With all the correct tools, and a little bit of patience, tiling flat walls is a fairly simple job. Tiling around corners, pipes and other awkward areas can however be tricky if not tackled correctly. The most important thing to take into consideration when tiling these awkward areas is cutting the tiles. Make sure you have a good quality Tile Cutter and Tile Saw before you start. It is also worth buying a tile Template Former or Profile Gauge.
External Corners
Try to use edging tiles for external corners as the give a much cleaner finish. Also try to keep the tiles the same size for each side of the corner, as this gives a nicer finish. If you are using patterned tiles, use whole glazed-edge tiles and work away from the corner to an area where the cut tiles will be less noticeable.
Internal Corners
As with external corners, internal corners should be finished with tiles cut to the same size on both walls. If this is not possible, try to use the off cut of the tile from one wall to continue onto the adjacent wall (this is where a Tile Cutter becomes essential). With patterned tiles you should also use the off cuts from one wall to continue onto the next, as it will give a better continuity in the pattern.
Door Frames
If the door is in the middle of a wall, it is a good idea to use whole tiles around the door and then work out from it, keeping any cut tiles at the corners of the room. Doors tend to be a focal point of a room (as do windows, but more on that in a moment), and having differently sized tiles around the frame will look strange. Remember that the doorframe may not be exactly vertical, check that it is before using it as a straight edge for your tiles.
Windows
As with doors, windows tend to be a focal point of a room. Mark the centre point of the window and tile out from either side of this line. The tiling of the whole of a window wall should centre on the middle of the window. When tiling the window recess, tile out to the left and right from the same mark. The tiles in the recess should overhang the tiles on the wall (rather than the other way around) to give the most professional finish.
Hand Basins
Try to use a row of whole tiles above the hand basin, as cut tiles will look untidy. Take into account any accessory tiles (tiles with soap dishes, etc, formed into them). If you have a Tile Saw and a Profile Gauge it is well worth shaping the tiles to fit the curve of the basin. This can take time and patience, but the result should be much better.
Light Fittings
For the best finish, turn off the power at the mains and remove the faceplate of the switch. Tile right up to the edge of the mounting box so that the faceplate will cover any cut edges when it is replaced.
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