Limestone Floor Tile

[doddsie]

Thanks for your advice in advance, a newbie to the forum here.

I am project managing a house build in France and was looking to install a limestone floor throughout.

I have had a good quote direct from the manufacturer in Egypt to get a container load (approx. 450m2)

Does anyone have any experience of dealing direct with the manufacturer's and are there any potential pitfalls I should be aware of? I was thinking of flying out there to see the tiles just before they get loaded on the container, to check the quality and colour is similar to the sample. Is this necessary?

I was planning to get the tiles and store them at the property for approx. 3 months, perhaps more depending upon the schedule. Is this a good idea or should I leave ordering the tiles until later in the build?

In terms of laying the tiles, the main building contractors are quoting to lay them and they will also do the screed, over an electric under floor heating system. Is this wise or should I get a specialised tile fitting company in to the job? Which ever way I would make sure the same company did both the screed and the tiling, so the responsibility falls with one contractor and I'd also make sure they run the underfloor heating for a few weeks and let it cool completely before tiling. I'd also supply the adhesive and sealant.

OK, sorry for such a long post and any comments would be very welcome, on some of or all the questions.

Thanks again.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Ufh, new screed, limestone - make sure you use a decoupling membrane such as Ditra.
Taking the wife on a freebie to Egypt on the pretex of inspecting tiles is a must for such an order especially to ensure all the same batch - after all you wouldn't spend £25k on a car without giving it the once over!
As for the building contractor quoting for laying the tiles!! Unless you've seen a previous contract where he's done the tiling I'd say no! Limestone is not in a general builders portfolio and as such a specialist would be required - I'd be confident to say the price would be more competitive.
Which area in France is the build taking place? There are some Stone Tilers on the forum that travel.
If you require any further info you can pm any member for prices.
And Welcome to the forum.
John.

 

[doddsie]

Thanks for the reply and yes my wife is quite keen on a trip to Cairo. Apparently the builders started off life in the trade as tilers, but I still think I'd prefer a specialist, but until I speak to them and gauge their experience I won't know.
I had thought about Ditra, having read all the threads on here about Limestone and some of the horror stories.
If there is anybody on here who fancies quoting for the job then the chalet is located in Morzine, about an hour south of Geneva. I'm not sure when the place will be ready for tiling as there isn't even a roof at the moment, but it's likely to be March/April.

 

[Sean SML Tiling]

Jonny c is your man for stonework. Hope he see's this thread.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Plenty of experience on the forum from Stone Tilers to help you choose the best contractor.

 

[Pebbs]

Can I ask a question here? you placed the order with the supplier in Egypt directly, how many samples have they sent you and have they sent you photographs of your order whilst its in production? I hope they have kept you updated along the way, and I presume they are doing it on a letter of credit. My advice to you would be to definately go and inspect the material before its been shipped, and before you hand over any balance payment.
When you get there, they will probably show you the order packed, and show you a few samples that are not in the crates. At that point you need to pick a crate at random and get them to open it and remove some of the stone for inspection, do not leave that crate unattended at any point. I have had suppliers try and pull every stunt in the book, to divert from the fact they intend on shipping substandard material.
Please also remember to take your tape measure, and measure the samples pulled from the crate, not just the overall dims but also the depth of the stone, check that the finish is satisfactory, check for any fissures, broken edges, etc. When you go to check the stone, it will more than likely be soaking wet, this is normal as it can take months to dry out completely, so please be aware it will be darker in appearance than your sample. Make sure that all the stone is correctly packed with packing foam or another protective material between the stones. The reason I am telling you this, is because the stone gets rocked together during the journey and if they are not packed correctly you could recieve a few crates of rubble by the time it has reached its destination.
It is a good idea to get the stone well in advance of your build, it gives it time to dry out, as long as you dont store it for the elements to get at it! I hope everything goes well for you, please remember you have to be on the suppliers case at all times.

Pebbs

 

[doddsie]

Thanks for the reply Pebbs.
I haven't placed the order yet, as I wont be able to store the tiles on-site until October. Therefore I intend to place the order at the beginning of September, as I've been told it will take about two weeks to cut and pack the tiles.
The supplier wants 50% at the time of placing the order and the balance when the tiles are shipped.
Yes I'll make sure that I get a random crate opened up and inspect it carefully and even then I accept that it's all a bit of a risk.
Thanks again.

 

[GMLpaul]

Open up more than one crate, thickness and bowing should also be audited. Specialist contractor and be very careful with the screed and UFH system that it's commissioned properly.