How Hard Is This?

[Italy]

We don't get many of those in the UK Antonio

no?
hai,hai
then, a problem to be added

 

[WetSaw]

We don't get many of those in the UK Antonio

But, as has been mentioned, if you run a border you can use that to square it up a bit as long as it's not wildly out!

 

[SJPurdy]

I'm not so sure that adding a border will speed things up much. Its through 4 rooms and setting that out so that even-ish size borders around each room may in itself take a while. Also with UK builders its quite possible that the walls will run so far out that it will show in the wedge shaped border! If the tiles cut well then a modern cutter that can be set to scribe/break at 45 degrees the job should be fairly straight forward; just allow the extra labour for 1) laying herringbone and 2) laying/cutting at 45 degrees. I would want, however, the edge of the tiles to be covered with skirting board after fixing because I suspect there will be a few edges of cut that run off on snapping.

 

[Old Mod]

I'm not so sure that adding a border will speed things up much. Its through 4 rooms and setting that out so that even-ish size borders around each room may in itself take a while. Also with UK builders its quite possible that the walls will run so far out that it will show in the wedge shaped border! If the tiles cut well then a modern cutter that can be set to scribe/break at 45 degrees the job should be fairly straight forward; just allow the extra labour for 1) laying herringbone and 2) laying/cutting at 45 degrees. I would want, however, the edge of the tiles to be covered with skirting board after fixing because I suspect there will be a few edges of cut that run off on snapping.

Don't disagree Steve, everything u mention is more than possible.
And with such wide pieces (190mm) in confined areas you won't have a great deal of choice.
I think the thing to do is to focus on what the client sees as the focal area of the floor, if that includes the main hallway to the front door, then this will have to govern the setting out.
There's also a possibility of a cheat through doorways in the form of closers effectively by shortening pieces through the door, enabling an area to be moved across slightly. Not actually tried it so it's more of a guess at this stage, but I think in principle it may work.
And yes, a border may not be the answer either, it's always a judgement call, but isn't that just what we do!
Skirtings removed would be a massive help yes! But we all know how that one can go!
Personally, from seeing what Nick has produced in the past, I think he's more than capable of such a project.
It's clear he'd like to give it a go, just trying to make sure he doesn't over think it and talk himself out a job.
It's just a floor with 45o cuts instead of 90!
Allowing yourself extra setting out time is the most important element, be prepared to spend a whole day making sure your 100% happy and don't be impatient cos u think u HAVE to get tiles down on day one.
Like a lot of our work, u have to have the right mind set, that's all!
The tiling is the easy bit!

 

[J Sid]

Well put marc, yes a challenging job but isn't that why we do this, personally I love a challenge.
Setting out is what its all about. If it take all day so be it, it will save time in the long run and make the job enjoyable and not a stressful headache.
When setting out don't be afraid to lay out tiles dry though doorway and in focal points like the hall.
A must if you haven't got one is a laser with a 90 and 45 lines.

 

[macten]

No not got a floor laser. I think my biggest worry is if it strays off line or comes out of square even in the slightest then I'm going to be screwed later on. I know that's the same with regular floor tiling but you can spot it a mile off and it's easy to keep in check with straight edges. My OCD is helpful at times but it goes into overdrive if I'm stressing and it becomes a total mare and a hindrance. I think I've thought myself out of this job which is a shame because you've all given me great advice and part of me really wants to do it.

 

[Italy]

No not got a floor laser. I think my biggest worry is if it strays off line or comes out of square even in the slightest then I'm going to be screwed later on. I know that's the same with regular floor tiling but you can spot it a mile off and it's easy to keep in check with straight edges. My OCD is helpful at times but it goes into overdrive if I'm stressing and it becomes a total mare and a hindrance. I think I've thought myself out of this job which is a shame because you've all given me great advice and part of me really wants to do it.

courage macten
that goes wrong, earn less.

 

[J Sid]

No not got a floor laser. I think my biggest worry is if it strays off line or comes out of square even in the slightest then I'm going to be screwed later on. I know that's the same with regular floor tiling but you can spot it a mile off and it's easy to keep in check with straight edges. My OCD is helpful at times but it goes into overdrive if I'm stressing and it becomes a total mare and a hindrance. I think I've thought myself out of this job which is a shame because you've all given me great advice and part of me really wants to do it.

