Best floor tilers in Lakeside, Gauteng

Why are floor tilers so important?

The role and skills of a skilled and experienced floor tiler are often not appreciated until you walk on a perfectly laid tile floor. Tiles offer a versatile and functional floor surface that can withstand daily life's rigours and, if treated with respect and care, will last for many years. Whilst originally used mainly in kitchens and bathrooms, allowing easier access to ongoing hygiene and cleanliness, tiles are, for practical reasons, fast becoming one of the main trends in flooring throughout our homes and businesses. Keeping tiled floors clean is far quicker and easier than maintaining the cleanliness, pristine appearance and upkeep of carpeting.

Preparation is key to a durable tiled floor

A floor tiler’s job is to prepare the floor surface and install tile flooring in different environments. Preparation is one of the key factors in achieving a durable and smooth tiled surface. This includes cleaning the existing surface and levelling the area carefully. This step is critical, as any imperfections in the subfloor can lead to uneven tiling, which can affect the appearance, safety and durability of the finished floor. Floor tilers may be tasked with uplifting existing tiles and removing them or starting from a basic concrete foundation in a new build. Tiles have to be correctly fixed to the underlying surface so the area must be properly cleaned to ensure smooth adhesion, and the correct adhesive must be used for the tile material and the conditions in which the tiles are to be used. Areas such as bathrooms and saunas, for instance, require specific adhesives which can cope with wet conditions. The tiles are then laid out to ensure correct alignment and that patterns are correctly placed. Once the tiles are permanently laid with the adhesive, they are sealed if necessary and grouting is applied between the tiles. A knowledgeable and experienced floor tiler will provide advice on grout colour to either blend the tiles into a uniform base or make each one stand out through a contrasting grout outline. A contrasting grout line will add interest to a floor, but will also make a room appear smaller, which must be considered. 

Floor tilers are craftsmen in their trade

Experienced and knowledgeable floor tilers work with precision and can create symmetrical layouts, complex patterns, perfectly aligned grout lines and seamless finishes. A skilled and experienced tiler will work cleanly and accurately, cutting and fitting tiles in awkward spaces and ensuring that the spacing/grout lines between tiles is uniform and precise. Being able to accurately gauge the layout of the tiles to ensure less cutting and shaping, and close adherence to any specific tile pattern is a skill which professional tilers gain with experience in using different materials.

Knowledge of the materials used in tile manufacture is vital

Skilled tilers are detail-oriented, work with precision and have a comprehensive understanding of the different materials used in the manufacture and use of tiles, together with their suitability in various applications.

Tiles are manufactured from materials such as porcelain, marble, granite, ceramic, stone, slate, mosaic and even recycled glass, each having different properties, strengths, applications and aesthetics. As such, each requires specific handling to achieve a flawless finish. 

Always consider the new trends in tiling before deciding …

Trends regarding tiling are always changing, as is to be expected. Current trends include large format tiles, which are invaluable in making spaces appear larger and more unified with fewer grout lines. These tiles are, of course, heavy to handle and expensive to replace if cracked or damaged. Even in our modern, minimalist world, geometric patterns are gaining in popularity, drawing attention to the floors and adding an element of sophistication. Textured tiles which mimic wood grains or natural stone are also popular for introducing an element of nature whilst offering easy maintenance and durability found in more traditional tiles made of ceramic or porcelain. As builders and architects are becoming more aware of sustainability and preserving our environment, there is a corresponding increase in interest in using eco-friendly tiling materials, including recycled glass and chips and sustainably sourced natural stone.

Floor tilers work as part of a larger team of specialists

Tilers often work directly with architects, interior designers or homeowners in replicating a 2-D image and turning it into reality. This implies that floor tilers have an innate sense of creativity which guides them in visualizing the final flooring layout. Floor tilers are in high demand, whether their services are required in private homes, offices, commercial, corporate, hospitality or health establishments. As such, floor tilers form an integral part of the construction and interior design industry, creating floors which are masterpieces of a skilled and precise craft.

How to find the right floor tiler for your needs

Check their online ratings and customer reviews

Apart from word-of-mouth referrals, which are always the first choice when searching for a new supplier for your particular requirement, many people use the internet to search for the tradespeople they need. To save time, it is preferable to use search sites which offer you the best advantages. Uptasker is one of the most user-friendly and expansive search sites available, offering online ratings and customer reviews of those services in its listings, together with ‘one-click’ links to suppliers’ websites and portfolios, if available. Its major positive advantage is the fact that Uptasker lists in geographical locations, making it easy to find the right specialist in your immediate area. You can request the services of a supplier through an online enquiry on this site, and obtain quotes from various suppliers, thereby enabling you to compare pricing and get the best value. You can always go the long route of checking the online Yellow Pages, newspapers, and home renovation magazines, but it’s far more convenient to simply go to Uptasker from the outset.