Can I Tile This Myself? What You Should Know Before You Start

by Wellington Tilers

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Planning to tile your kitchen splashback, bathroom floor, or laundry wall on your own? DIY tiling is rewarding, but it often presents more challenges than YouTube tutorials suggest. Before you start, here are some key considerations.

✅ Advantages of DIY Tiling

• Cost-saving: You’ll save on labour if everything goes to plan.

• Creative control: Choose your layout, style, and pattern without compromise.

• Personal satisfaction: There’s something special about saying, “I did that!”

⚠️ Common Challenges (and Why People Call Us Later)

• Surface prep is harder than it seems: Tiling onto an uneven, dusty or unstable surface can lead to cracks or tiles falling off.

• Cutting tiles takes skill: Getting clean edges around switches, plumbing, or corners isn’t easy without practice and proper tools.

• Waterproofing is a must: If you're tiling in wet areas (like bathrooms or laundries), NZ regulations require proper waterproofing — not just a bit of silicone around the edges.

• Time: A small project might still take you a full weekend (or two).

🛠️ When DIY Makes Sense

• Small, dry-area jobs like a simple kitchen splashback.

• You’ve got time, patience, and the right tools.

• You’re okay if it’s not 100% perfect.

👷 When to Call a Tiler

• Bathrooms, showers, and laundry areas (especially where waterproofing is required).

• Large areas or complex patterns like herringbone or hexagonal tiles.

• When time and quality matter — for example, rental properties or renos for sale.

If you start a DIY job and realise it’s trickier than expected, don’t worry — we often come in to help finish things off properly. Whether it’s advice or a full professional tiling job, we’re happy to help.

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