Kitchen Countertops - Before starting your ceramic tile project, do some research into the different types and styles that are available. Visit your local home supply store and ask questions. Get brochures and see what types of adhesive and substrate are needed. Do you have the necessary tools? If not, weigh purchase vs renting what you need.

Measure the floor and wall areas to be tiled. If the tiles are normal sized then you should add no more than 10% for waste. Some tiles will have to be cut, while others may be damaged or blemished. Always order an extra 10%. Even if you don't use them, they often come in handy for repairs at a later date.

If you are using a floor or wall border, measure the distance to be tiled and divide it by the length of each border to arrive at the number of tiles required. Again add a few extra pieces for waste.

If you are tiling bathroom walls, you might want to consider doing the whole room. Not only does this give your bath a new look, but maintenance will be easier than having to repaint a wall every few years.

Don't forget to apply sealer to the grout after your project is complete and everything has cured. Grout sealer gives that "finished" look and makes cleanup much easier. In fact, your grout (especially in the bathroom) will become stained and very difficult to clean without the application of a good sealer.

Make sure you buy the right adhesive for the tile in question. Bathrooms are exposed to a lot of moisture and you will need an adhesive made for the job. Don't overlook the substrate. It has to hold the tiles for many years. If moisture gets in and damages the mounting surface, your tile job will become a real mess.