Guide on Tiling a Narrow Hallway Floor for an Impeccable End Result

In the world of home improvement, tiling a hallway can be a rewarding project for DIY enthusiasts. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you achieve an even and better-looking finish.

Firstly, it's essential to prepare for the task. Measuring the width and length of the hallway is crucial to ensure a precise tiling job. Laying down adhesive for 4-6 tiles at a time and using whole tiles is a common practice.

When it comes to starting the tiling process, the farthest end of the hallway widthways should be marked as the starting point. The central point is then used as the starting point, working in rows towards the other end of the hallway.

Choosing the right tiles is crucial. Porcelain tiles, known for their durability, resistance to scratching and chipping, and non-porous surface, are an ideal choice for hallways, especially in wet months. Natural stone tiles offer a unique and natural finish but are not as durable or water-resistant as porcelain or ceramic and can be harder for DIYers to install. Ceramic floor tiles, budget-friendly and available in a wide variety of designs, patterns, and colours, are not as long-lasting as porcelain. Marble floor tiles, while durable and moisture-resistant, are typically more costly than other tile types and restrict design options.

For grouting floor tiles, a grout float like the Vitrex Soft Grip Grout Float from Amazon is used to spread grout over gaps and work it in. To achieve a shine on the tiles, removing excess grout, wiping clean with a damp cloth, and leaving to dry before wiping off any grout residue with a dry cloth is recommended.

When determining the most suitable tile cutter for tiling a hall floor, consider the tile material and size, required precision, cutting speed, ease of use, and power source (manual or electric). A decent tile cutter, such as the VonHaus Tile Cutter from B&Q, is recommended for straight cuts. Making sure the cuts on each edge are big cuts will help achieve a better-looking finish.

For the best results, it's recommended to use a dry floor tile adhesive like Blue Circle Masterlay Flexi Semi-rapid Set Grey Wall & floor tile Adhesive from B&Q. Using large floor tiles can give the illusion of space in a hallway, as they have fewer grout lines.

To ensure the adhesive and grout are set, it's recommended not to walk on the tiles or put down any furniture for at least 24 hours after laying, ideally 48 hours. Spending half an hour working out where the tiling looks pleasing to the eye is time well spent in the long run. Laying the tiles 'dry' to begin with can help in determining what looks best for you, especially when attempting a more involved pattern in your hallway.

For complex tiling projects, it may be worth considering hiring a professional. Stephen Russell of Ashley Cross Tiling specializes in kitchen tiling, wall, floors, bathrooms, showers, and repair work, with over 35 years of experience working in the tiling trade in the UK and overseas.

In conclusion, with careful preparation, the right materials, and a little patience, tiling a hallway can be a rewarding DIY project. Happy tiling!