Keep things simple to tile in style

Tiles are usually hardwearing and easy to clean – making them a no-nonsense flooring solution. However, they are not a cheap option and are a pretty permanent choice, so do some careful planning before making choices about the actual tiles you are going to install. The starting point is to understand the base upon which your tiles will be laid. The surface to be tiled needs to be flat to ensure an even finish and to prevent stress cracks appearing. Time invested at this stage will ensure the longevity of your tiling investment.

Walls may need to be re-skimmed or re-plastered if they are particularly uneven. The treatment for floors depends upon your base.

You cannot tile directly onto floor-boards as the natural movement will cause tiles to crack and dislodge. Therefore, lay a complete covering of marine ply which should be screwed down every six inches. A cement floor is perfect for tiling upon provided that it is level: if not, use a self-levelling compound to easily resolve.

One of the best surfaces to tile upon is actually tile itself, but bear in mind any differing in room threshold levels when tiling floors.

Colour choice is probably the next most important decision. Always consider tiles a long-term solution and, therefore, build in maximum flexibility with your shade decision. Personally, I would always avoid highly-patterned or strong toned tiles which can tie you into a specific colour scheme indefinitely.

Naturals and plainer tones provide a great background without limiting your colour choices and can look superb when mixed with small amounts of detail in ceramic, glass or even metals for a more contemporary feel.

The important consideration is to keep your colour palette simple to avoid overloading the senses.

The only advice I would offer with regards to the finish you choose is to be very aware that glossy tiles may look nice on the floor, but can be a slip hazard in wet areas such as bathroom floors.

When it comes to the type of tile that you choose there are a few points to consider. Generally, most natural stones (such as travertine and marble) are suitable for either floors or walls. When using ceramic tiles check with your merchant if they have been designed for a specific use.

You also need to consider durability. Some ceramic tiles only have the finish or pattern on the surface, rather than through the entire depth; this is not an issue for walls, but in high traffic areas such as hallways is something to seek advice on. Terracotta is soft and porous, so is not advised for a kitchen floor, unless you are looking to create a distressed antique look which will age and colour naturally.

When choosing natural stones it is important to be aware that samples may be different from the stock you actually receive. To avoid too much difference, always ask for a stock, rather than a showroom sample. Remember individual tiles will differ dramatically and appreciate that this is both the nature and the beauty of natural products.

Before making a final decision on any tile bring home a sample to view in the actual environment that it will be installed, rather than in showroom conditions.

You are going to want to love your surface for ever and there is nothing as important with tiling as a good finish. It can be a totally false economy to undertake a job like this without previous experience. A good tiler is worth the money and is likely to help minimise the amount of tiles that you will need to purchase in the first place. As a guideline you could expect to pay around £35- £45 per square meter depending upon the complexity of the job and location, plus additional costs for adhesives and grouts. One final tip when designing a floor is to consider creating a skirting board from the tile that you are using. It helps integrate your design and is perfect for mopping!

TILING TIPS AND TRICKS

When tiling a small area follow some simple rules to help increase the feeling of space.

Avoid heavy patterns and choose a plain, simple finish ideally in one colour. Use this throughout your area.

Using large tiles can not only make the job of tiling quicker, but will help elongate the sight lines.

Random patterns can be more difficult to lay and require more planning in the purchasing stage, but can give the visual illusion of space; particularly when used on floors.