BED THICKNESS EXPLAINED

By Tal  |  2024-03-05  |   | views

This article explores the critical aspects of tile installation, focusing on the importance of achieving the correct bed thickness using an appropriate notched trowel. It delves into factors such as substrate levelness, compensating for imperfections, and the influence of tile size on bed thickness requirements. The piece also highlights techniques like "levelling up" and "double trowelling" for specific scenarios, emphasizing the significance of trowel notch size. It concludes by stressing the importance of selecting the right adhesive and considering project-specific factors for a successful tile installation. [...]

CALCULATING TILE ADHESIVE

By Tal  |  2024-03-05  |   | views

This article emphasizes the importance of precise calculations when determining the amount of tile adhesive needed for a project. It begins by outlining steps to measure the installation area and recommends adding 10% for potential errors or extra tiles. The article stresses the influence of various factors such as tile size, substrate levels, environmental conditions, and workmanship on adhesive requirements. The inclusion of large format tiles and the technique of "double trowelling" are highlighted. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of selecting the correct TAL adhesive for the project and referencing the manufacturer's instructions on the bag. Technical advice and support contact details are provided for further assistance. [...]

TROWEL SIZE COUNTS!

By Tal  |  2024-03-05  |   | views

Unravel the significance of selecting the right trowel for your tile installation project with this comprehensive guide. Delving into the nuances of trowel notches and their impact on adhesive application, the article navigates through the size and spacing of trowel teeth, offering insights into TAL's 6mm square-notch, 10mm square-notch, and 20mm round-notch trowels. Emphasizing the dual-edged feature for adhesive spreading, the guide explains how the chosen trowel size influences the thickness of the adhesive bed beneath the tile, vital for a successful installation. Explore the intricacies of adhesive thickness, bed thickness, and the role of workmanship in achieving optimal results. [...]

Tools For Large Format Tiles

By Tal  |  2024-01-30  |   | views

This article delves into the intricacies of installing large format tiles, emphasizing the importance of having the right tools for a seamless and professional outcome. Exploring tools such as suction cup holders, tile cutters, levelling spacers, suitable adhesive trowels, and compact vibrators, it provides insights into their role in overcoming challenges associated with large tile installations. The piece highlights the significance of maintaining a flat and level surface, addressing manufacturing tolerances, and offers practical advice on achieving precision and efficiency. The inclusion of must-have tools and their specific functions aims to guide both professionals and DIY enthusiasts towards successful large format tile projects. [...]

Tips for using Tile Spacers

By Tal  |  2024-01-17  |   | 250438 views

Tile spacers give a tile installation a symmetrical and consistent finish. [...]

8 Tiling Layouts That Will Transform Your Space

By Tal  |  2024-01-16  |   | views

The blog titled "8 TILING LAYOUTS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE" by Tal, dated 2024, guides readers through the transformative power of tile layouts in shaping the ambiance of a room. Tal emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions based on personal style, room purpose, and desired aesthetics. The blog covers four popular floor layouts and four popular wall layouts, providing insights into their effects on space and recommending considerations for successful installations. [...]

FIVE TOP TIPS FOR TILING AROUND A FIRE PIT

By Tal  |  2021-09-02  |   | views

Is there anything more South African than sharing the inviting glow of a fire pit? A tiled fire pit is a popular feature in many homes but it requires a suitable installation system to ensure a long-lasting result. Read on for our 5 top tips for this project. [...]

TOP 4 TILING TIPS FOR INSTALLING LARGE FORMAT TILES

By Tal  |  2021-02-08  |   | views

There is much discussion about large format tiles in the market as they grow in popularity, but what is a large format tile? By rough definition, a large format tile has at least one edge with a length greater than 600mm or a facial area greater than 3500cm², therefore a tile measuring 600 x 600mm or larger, is considered a large format tile. [...]

Checklist for replacing cracked or broken tiles in your home

By Tal  |  2019-04-02  |   | 105957 views

Avoid those last-minute runs to the hardware store by making sure that you have everything you need before you begin. Here is the list of tools, products and protective equipment that you’ll need to complete each step in this project. [...]

4 Key considerations when specifying for a tile over tile installation

By Tal  |  2019-01-17  |   | 5537 views

Keeping the doors open during renovations is key for any business, especially for retail and commercial spaces that don’t have an annual shutdown during which to affect the change. That’s why tiling over existing tiles makes good financial sense, as trading can continue during the project. The main benefits include less mess and noise from chipping up the old tiles, reduced costs associated with removal of the existing flooring, and the project is faster overall. However, when specifying for a tile over tile installation, there are some key considerations to ensure a successful project. [...]

Top 6 considerations before hiring a tiling contractor

By Tal  |  2019-01-15  |   | 80105 views

The cost of correcting a poor tiling installation is considerable, so before hiring a tiling contractor, it’s advisable to do some homework to make sure you have the right partner. [...]

