, making sure you apply the tiles from the centre of the surface outwards to leave you with cut tiles at the edges rather than in the centre. Use a flatbed cutter for straight cuts, and a heavier tile saw for any tiles that need to be cut for things like pipework.

Tip Three: Grouting & Aftercare

 

After your tiles have all been fixed in place with the adhesive, you’ll need to leave them for at least 24 hours to allow them to dry before applying any grouting

 

It’s important to remember, though, that the adhesive will start drying long before this, so be sure to wipe down the tiles and your tools to avoid any issues with dried-on adhesive

 

When grouting, work the grout into the spaces between tiles and joints and remember to always wipe off any excess immediately before it has a change to dry

Finding The Right Tiles for You

Our Buyers Guide To Tiles

From choosing stylish new furniture to the overall colour scheme, redecorating can be a lot of fun. Infusing a room with your personality can make it feel more like home and that’s why choosing the correct design is important. Whether on the floor or walls, tiles make an excellent addition. With various choices available, we’ll look at the main 4 and help you decide which is right for you.

Ceramic Tiles

Various styles, patterns and designs to choose from.
Made from natural minerals so doesn’t release odour.
Requires little maintenance, just occasional sweeping and mopping.
Durable as difficult to crack and responds well to moisture, water and steam.
Works well in kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms.

Mosaic Tiles

Colourful, reflects light well and adds luxury to the room.
Available in various shapes and sizes.
Resistant to mould, stains and mildew.
Does require regular maintenance as dirt can turn the tiles black.
Durable as resistant to cracking unless directly hit.
Works well on walls, floors and countertops in kitchens and bathrooms.

Porcelain Tiles

Available in both neutral and colourful tones, which last for many years.
Stronger than other varieties due to being scratch-resistant.
Stain- and moisture-resistant.
Requires little maintenance as an occasional wipe with a damp cloth will do.
Increases your home’s value.
Works well on floors and walls in both the kitchen and bathroom.

Natural Stone Tiles

Adds a contemporary and elegant look to your room, no matter whether you choose slate, granite, limestone or marble for example.
Easy to clean and doesn’t attract dust, hair or minerals.
The best option to combine with underfloor heating, as it conducts heat well.
Durable as it’s both scratch- and abrasion-resistant.
Increases your home’s value.
Works well on floors, walls and countertops, both internally and externally.

We hope this post has helped made your tile choices easier. Still unsure? Our team have a wide range of experience within the tile industry and can offer you their expert advice. No matter the style or look you are aiming for, and the budget that you are working with, we can find you the perfect solution. Call us today on 01332 75 70 70 or visit us at our showroom at a time that suits you. We look forward to welcoming you.