Tilers
At the most basic level, a tiler is a professional contractor who specialises in tile installation. A tiler may install tile on bathroom walls and floors, as well as in kitchens, foyers or wherever else a building owner elects to have a tile surface.
Your tiler will tile and grout any areas required in your house to match the style and design you want. This includes the floors and walls in your desired colour and finish, whether they be ceramic, terracotta, mosaic, or granite tiles. Your tiler may also assist you in drain management surrounding your tiles.
Tiling is a job done with precision and attention to detail, so to be certain that you’re going to get the desired result, look for quality past work when getting quotes from tilers in your area.
Get free quotes from our qualified and licensed tradies Australia-wide.
Overview
- What do tilers do?
- Types of tiles
- Choosing the right tile
- What factors affect the cost of a tiling job?
- Questions to ask your tiler
- Can I DIY my tiling job?
What Do Tilers Do?
Tilers begin their work by determining how many tiles will be needed for a particular job. This is calculated based upon the size of the tile to be used and the surface that it must cover. The tiler then cuts the tiles to the right shapes and angles and prepares the work surface using methods such as sanding, cementing or plastering. The tiler then sets the tiles and applies the appropriate amount of grout to hold them in place.
There are a number of services tilers can provide. including, but not limited to:
- Measuring area that requires tiling
- Preparing the surfaces
- Cutting tiles the appropriate size
- Laying tiles with the right adhesive
- Applying grout
- Application of waterproofing
- Tile and grout cleaning
- Tile resurfacing
- Tile removal
Ultimately, tilers are qualified in a specialised service and it is always best to outsource renovation tasks such as this to a trained professional. Otherwise you risk attempting the job yourself only to have to call in a tiler to save the day, which could cost you more.
Types of Tiles
Tiles come in many shapes, sizes and colours. Choosing a tile is both a decorative and practical decision. You need to choose a tile that will stand up to years of use, while also choosing one that will meet your design needs. Your best bet in choosing the ideal tiling design is to discuss options with your tiler. They are experts on the topic and will have the inside scoop on current tiling trends. They can also consider your style and preferences to match you with a tile you are sure to love. The most common tile types are as follows:
- Ceramic tiles: Ceramic tiles are made from clay and can be glazed or unglazed.
- Slate tiles: Slate is a natural stone flooring material that is quarried from out of the earth, usually from mountains.
- Mosaic tiles:These types of tiles are mostly used in bathrooms. These are made from stone, glass or ceramic and are set into a base to create patterns and designs.
- Terracotta: If you want more earthy tones for your house, this is the best option. These tiles are unglazed and must be sealed
- Marble and granite: These tiles are again used in the bathroom and kitchen and are very low maintenance and quite durable.
- Porcelain: Porcelain comes in a glazed and matte finish which can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Natural stone tiles: These are quite organic-looking and make a great option for both homes and businesses.
Choosing the Right Tile
The type of tile that you choose will depend on two factors. The first is practical. You need to choose a tile that suits your needs and the size of your space. For instance, smaller mosaic tiles are a practical choice for a kitchen backsplash or shower wall. Large, square ceramic tiles can make a beautiful and practical kitchen floor.
When it comes to tiles, the colour variations are endless. Choose a tile colour that will coordinate with the current décor in your home. Tiling will totally revamp the look and feel of your bathroom scheme. For smaller spaces, using larger tiles can make the room feel bigger and more open. To make the room feel cosy, smaller, mosaic tiles can do the trick.
There are also many tile patterns that can add interest. Look for specific colours and prints which go with the aesthetic and mood of the room. The right colour selection can go a long way in making the room a better space.
What factors affect the cost of a tiling job?
There are a number of factors that will affect the cost of a tiler, including:
- Access to your property
- Complexity of your job
- Area size to be tiled
- Choice in materials
- Choice in tiler
Questions to Ask Your Tiler
Whether a tiler requires a licence depends on the state you live in. Most states do not require a licence but you should definitely consider proof of their qualifications and past work, whereas New South Wales does require a wall and tiling licence. It’s always a good idea to quickly jump onto your state’s government site and check the licensing laws as these may change regularly.
When you are hiring a tiler, make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:
- What range of services do you provide?
- Do you hold valid insurance?
- Can you provide a written quote?
- How long will my job take?
- Do you have references I can follow up?
Get 3 free quotes from local tilers today and be sure to interview potential tradespeople thoroughly, and view some of their work if possible. At Service.com.au, we verify businesses in order to assist our clients so that they can see which tiler has been recommended.
Can I DIY my Tiling job?
We strongly discourage any DIYers from taking on tiling jobs themselves. This is one of the most difficult skills to master in the building and renovation game. You risk ruining your bathroom or kitchen work and will probably need to enlist a tiler to fix it anyway.