How do you find a good Tiler?
Finding a skilled tiler isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are many tilers out there, but not all tilers are created equal. There are tilers, and there are Tilers.
Tiling is an art. It requires a trained eye, a solid understanding of materials and standards, and the right approach to each project. A good tiler knows that the job involves much more than simply setting tiles on a surface—it’s about getting everything perfect from the start so it lasts for years.
To an untrained eye, a finished tiling job might look fine initially. But over time, small imperfections may start to show: “Oh no, that tile doesn’t quite line up,” “Oh no, there are slight lips between tiles,” or worse yet, “Oh F@*k, the grout is crumbling, the tiles are shifting, and now there’s water leaking through the kitchen ceiling!”
This is why it’s crucial to find a tiler who thinks about every detail. They’ll assess the prep work, review the previous trades’ efforts, choose materials that are suited to the job, and, importantly, consider how to balance your budget with high standards. A professional tiler is always mindful of competing against handymen who may undercut on price, but often at the expense of quality. They have to consider all of this whilst also making sure that they actually make some money themselves, and are able to feed their own family.
The True Value of a Professional Tiler
A tiler’s knowledge, especially in selecting the right materials, is invaluable. People sometimes question tradespeople's markup on materials, but within that markup is their expertise. They’ve invested time and effort into understanding which products will work best and last longest, just by knowing which materials to use will save you a hell of a lot of research. Plus, they often source and collect the materials themselves, saving you both time and fuel costs. In fact, even with a markup, tilers may be able to offer better material pricing on some items than retail because of their relationships with suppliers.
Once you find a tiler you trust, you’ll find it’s worth giving them the reins. Let them work their magic, confident that they’ll use the right materials, stick to the budget, and deliver a long-lasting result.
Where to Find a Trusted Tiler
If you’re looking for a reliable tiler, start with the Find a Tiler UK (by Tilers Community) Facebook group. This group connects homeowners with local tilers who are dedicated to quality work. As an offshoot of the well-respected and important to the industry Tilers Community trade group, it ensures that only skilled, experienced tilers are accepted. Customers can post queries, request quotes, and even ask for advice on technical questions. And the support doesn’t end there; should any issues arise, the community will offer as much advice as possible.
Rather than risking a friend-of-a-friend who painted your dining room once, head to the Find a Tiler group for the assurance of quality work from a trusted professional. If you don’t already know a reputable tiler (and many don’t!), this group is an excellent resource for finding the expertise you need.