Basic Question!

[sandy10]

Hi,

I'm about to tile my hearth, it's 1000mm x 360mm to the mouth of fireplace, then 500mm x 350mm deep inside, so a small area.

The concrete hear onto which I will tile is predominantly flat, but from the face of the fireplace to the outside edge of the hearth, it falls away about 7-8mm

Is this depth easily taken up by the thickness of adhesive and buttering tiles?

I'm using Riven Slate 25 x 150mm mosaic tiles on a 300 x 300mm mesh, they're 10mm thick.

I'm a novice tiler so any help appreciated.

i have researched adhesive, grout and sealing the slate before grouting.

with thanks



nick

 

[Ian]

You will struggle to pack out mosaics, you need to sort the base out before you tile. Try using some ply (or any old bits of wood), to shutter off the hearth area then level it with rapid set adhesive, let it set, remove the shuttering, then tile on your lovely new flat base

 

[sandy10]

Hi,

do you not think I could make up this deficit in the adhesive? I'm loathed to have to flatten such a small area

 

[Ian]

If you try to build up the mosaics 7/8mm in one go you will end up with a right old mess, sort it out first and the finish will be much better. Just use the same adhesive for the build up that you are using to stick the tiles, just do it in two stages.

 

[sandy10]

Oh I see, you're suggesting using tile adhesive to make a flat bed, the tile thereafter?

i am needing to use a flexible adhesive as I'm putting a woodburner on top at a later date

 

[Ian]

Oh I see, you're suggesting using tile adhesive to make a flat bed, the tile thereafter?

i am needing to use a flexible adhesive as I'm putting a woodburner on top at a later date

You got it, that adhesive will be spot on for the job, just let the first layer set before you tile.

 

[sandy10]

Thank you