DIY Tiler - 90 sq m of large format porcelaine tiling making me nervous!

[woodie]

Hi there, welcome to the forum buddy, I wish you the best of luck thats one heck of a job, i'm sure the guys and gals on here can talk you thruogh it though. as for cutting hloes for the toilet i always use a angle grinder with a 4.5 inch diamond turbo blade(it's like a hot knife through butter. Best of luck

 

[evo]

dont use pva mate but what a mammoth task for you good luck to ya and im sure you will be able to get the help you need on here but fair play to ya for taking that job on especially as you are under a bit of pressure from the plumber etc wud rather you than me for a first time that is good luck to ya though

 

[PJPro]

Hmm. I spoke with Dave from TradeTilers today. Thoroughly nice bloke and gave me loads of advice. His start point was get someone else to do it. Interesting....cos if I do, he doesn't make a sale.

His was a bit concerned when I mentioned the brick bond I intended and said that unless I was very careful, I'd end up with loads of lips. In his experience he's found brick bond is more difficult to lay them over irregularities in the surface than tiling in a grid. He also felt that I really should be going with normal (rather than fast set adhesive). I've spoken with Topps at Christchurch and the manager there (Brendon) has kindly agreed to exchange any bags of adhesive as required. He did say that he didn't agree with Dave and felt that fast set was the better option, especially on the floors.

Anyone have any views on the adhesive I should be using?

 

[DHTiling]

Dave at Tradetiler is actually a TILER.. mr topps is just a salesman..

i know who i would trust and slow set gives you more time but also it islonger before you can walk on the tiles laid.., next morning, so if that is ok then deffo go slow set..

 

[PJPro]

Dave at Tradetiler is actually a TILER.. mr topps is just a salesman..

i know who i would trust and slow set gives you more time but also it islonger before you can walk on the tiles laid.., next morning, so if that is ok then deffo go slow set..

Dave recommended BAL Gold Star. Unfortunately, Topps don't seem to stock that particular variant of BAL adhesive. So which should I go for?

It needs to be good for the wooden and concrete/screed floor, walls as well as suitable for and tanked area of the shower enclosure.

 

[PJPro]

Dave recommended BAL Gold Star. Unfortunately, Topps don't seem to stock that particular variant of BAL adhesive. So which should I go for?

It needs to be good for the wooden and concrete/screed floor, walls as well as suitable for and tanked area of the shower enclosure.

BAL Single Part Flexible (White)?

 

[PJPro]

BAL Single Part Flexible (White)?

Blimely! I've just noticed how expensive Topps adhesive is compared to certain online retailers.

 

[DHTiling]

I think that BAL is a fortune... If you have a Tile giant to hand then Mapei Kera-flex maxi is a TOP adhesive and suitable for all that you have to do..



TILE GIANT
UNIT 1, POOLE TRADE PARK
YARROW ROAD
POOLE, DORSET
BH12 4QA
Telephone
01202 715106
Fax
01202 715144
Opening Times
Monday
09:00-18:00
Tuesday
09:00-18:00
Wednesday
09:00-18:00
Thursday
09:00-18:00
Friday
09:00-18:00
Saturday
09:00-17:30
Sunday
10:00-16:00

 

[PJPro]

I think that BAL is a fortune... If you have a Tile giant to hand then Mapei Kera-flex maxi is a TOP adhesive and suitable for all that you have to do..



TILE GIANT
UNIT 1, POOLE TRADE PARK
YARROW ROAD
POOLE, DORSET
BH12 4QA
Telephone
01202 715106
Fax
01202 715144
Opening Times
Monday
09:00-18:00
Tuesday
09:00-18:00
Wednesday
09:00-18:00
Thursday
09:00-18:00
Friday
09:00-18:00
Saturday
09:00-17:30
Sunday
10:00-16:00

Yes, there's also one in Christchurch. However, the grout and adhesive is all bought and paid for and will be delivered tomorrow. While Topps seemed happy to exchange the adhesive for a different type, I suspect they'll be less keen to give me a refund.

 

[PJPro]

While I was waiting for a reply, I took a look at the "Show us your work" thread. Wow!

Looking at some of the work on there has lead me to reconsider the brick bond idea and do myself a favour and go for either grid or random bond.