Do It Yourself Bathrooms

Wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor tiling may be easy to wash and practical but it can also be so, so boring.  A great way to jazz up the design of your haven of peace is to add decorative tile accents.  Purpose made bull-nose or raised motif mural tiles are on display at your local tile emporium.  Typically as wide as a tile but only one or two inches high, these details are designed to complement the design of a specific range of tiles.  However there are no hard and fast rules and you should feel free to mix and match.

Only a couple of words of warning; try, somehow, to assemble a running yard or so of the tile and the decorative tile accent as this may give you a whole different perspective on the choice.  Also go for contrast rather that matching colors since tiling has a reputation for variability batch-to-batch.

Grouting tiles must rank amongst the most tedious of DIY tasks but with a few special tools it can be relatively quick and straightforward.  First choose your grout; most people opt for white or grey but colors are available for those with an artistic flair.  Grout is a very abrasive substance so cover ceramic surfaces and block up drains to prevent damage and blockage.  Never mix more grout than you can easily use in fifteen to twenty minutes otherwise the grout will begin curing and will be useless.  For large tiled areas use a rubber faced float to spread the grout and force it between the tiles. Sweep the float diagonally across the tiles holding it at an angle of 45 degrees.  For awkward corners use a finger or a small spreader.  Clean all tile surfaces when the grout is partially cured. A plastic spatula will add the finishing touch.

You may have seen different types of tile at your supplier and wondered what the benefits and drawbacks might be.  Most ceramic tiles are classified as Non-Vitreous, Semi Vitreous or Vitreous.  These names refer to their ability to soak up water.  Most wall tiles are classified as Non-Vitreous as they have a low density and they are only suitable for indoor use, Semi- Vitreous and Vitreous are stronger tiles and are used for indoor floors and some outdoor applications and some are described as Frost Proof.

Impervious tiles are generally made from porcelain which is a type of ceramic tile manufactured from a special mixture of clays and fired at very high temperatures.  This makes an extremely dense and strong tile that is exceptionally hard and resistant to water and staining.  Porcelain tile is tougher than granite and can be used in all outdoor applications as well as indoor applications.