Step by Step Guide to Domestic Tiling.

Required Tools: primer, sufficient tiles, nails, wooden battens, plumb line, spirit level, tile adhesive, notched spreader, tile spacers, sponge, soft cloth, grout, blunt piece of wood.

• Make sure the surface to be tiled is clean, dry and flat. If it is porous you will have to use a primer before tiling.

• Nail a timber batten to the wall you wish to tile- leave the nails protruding slightly for easy removal later. Position it one tiles height from the floor or skirting board. Make sure it is level with a spirit level. Use a plumb line to measure the vertical from the batten and secure another batten in this position to give the vertical line for your tiles. Make sure the battens are straight and at right angles to each other before beginning.

• Measure how many tiles and spacers it will take to cover one line on the wall (including spacers). Reposition the tiles to avoid leaving small slivers of tile at the end of a row.

• Apply the adhesive out from the corner formed by the battens. Use a notched spreader to evenly apply the adhesive over about three square feet, no more than 2mm deep.

• Attach the tiles by gently moving them into place over the adhesive. Place spacers between the tiles for even spacing. Make sure the tiles are level throughout using a spirit level. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a sponge.

• Continue tiling small areas over the wall to prevent the adhesive drying out.

• It may be necessary to cut tiles to fit. Use a tile cutter or for bigger jobs hire an electric tile cutter if required.

• One the wall is completed leave for 24 hours to allow the adhesive to dry.

• Grout the joins using either a sponge or professional squeegee. Make sure the grout is pushed firmly into the spaces. To finish run a blunt piece of wood, such as the end of a pencil or piece of doweling, down the grouted lines.

• Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge and buff the tiles with a soft cloth.

Don't forget if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can use one of our approved tradesmen in the safe knowledge they will do a good job at a fair price.