Mike Holmes' Advice For Installing Tile And Preventing Cracks

Adding beautiful tile to a floor, wall, or backsplash is a great way to showcase artistry and elegance in a space. As a delicate material that is available in a variety of sizes, lengths, and formats (such as glass or ceramic), tile requires a meticulous installation that should ideally be done by a professional. It's important to remember that tile runs the risk of becoming cracked or damaged over time if not properly installed. Luckily, professional contractor and star of HGTV Canada Mike Holmes has valuable expert tips for DIYers undertaking a tile install project themselves.

"The surface that you lay tiles on needs to be stable and relatively even before installing any tile onto the subfloor," Holmes explains on his website. "The subfloor will expand and contract as you walk on it, especially if you have some structural issues, or your joists are spaced too widely apart." A level surface will ensure that the tile will not protrude from its place and come loose. Additionally, it will make your tile installation appear more even and uniform, and if you find an unsightly chip in your floor tile, the level surface will make it much easier to replace rather than having to redo the entire installation.

An uneven subfloor or surface could cause issues, so you might want to consider pouring a self-leveling compound over your floor if it is flat but not quite level. You may also need to apply a primer before the self-leveling mixture to protect against moisture. The compound will also add an extra layer of strength to keep tiles bonded in place and prevent cracking.

Now that you have established the correct surface to install your tile on, it is time to pick the right tools to complete the job. Grout is essential when installing tile and should not be overlooked. Aside from making your tile look better, it fills gaps and helps prevent your tiles from moving around or coming undone. Grout is available in a variety of colors, so homeowners can go with a classic white or a darker shade to disguise any imperfections. The most important thing to know is how to properly grout your tile. Be sure not to skip over any steps during the process.

When laying tile, you must leave the right amount of space between tiles so you can grout with ease. Don't space them too close so that enough grout can fill the gaps and securely keep each tile in place. On the flip side, don't space your tiles too far apart either, or they could shift and look uneven. Make sure the grout lines are straight and aligned so everything looks uniform. Grouting is a big undertaking but one that needs to be done correctly to make sure that your tiles don't pop out of place. Once the project is complete, your tiles will be strong enough to live in your space for years and years to come.