Budget planning for DIY tiling

By Tal  |  2018-05-23  |   | 56885 views

Tiling your home is a big decision and costs are always a concern. Planning is key in order to get the result that you want and keep to your budget, whether on a DIY project, or if you hire a tiler. If you have decided to tile your home, you will need to make provision for the following items to complete your DIY tiling installation successfully: [...]

Tips for tiling around a fire pit

By Tal  |  2017-12-22  |   | 49935 views

There are a number of tile choices for creating a timeless outdoor entertainment area. Natural stone tiles are all unique in appearance and will provide you with a one-of-a-kind floor and wall area thanks to the distinctive colours, patterns and character of the tiles [...]

The Basic DIY Tilers Tool Kit

By Tal  |  2017-12-13  |   | 51214 views

If you are planning to tackle a home improvement project, you don’t necessarily want to spend a lot of money on a set of tools that you don’t use regularly. TAL offers a range of DIY tools that are ideal for repairs, or smaller home improvement projects, making tiling easier and more cost effective for you. [...]

How to replace a cracked or broken tile with TALFIX

By Tal  |  2017-10-05  |   | 64378 views

Cracked, chipped and broken tiles are not only unsightly, but if in an outside area, there is an added risk of water penetration into the tile installation, which could lead to further damage. Replace broken tiles immediately to avoid this. [...]

How to tile over existing tiles successfully

By Tal  |  2017-08-21  |   | 208025 views

Tiling over your existing tiles can save you money and time but not all tiled surfaces are suitable for this type of installation. What are the most important factors to consider when completing a successful tile-on-tile application? We offer some tips on how to get it right. [...]

Can’t upgrade your kitchen? Get a splashback!

By Tal  |  2017-07-05  |   | 114637 views

Looking for a cost-effective way to transform the look and feel of your kitchen? A kitchen splashback is a great alternative to fully upgrading your kitchen. And the best part? You can do it yourself! Popular tiling choices for kitchen splashbacks include glass, stone, and of course, mosaic tiles. These tiles are a beautiful way to enhance the look of any room, because they can be installed over both large and small areas, or as feature panels between other tiles. [...]

Tiling Layouts and the Effect They Have on a Room

By Tal  |  2017-06-23  |   | 30481 views

So, you’ve chosen your tiles, now to install them for maximum effect. Considerations that need to be made before you even begin the process of installation include cutting, specific layout requirements, the overall presentation and deciding on a desired aesthetic. But what do any of those processes look like, and how should you go about achieving them? [...]

Tools and Materials You Cant go Without When Installing Mosaics

By Tal  |  2017-06-21  |   | 30669 views

From cheerful and stylish kitchen splashbacks to decorative floor and wall detailing, and even full bathroom floor installations, mosaics are one of the best ways to add colour and interest to drab surfaces around the home. [...]

Tiling with glass made easy

By Tal  |  2017-06-20  |   | 31297 views

Glass tiling is an increasingly popular trend, and with TAL Mosaicfix, bonding and grouting is completed in one operation. [...]

Trowels, Squeegees and Sponges: Selecting and Looking After Your Tiling Toolkit Essentials

By Tal  |  2017-05-26  |   | 31265 views

You wouldn’t try to fix a car if you didn’t have the right tools on hand, and you’d certainly think twice about using an ill-equipped mechanic to do the job. So why would you take the same risk when deciding to tile your home? A botched DIY job can easily cost as much as a botched car repair to rectify, so it’s important that you have the right tools before you begin. [...]

Mosaic in Modernity: The 19th Century and Beyond

By Tal  |  2017-05-18  |   | 30080 views

In our last blog post, we explored the colourful history of mosaic from the world’s very earliest examples in ancient Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome, and throughout the art of the early Islamic Empire. [...]

Mosaic – A Colourful History

By Tal  |  2017-05-18  |   | 35517 views

It is said by neuroscientists that human beings have a unique knack for recognising patterns. [...]

How To Tile On Top Of Existing Tiles

By Tal  |  2017-02-18  |   | 31465 views

How To Tile On Top Of Existing Tiles [...]

How to successfully install glass mosaics onto a shower floor

By Tal  |  2016-10-26  |   | 57818 views

For centuries, mosaics have provided a beautiful decorative element to all types of structures. Shower mosaics are particularly popular, and here TAL provides useful tips and guides on how to apply glass mosaics to a shower floor. [...]

Light-coloured Ceramic Tiles

By Tal  |  2016-07-27  |   | 49765 views

Some white and light coloured ceramic tiles are susceptible to glaze discolouration due to moisture pull through [...]

Light-coloured Natural Stone

By Tal  |  2016-07-20  |   | 45539 views

Stone tiles have a natural beauty that makes them a desirable finish for floors and walls. Natural stone refers to a variety of materials including Marble, Travertine, Granite, Limestone, Slate and Sandstone. [...]

