Common Mosaic Errors

Laying ceramic, porcelain, or marble tile can be a great DIY project. However, there are some common mistakes that can make you look like a beginner. Avoid these pitfalls and your mosaic project will look like the pros!

inadequate preparation– Preparing the floor is the most overlooked step in tile laying, yet it is essential for a professional job. The substrate must be clean and level to obtain a good final result. Weak subfloors must be reinforced with cement backer boards or additional framing to support the weight of the tiles, adhesive, and grout, or your floor will crack.

Poor design planning – It is important to do a “drill” and lay the tiles first, especially in small spaces or with irregular shapes. In some cases, it seems best to start with a full tile on the most visible wall, while in others it makes more sense to center everything. If you end up with less than half a tile at each end, change the layout a half tile to get larger tiles around the edges.

Uneven spacing/crooked lines – Again, planning is everything! Measure carefully and draw chalk lines down the center of the room as a starting guide. Then use rubber spacers to get perfectly aligned tiles. After the first few tiles/rows, check your alignment with a long straight edge or level.

Using the wrong adhesive – You must first choose the correct type of thin-set mortar for the application, then you must mix it correctly according to the package directions. Finally, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct trowel size, which is based on the size of your tiles. Avoid pre-mixed putty sold in big box stores for flooring projects.

grout mist – You must clean the grout well as you go. For a small bathroom, you can grout the entire floor and then clean, but for a larger area, work in a small area and clean it well before continuing. After a first cleaning with a damp sponge, you should use a clean sponge for a second cleaning. This will save you a lot of headaches later on.

If you follow this advice, no one will ever know that your mosaic was a DIY job. For even more tips and tricks and great deals on tile flooring, check out our Tile Installation Guide.