Limestone Tiles - Laying Tips (am I Mad?)

[Dave]

All the Bastille floors I've done , I have used Mapei Ultra colour grout.

It's s nice coarser grout than most and most importantly for me , rapid setting. Which helps keep a nice flush joint.

And comes in loads!! Of colours.

As for the expansion strip if one is required , then either to suit tile colour or grout , not many options as you say when you need deep ones.

You could make your own cold joint if you get get suitable metal flat trims of that depth and then use Mapeis matching Silicon to the grout , setting a min 10mm cold joint.

 

[wayne]

Could you not just leave a 10mm gap across doorways for expansion and just Silicon the joint. Done that a few times with no problems

 

[TCS]

Thanks chaps.

I hadn't really thought of making my own, but will look have a look into that, thanks. Seems a cost effective option.

Regarding the grout, would it be wise for me to invest in a grout application bag, due to the joints being fairly deep?

My method would be as follows:

1. Apply grout into joints using the application bag.
   
2. Then go over the joints (diagonally) with a rubber grouting float to achieve a flush finish
   
3. Sponge off the excess

Is that right?

I will be sealing before and after grouting.

Cheers!

p.s. I don't want to speak to soon, but...I've discovered that I really like tiling!

 

[Spare Tool]

Thanks chaps.

I hadn't really thought of making my own, but will look have a look into that, thanks. Seems a cost effective option.

Regarding the grout, would it be wise for me to invest in a grout application bag, due to the joints being fairly deep?

My method would be as follows:

1. Apply grout into joints using the application bag.
   
2. Then go over the joints (diagonally) with a rubber grouting float to achieve a flush finish
   
3. Sponge off the excess

Is that right?

I will be sealing before and after grouting.

Cheers!

p.s. I don't want to speak to soon, but...I've discovered that I really like tiling!

Using a grout bag would take you forever especially with those size joints, mix up half a 5kg bag at a time and force it into the joint with the grout float, if you go with mapie its a very very fine line between getting it too stiff or too wet, id edge on the side of stiff with such a wide joint. Grout about 3-4 sqm then go back and wash excess off. Its worth investing in a cheapish washboy too but id buy a decent quality sponge like a genesis to use with it though, and pull it diagonally over the joint not down the joint line..imo a sponge and a bucket of water will drag the grout out of the joints. Hope that helps.