Is It Better To Diy Tile Installation Or Hire A Professional Tiler?

[Abdulohn]

I'm planning to install new tiles in my kitchen and bathroom, but I'm not sure if I should try doing it myself or hire a professional tiler. I’ve done small DIY projects before, but never anything with tiles. I'm worried about getting the surface level right and making sure the tiles last long without issues. Has anyone here done it themselves? Was it worth it, or would you recommend hiring a pro instead?

[andy-hughes]

My view would be, if you are not an experienced confident DIY'er, and your post suggests you are not, get a professional in.

This sounds too big a project to be learning on.

[bookbinder]

Get a professional tiler on the job. I once tiled my kitchen walls, and it looked OK from a distance, but, on closer inspection, it wasn't very good.

[barry1010]

If the walls are level and sound, then it is possible for a novice to do it. 

Watch the tutorials on YouTube and have a good think about it. You will need patience, it can't be rushed.

An alternative is the fabulous running splashbacks on the market these days

[douglas9401]

With any luck a passing tiler will stop and offer advice.

[Old_Geezer]

I did so and for the most part it went well. But you need to know it takes concentration to keep it level, and have the joins in sensible places where it looks ok; which means planning it out.  Not a job I'd rush to do regularly, but satisfying once done.

 

But it depends on yourself. No doubt a tiler will instinctively get the job done a lot faster and is responsible for the result.  For a big job or one in a conspicuous position, you might benefit from getting a trade in. On the other hand if you feel confident in your abilities it is good to know that you can do it.

 

As you have two rooms, why not consider starting in one on a small wall or area to see how you get on, and then decide how to go from there ?

[davebro3]

I tiled my kitchen & bathroom (in my younger days) & it looks OK & has lasted for 20 years so far. Apart from the obvious of having a flat wall & getting the tiles horizontal/vertical it's important to plan out just where to start so you don't get awkard bits like a very narrow sliver of tile at a wall end.

[Ken4155]

I've done two levels of tiles around my bathtub and sink in the past and i did okay - well, they're still on!

However, i wouldn't dream of attempting large areas. A friend of mine was good at laying tiles and he did a brilliant job in my kitchen. It did take him 3 visits, however, because he said it is only safe to lay 3 rows of tiles at a time, then allow the adhesive to set before adding more rows.

So if you expect to do the job in a day, forget it.

[The Builder]

When asked on here, I do my best to encourage people to tackle it themselves if they're up to it. Tiling and decorating are the most common DIY tasks. But... they are highly skilled jobs. The difference between a poor job and a good one is huge.

DIYers are able to take their time, and most often turn out such good work that is so often better than a lot of the so-called professionals.

In your case, I think you should build confidence on much smaller jobs. With tiling, it's only partly about sub-strates/straight walls etc. For bathrooms and kitchens, it's largely about layout; where you start and finish; where you place your cuts etc.

Get someone in for this one, and learn by watching and asking questions. If he's good, he should be glad to help.