Large format tiling

[Brad]

Hi all.....

Could someone please point me in the direction of a good thread on trowels to use for large format wall tiling.

I am also looking for some experienced advice about the correct way to tile large format wall tiles. Particularly porcelain. I have been tiling for a reasonable time now, but have little experience fixing large format. I am unsure on the correct trowel size to use on say a 600x600....also how much addy to use?? For example, after trowelling the wall, do I back butter the tile, or is it good enough to just skim the back of the tile??

Thank you.

 

[doug boardley]

on a tile that size I'd use a 10mm trowel and back skim the tiles.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I'd also check the weights of the tiles and the substrate to be tiled.

 

[Brad]

thanks doug. the reason for back skimming would be to aid adhesion, considering that its a porcelain tile and not very porous, is that correct?

 

[Brad]

thanks john. Its a commercial job that has already been spec'd out. so I have to work with materials already supplied. just want to make sure that there is no problem with my method of fixing.

 

[Del W]

Is the wall going to take the weight? How thick are the tiles ?

 

[Brad]

on a tile that size I'd use a 10mm trowel and back skim the tiles.

where can i go for reliable info on correct trowel sizes? there are so many differing opinions out there.

 

[Ian]

Post 3 in this thread http://www.tilersforums.com/tiling-forum/13313-all-questions-i-asked-when-i.html

A cracking thread overall.

 

[nybor62]

where can i go for reliable info on correct trowel sizes? there are so many differing opinions out there.

10mm round notch trowel min imo for a solid bed , i do use bigger on floors depending on size and thickness of tile,
i personally never use a square notch trowel

 

[Peter]

Usually opt for a 12mm trowel and back skim. Maybe 10mm on very flat walls.

 

[andyb1]

10mm and back butter for me.

 

[charlie1]

Usually opt for a 12mm trowel and back skim. Maybe 10mm on very flat walls.

Same for me mate!

There a lot more to tiling with large format than picking the right trowel! It's sooo different,from tilind with smaller tiles! I love it when customers often coment when I'm tiling with large formatctiles "that will take you no time, because of the size of them!" I timed myself recently Doug a 900x300, from troweling, backskimming to making sure perfect and inserting spacers, it took me 7 minutes ( I am v fussy though!)

Re trowel size for 600sq I would be using 12 square notch and back skimming!

 

[andyb1]

don't you just love it when the customer says i got big tiles so it will be easier for you!:mad2:

 

[Brad]

10mm round notch trowel min imo for a solid bed , i do use bigger on floors depending on size and thickness of tile,
i personally never use a square notch trowel

when you say you go bigger on floors depending on size and thickness, could you elaborate? also, how does this work with walls?