Jennifer Sheahan: Tiling is an art, but here's how to do it yourself

It's still worth hiring a tiler, especially with anything outside standard-format tiles or for clean mitred edges, but sometimes that's not an option

Wed, 27 May, 2026 - 20:52

Jennifer Sheahan

I have laid tiles before, haphazardly and without the right tools, in an apartment back in my student days. I cut my hand, they were not level, and I ruined quite a few tiles on a cheap tile cutter — but the job got done, to mediocre standards. I’m older and wiser now and refining my skills by taking an evening DIY class.

This week was tiling, and there was a lot to learn to get my tiling standards up to par. I still think it’s worth hiring a tiler, because experience certainly helps, especially with anything outside standard-format tiles or for clean mitred edges. But if that’s not an option for you, it’s definitely within reach to do it yourself.