DIY TIPS

Waterproofing
4 key levels when renovating a shower, or bath surrounds
By Tal | 2021-06-01 | | viewsUsing a multi-level installation system when renovating a residential bathroom ensures a durable end-result for you, and your customer. The cost of being called back to conduct repairs because water has seeped from the wet areas in the bathroom, through the wall into the room next door, can be significant. [...]

Tiling
TOP 4 TILING TIPS FOR INSTALLING LARGE FORMAT TILES
By Tal | 2021-02-08 | | viewsThere 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. [...]

Tile Grout
Fit for Purpose: Cementitious versus Epoxy adhesives for mosaic tiles
By Tal | 2018-09-27 | | 20073 viewsMosaic tiles remain a popular choice for commercial and domestic applications, with glass tiles enjoying particular favour. Consideration of the service area will determine the choice of adhesive, either cementitious or epoxy-based, as fit for purpose. [...]

Tiling
Budget planning for DIY tiling
By Tal | 2018-05-23 | | 19723 viewsTiling 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: [...]

Tiling
Tips for tiling around a fire pit
By Tal | 2017-12-22 | | 19784 viewsThere 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 [...]

Tiling
The Basic DIY Tilers Tool Kit
By Tal | 2017-12-13 | | 18868 viewsIf 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. [...]

General / News
TAL introduces first water-based epoxy grout to the market
By Tal | 2017-10-13 | | 17256 viewsTAL has introduced TAL Water-Based Epoxy Grout, an innovative, water-based epoxy grout to the market that offers excellent chemical, acid and stain resistant properties. This is the first water-based system in the local market and has been formulated specifically for ease of application and clean-up. [...]

Tiling
How to replace a cracked or broken tile with TALFIX
By Tal | 2017-10-05 | | 28084 viewsCracked, 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. [...]

General / News
TAL launches TALFIX, a tile adhesive ideal for remedial tiling projects
By Tal | 2017-09-13 | | 11192 viewsTAL launches TALFIX, a tile adhesive ideal for remedial tiling projects [...]

Tiling
How to tile over existing tiles successfully
By Tal | 2017-08-21 | | 69136 viewsTiling 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. [...]

Tiling
Can’t upgrade your kitchen? Get a splashback!
By Tal | 2017-07-05 | | 54666 viewsLooking 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
Tiling Layouts and the Effect They Have on a Room
By Tal | 2017-06-23 | | 8384 viewsSo, 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? [...]

Tiling
Tools and Materials You Cant go Without When Installing Mosaics
By Tal | 2017-06-21 | | 9176 viewsFrom 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
Tiling with glass made easy
By Tal | 2017-06-20 | | 8705 viewsGlass tiling is an increasingly popular trend, and with TAL Mosaicfix, bonding and grouting is completed in one operation. [...]

Tiling
Trowels, Squeegees and Sponges: Selecting and Looking After Your Tiling Toolkit Essentials
By Tal | 2017-05-26 | | 8316 viewsYou 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. [...]

Tiling
Mosaic in Modernity: The 19th Century and Beyond
By Tal | 2017-05-18 | | 8519 viewsIn 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. [...]
Tiling
Mosaic – A Colourful History
By Tal | 2017-05-18 | | 10449 viewsIt is said by neuroscientists that human beings have a unique knack for recognising patterns. [...]

Tiling
How To Tile On Top Of Existing Tiles
By Tal | 2017-02-18 | | 9938 viewsHow To Tile On Top Of Existing Tiles [...]
Tiling
How to successfully install glass mosaics onto a shower floor
By Tal | 2016-10-26 | | 21074 viewsFor 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. [...]
Tiling
Light-coloured Ceramic Tiles
By Tal | 2016-07-27 | | 18512 viewsSome white and light coloured ceramic tiles are susceptible to glaze discolouration due to moisture pull through [...]
Tiling
Light-coloured Natural Stone
By Tal | 2016-07-20 | | 16237 viewsStone 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. [...]
Tiling
Bonding and Grouting Mosaic Tiles
By Tal | 2016-07-13 | | 13585 viewsIt 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 [...]
Tiling
The Difference between Porcelain Tiles & Ceramic Tiles
By Tal | 2016-07-06 | | 18953 viewsPorcelain 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. [...]

