12-24-2025, 05:52 AM
I'm tackling my first major DIY project by retiling the bathroom floor, and after removing the old tile I've discovered some uneven spots in the subfloor that I didn't anticipate. I'm confident I can level it with a compound, but I'm second-guessing my plan for the tile layout and the type of thin-set mortar to use for a small-format mosaic. For experienced DIYers, what are the most common pitfalls when preparing a subfloor for tile, and how do you ensure a perfectly level starting point? What tools, beyond a notched trowel and spacers, are absolutely essential for a professional-looking result, and how do you approach cutting tiles around toilet flanges and corners without specialized wet saws?