Bonding and Grouting Mosaic Tiles

By Tal  |  2016-07-13  |   | 45294 views

It is recommended that the bonding and grouting of mosaics should be done in one operation in order to provide a strong installation. The mosaics should be FIRMLY bedded into the adhesive to ensure good contact between the adhesive and [...]

The Difference between Porcelain Tiles & Ceramic Tiles

By Tal  |  2016-07-06  |   | 41800 views

Porcelain tiles are also ceramic tiles. They are a specified form of ceramic tiles, Porcelain tiles are made from finer, denser clay and fired at far higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. [...]

Tips when installing Agglomerate tiles

By Tal  |  2016-06-08  |   | 31816 views

Agglomerate’ is a term used to describe a man-made stone or tile product that usually consists of stone pieces and/or aggregates held together in a synthetic binder such as a polyester resin or epoxy resin. It can also be referred to as conglomerate or resin-reconstituted tiles. [...]

Tips for exterior wall & floor tiling

By Tal  |  2016-06-01  |   | 79578 views

It must be noted that external tiling installations – floor tiling or wall cladding – requires a far stronger and more flexible adhesive system. All external installations will be exposed to building movement, thermal expansion and contraction, [...]

Tiling Tips for installing large format Porcelain & Ceramic Tiles

By Tal  |  2016-05-25  |   | 32348 views

By rough definition, a large format tile is a tile with the length of at least one edge greater than 600mm (nominal) or a facial area greater than [...]

The metro tile: Origins, styles and installation tips

By Tal  |  2016-02-16  |   | 37528 views

A subway tile is a popular style of glazed ceramic tile originally used on the walls of the New York City subway stations in the early 20th century. [...]

Essential tools for a professional tiling job

By Tal  |  2015-04-08  |   | 26082 views

The primary tools you need to take on your own tiling job. [...]

Tiling braai areas

By Tal  |  2015-03-25  |   | 33635 views

Tips for tiling where heat will be present and tips on sealing natural stone tiles [...]

Mosaic tiling tips

By Tal  |  2015-01-28  |   | 34807 views

Mosaics add a beautiful decorative element to any area in the home. They are perfect for tiling back splashes or just creating inspired feature walls in a bathroom or kitchen. [...]

Essential tools and materials for a professional tiling job

By Tal  |  2014-10-22  |   | 220589 views

If you’re planning on tackling a significant tiling job it is worth investing in the correct tools and materials. [...]

Tiling with Natural Stone Tiles - The Basics

By Tal  |  2014-04-23  |   | 33836 views

Natural stone tiles are a popular choice for many consumers and rightfully so. They are however completely different from machine tiles and involves certain aspects to consider... [...]

Shower Tiling Tips

By Tal  |  2014-04-09  |   | 32483 views

We share some handy tips to consider when embarking on tiling your own shower. [...]

How to tile a wall with square or rectangular tiles

By Tal  |  2014-03-13  |   | 34876 views

Tiles make for the perfect wall covering as they are hygienic and easy to clean. [...]

How to tile a curved wall with mosaics

By Tal  |  2014-01-28  |   | 48446 views

Mosaic sheets can easily follow the curvature of the wall, making them the ideal solution to tile a curved wall efficiently. [...]

How to tile a curved floor

By Tal  |  2014-01-15  |   | 32178 views

Another option to achieve a professional tile installation around a curve is to cut square or rectangular tiles into several pieces to fit around the curve. [...]

How to fix a cracked tile

By Tal  |  2013-09-18  |   | 31640 views

Cracked, chipped and broken tiles can allow moisture to penetrate underneath the tiles and can cause damage to the surrounding tiles. [...]

Tips for tiling tricky areas - part 3

By Tal  |  2013-09-12  |   | 29513 views

Tiling around a light switch is not as tricky as it may seem. [...]

Tips for tiling tricky areas - part 2

By Tal  |  2013-09-04  |   | 30171 views

Tiling around a pipe can be simple. Follow these handy steps and the pipe will be surrounded by a professional tile installation in no time. [...]

Tips for tiling tricky areas - part 1

By Tal  |  2013-08-28  |   | 30726 views

We focus on solutions for tiling those tricky areas. Some areas are trickier to tile than others. [...]

Top tools for tiling professionally

By Tal  |  2013-08-14  |   | 28153 views

Selecting the right tools for the job at hand is important. [...]

How to cut wall tiles

By Tal  |  2013-07-24  |   | 47330 views

Tiles often need to be cut to finish rows where the floor meets the wall, or when tiling around appliances and window sills. There are a number of techniques involved in cutting tiles using a variety of tools. [...]

What to look out for when you select a tile

By Tal  |  2013-03-14  |   | 33256 views

Tiles are one of the most versatile items in the building trade. Being such a diverse medium, you need to be sure which tiles are ideal for your project. [...]