Tiling
Tips when installing Agglomerate tiles
By Tal | 2016-06-08 | | 10901 viewsAgglomerate’ 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. [...]
Tiling
Tips for exterior wall & floor tiling
By Tal | 2016-06-01 | | 40599 viewsIt 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
Tiling Tips for installing large format Porcelain & Ceramic Tiles
By Tal | 2016-05-25 | | 13224 viewsBy 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 [...]

Decorative overlayments
The 101 on wood-look tiles
By Tal | 2016-02-19 | | 42503 viewsWooden floors have been around for centuries and are now more popular than ever. With advancements in digital inkjet technology in tile manufacturing, the ever-popular look of wooden floor-ing is being recreated using porcelain and ceramic tiles. [...]

Tiling
The metro tile: Origins, styles and installation tips
By Tal | 2016-02-16 | | 14063 viewsA 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. [...]

Tiling
Essential tools for a professional tiling job
By Tal | 2015-04-08 | | 8583 viewsThe primary tools you need to take on your own tiling job. [...]

Tiling
Tiling braai areas
By Tal | 2015-03-25 | | 13064 viewsTips for tiling where heat will be present and tips on sealing natural stone tiles [...]

Tiling
Mosaic tiling tips
By Tal | 2015-01-28 | | 13443 viewsMosaics 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. [...]

Tiling
Essential tools and materials for a professional tiling job
By Tal | 2014-10-22 | | 68694 viewsIf you’re planning on tackling a significant tiling job it is worth investing in the correct tools and materials. [...]

Tiling
Tiling with Natural Stone Tiles - The Basics
By Tal | 2014-04-23 | | 12758 viewsNatural 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... [...]

Tiling
Shower Tiling Tips
By Tal | 2014-04-09 | | 11398 viewsWe share some handy tips to consider when embarking on tiling your own shower. [...]

Tiling
How to tile a wall with square or rectangular tiles
By Tal | 2014-03-13 | | 11212 viewsTiles make for the perfect wall covering as they are hygienic and easy to clean. [...]

Tiling
How to tile a curved wall with mosaics
By Tal | 2014-01-28 | | 23604 viewsMosaic sheets can easily follow the curvature of the wall, making them the ideal solution to tile a curved wall efficiently. [...]

Tiling
How to tile a curved floor
By Tal | 2014-01-15 | | 10514 viewsAnother 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. [...]

Tiling
Tips for using tile spacers
By Tal | 2013-09-25 | | 103183 viewsTile spacers give a tile installation a symmetrical and consistent finish. [...]

Tiling
How to fix a cracked tile
By Tal | 2013-09-18 | | 10283 viewsCracked, chipped and broken tiles can allow moisture to penetrate underneath the tiles and can cause damage to the surrounding tiles. [...]

Tiling
Tips for tiling tricky areas - part 3
By Tal | 2013-09-12 | | 9084 viewsTiling around a light switch is not as tricky as it may seem. [...]

Tiling
Tips for tiling tricky areas - part 2
By Tal | 2013-09-04 | | 9450 viewsTiling around a pipe can be simple. Follow these handy steps and the pipe will be surrounded by a professional tile installation in no time. [...]

Tiling
Tips for tiling tricky areas - part 1
By Tal | 2013-08-28 | | 9559 viewsWe focus on solutions for tiling those tricky areas. Some areas are trickier to tile than others. [...]

Tiling
Top tools for tiling professionally
By Tal | 2013-08-14 | | 10010 viewsSelecting the right tools for the job at hand is important. [...]

Tiling
How to cut wall tiles
By Tal | 2013-07-24 | | 17739 viewsTiles 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. [...]

Tiling
What to look out for when you select a tile
By Tal | 2013-03-14 | | 9633 viewsTiles 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. [...]