I've got one of these, had it many. A must for floor tiling....will pay for it's self on one job.
Bosch GTL3 Tile Laser Square £126.52 in stock - next day UK delivery plus Tile Cutters and Tiling Tools
You will not have any worries about running of line at all, leaves you free to just concentrate on the fixing.
Even if you don't do the job get yourself a floor laser, I recommend that one, many others out there. Using one for a few job would give you bags of confidence fir future jobs.
If I was a bit closer I'd come up for a day and get you start and give you a confidence boost foc.

 

[Just Rizzle]

lots of things can go wrong when doing wood plank herring bone and if you've never done one before my advice would be walk away especially if you have a fussy customer you could get stung and out of pocket if the client doesn't like what you've done. cut your teeth on an easier project

 

[J Sid]

lots of things can go wrong when doing wood plank herring bone and if you've never done one before my advice would be walk away especially if you have a fussy customer you could get stung and out of pocket if the client doesn't like what you've done. cut your teeth on an easier project

Ray, a lot of things can go wrong on any job... Nick's is capable of doing this job, with the right tools and the time spent to set out, wether half or day and half is taken it doesn't matter. Laying area's out dry, get a clear picture in you head of what it will look like is the secret to getting your confidence up.
Christ, even if you spend an evening at home and draw it out on paper , or computer to scale before you start the job, will help get your head round it.
Fixing them is no different.

Poor preparation will give a poor job.

 

[WetSaw]

I often over think a job but once I actually start end up thinking "what was I worrying about"! If you can get someone to work with it can help because you have someone to bounce ideas off and they may see something you don't.

 

[J Sid]

I often over think a job but once I actually start end up thinking "what was I worrying about"! If you can get someone to work with it can help because you have someone to bounce ideas off and they may see something you don't.

If viewing a job, tricky or not, take pictures, get some measurements on them. This way you can always ask members on here for their input, bounce some ideas about.
Isn't that we are here for

 

[Old Mod]

No not got a floor laser. I think my biggest worry is if it strays off line or comes out of square even in the slightest then I'm going to be screwed later on. I know that's the same with regular floor tiling but you can spot it a mile off and it's easy to keep in check with straight edges. My OCD is helpful at times but it goes into overdrive if I'm stressing and it becomes a total mare and a hindrance. I think I've thought myself out of this job which is a shame because you've all given me great advice and part of me really wants to do it.

Why would it come off line Nick?
This is how I would set out with just a pencil, tape, oboe, string line and good old Pythagoras!

1st job, centre room, and do two parralell lines from that, one either side.


Step two, as above only on other axis.




What you're looking to do is form a perfect square within your room. Make it as large as the room will allow.
To achieve this.



Dissect your corners.



That leave this



You now have your perfect 45o datum through the main room. But from here you can move your diagonal lines where you want just by making parallel lines from your datum.
Then you can lay out your floor.
You can mark extra lines parallel to your datum to keep it in check, either by measurement or a staff.
Keep within your bays and you can't go wrong.
Note the position of your original centre lines and how they cut the corners of the tiles.


The image above isn't perfect, but I think it demonstrates the idea.
Yes a floor laser would help if you're not confident with your maths, but this how I did it before lasers.
And they needn't cost the earth, or tho some do! Haha
The two below are only £60, basic but I used Stanley's version for years.
I now use something a little more elaborate, and I can square a room off in under 5 minutes.
A PLS FT90
Worth its weight I reckon.



Bosch PLT 2 Laser Square £45.99 in stock - next day UK delivery plus Tile Cutters and Tiling Tools

Draper D891N Expert Prolaser Laser Square Laser Line Level

PLS FT90 Four Way Laser Square £179.00 in stock - next day UK delivery plus Tile Cutters and Tiling Tools

 

[Andy Allen]

lots of things can go wrong when doing wood plank herring bone and if you've never done one before my advice would be walk away especially if you have a fussy customer you could get stung and out of pocket if the client doesn't like what you've done. cut your teeth on an easier project

What a daft thing to say !!
How you ever going to get better if you don't push yourself. ..
Take your time even if you loose money the experience will be invaluable. .

 

[Just Rizzle]

What a daft thing to say !!
How you ever going to get better if you don't push yourself. ..
Take your time even if you loose money the experience will be invaluable. .

what im saying is ive made a lot of money over the years correcting other peoples work.
herring bone wood plank is not easy especially if your using a tile that's got a bow in it and a lot of these tiles have.
the setting out is critical and you will probably have to set out from the hall a diagram would be appreciated then we could give you better advice