Bathroom Tiling

[robinsoncrusoe]

Hello there, everybody...
I'm just, in it getting set up to do my first tiling job!!. I've fully boarded the bathroom, which has got 1 upvc window in it.
I intend to fit a "mosaic style border, approx 300mm down, from the ceiling. there will be no bath... only a shower cubicle etc.
I've decided where to position the tiles, (already obtained, 248mm x 398 mm), have purchased 40kg Mapei super flexible white, 6mm notched trowel, borrowed wet tile cutter....so, now, just need a bit of courage to start !!
I was planning to start on the window wall, but need some advice first....The tiles are 8 mm thick, the tile bead/edging for the external corners, at the local suppliers, is in various sizes..... seems like my choice is between 9.5 mm, or 12 mm, but the 12 mm looks quite big, and bulky...
does 9.5 mm edging sound like the right size?, and when I fit it, does it go on the wall, or the window reveal?, do I leave a gap to grout, between tile edge, and the tile trim?, or butt right up to the tile, with no grout?.
Is it best to mix adhesive with drill and "mixer", or can i do it, with a trowel?
Should I leave a gap where the tiles meet the window frame, and fill with grout, or small bead of Silicon, or....?
....and if there's any more tips/hints etc.... would be very grateful

Sorry about the long post !!, but I really want to do the best job, i possibly can, and be proud of it!

Thanks

 

[Andy Tiler]

Or this can be called a staff?

 

[Andy Tiler]

Or this can be called a staff?

The pinch rod I mean!!!!!! Lol

 

[Andy Tiler]

Good luck! I remember my first bathroom!!!!!!! :/

 

[afright]

The pinch rod I mean!!!!!! Lol

Yes thats what it was called I trained with tilers when they used sand and cement fixing that was the first thing the tiler would say, make a pinch rod boy!

 

[Martino]

With tiles being so big these days i don't feel you need to 'make a pinch rod'...i just use my tape measure and measure out where my cuts will fall ....each to there own though!

 

[afright]

It,s easy to make a mistake,I find with a marker rod this give,s you the exact tile lines.and with a level line around the room it makes it easy to work out I,ve used this method for years and find it better and quicker than using a tape.

 

[swanman]

Why dont you just get a pro tiler to do the work for you

Alot less bother and you no that it will be tiled correctly.

Dont give yourself the aggro tiling is very hard and if you get it wrong you will always be looking at it.

It may cost you a little more but alot better results:welcome:

 

[robinsoncrusoe]

mmm, have thought about that, but I really want to "have a go myself", and with care, hopefully, it will turn out ok!

 

[robinsoncrusoe]

Just thought of another question..... the tiles are 8mm thick, and the mosaic boder, is 10.5mm thick.

Will it look ok, if the border is slightly" raised", to the tiles ?

 

[White Room]

With your size tiles they will have a couple of mil of adhesive or use a 7-8mm notched trowel, you will find mosaic will fit more snuggly to the wall than the larger tiles.

 

[robinsoncrusoe]

Great stuff !.....
Thanks for that !

 

[robinsoncrusoe]

Another question.....
When I put the trim around the window/wall, do I have to leave a small gap to allow for grouting, or do i butt it right next to the tiles ?

 

[Martino]

Butt it to the tiles

 

[jwatson]

not what i was taught, 0.5-1mm gap filled with grout.(card board from the tile boxes is what i use.)

Butt it to the tiles

 

[robinsoncrusoe]

thanks lads, sounds like I've got a choice, with or without !