My DIY bathroom refit - Lots of advice needed

[dazzler9000]

I’m embarking on my DIY tiling project. I’ve got lots of questions so I’m hoping you can help me out!!

I’m going to be gutting my bathroom and having a new bathroom suite including a freestanding bath. I’ll be fitting new tiles on the walls and floor. I’ll be using a Norton clipper TT200EM to make the cuts.

The bath will have a mixer tap and shower attachment so the room shouldn't get that wet.

I’ll be using quartz on the floor (300x600), gloss white ceramics for the walls (300x600)and mosaics for a feature wall and window ledge.

Questions!!

1 – The walls are plasterboard and plastered. They have been painted and they have a slight ripple effect on them? Not sure what this is as it was there before we moved in. Will I need to flatten this out or can I tile straight on to it? Will I need to board the walls with a "no more ply" type product?

2 – Will I need to primer everything with an SBR primer?

3 – I currently have ply on the floor over the floor boards. Does this ply need to come up and be replaced with “no more ply” or equivalent

4 – Is it advised to use edging strips or try and join the tiles at the edges? If I go with edging strips, what’s the best finish to go for with gloss white tiles – White or silver? You chaps see this stuff all the time, what’s the best finish, flat or round?

5 – I’ve noticed that the tiles on a lot of websites I’ve seen are are arranged in a grid like fashion and not staggered. Is this the right way to do it or is it simply down to personal preference? Also I’ve noticed that 300x600 tiles can go in portrait or landscape orientation. Is there a right or wrong way to do them and what looks best in your opinion?

6 – Which spacers would I use between tiles (2mm?)

7 - Cutting the edge tile in half on mosaics – (I’ve asked this question on another thread but I may as well ask it here for addition comments). I’m going to be laying two rows of mosaics and I’m a little nervous about the amount of cutting I’m going to have to do, any advice on cutting those nuisance edge tiles.




Adhesives

8 – Walls - Do I need a flexible adhesive for the Walls? Would something like this be OK?
Slow Set Wall/Floor Tile Adhesive Grey 20kg (Adesilex P9)

Do I need something different for the glass/stone mosaics?

9 - Floor - Guessing this would be OK for the floors - Fast Setting Flexible Quartz Tile Adhesive Grey 2 Part

Grouts

10 – I’ve used the Kerapoxy epoxy grout before in my kitchen floor and quite liked it. Should I use this again on the bathroom floor as it will get a little wet?

11 – As the kerapoxy is expensive, would the “Keracolour FF White 5kg” be OK for the walls considering I’m not planning on having water splashing on them all day long?


Sorry for the overload of questions but I’d rather get it right first time :hurray:

 

[Mr Tiler]

I thought as much Ali lol i don't take much notice of the size of trim im being given for a job lol. Will do in future

 

[dazzler9000]

Don't serate all of the wall in this weather or it will go off... So much more you need to know mate that's why we suggest you get a few quotes it can be a real nightmare if you don't know what your doing and can cost you in the long run

Sorry mate, what did you mean by 'don't serate the walls'

I understand what you're saying but it's really not in the budget and I'm keen to at least try and gain some tiling skills. Besides, I'll be alright I've got the Mrs helping me :mad2:.... at least if it does go wrong I get to push half the blame on her.


Thanks everybody else for your contributions!!

 

[Mr Tiler]

Sorry mate, what did you mean by 'don't serate the walls'

I understand what you're saying but it's really not in the budget and I'm keen to at least try and gain some tiling skills. Besides, I'll be alright I've got the Mrs helping me :mad2:.... at least if it does go wrong I get to push half the blame on her.


Thanks everybody else for your contributions!!

what I mean is when you apply your selected adhesive to the wall.... this time of year it is not a good idea to serate the whole wall at once just go up a couple of course at a time mate. good luck and some pics would be appreciated of the work thanks

 

[dazzler9000]

Ah, got you!! Will do cheers.

 

[prceramics]

Working with the missis ! You are a braver man than me lol

 

[dazzler9000]

I know, It should be interesting!!!

Love to post some pics if all goes well. Could be a bad move though with all you pros on here....

 

[Mr Tiler]

Would be a constant argument between ne n mine lol. good luck mate hope all goes well

 

[dazzler9000]

Hi Whitebeam, is the Thistle bonding plaster OK to tile onto after it's dry or will it need to be sealed with a primer? I did intend on doing anyway for the rest of the wall? I've read contradictory information about tiling onto this??

Would the Thistle multifinish be a better solution? I see it can't be applied as thick, but I guess I could apply a few coats??

Or could I just fill the holes with tile adhesive or polyfilla?

 

[dazzler9000]

Started tiling today. Had a bit if a nightmare with the tile trim. I got the flat chome 12mm. Got a little confused about which way around they go? I know it sounds stupid but any tips or pics to help me out?

 

[White Room]

I prefer the picture framing of the window with the wide edge facing you as your looking at the window.

 

[Qwerty]

+1 :smilewinkgrin:

 

[dazzler9000]

Cheers for that, so would this be the correct way to fit them? I'd started mitering them (not an easy task) but then I was convinced I was fitting them on the wrong edge!!

 

[White Room]

I hope your window reveal/wall is straight, you will find it difficult to bow the trim.

Also your trim will need to be fixed then feathered with adhesive from the inside towards the window so your mosaic does not lip near the trim.

 

[dazzler9000]

Yes, it's not too far out. So the way I have it is correct?

 

[White Room]

That is the way I would do it but some customers prefer it another way.....