My first ever tiling job Day 1 Page: 2

[Bathfix Bob]

Don't forget to unscrew the sockets and then refit (may need longer screws). Use good quality Silicon down onto worktop (Dow or Mapei etc).

Get into the habit of using cement based powered adhesive especially if they are big tiles or the walls aren't flat.

 

[Nick HBS]

I went and got my hands on a wet tile cutter last night so I feel I'm better equipped for dealing with the rest of the sockets today. I did unscrew the sockets and pulled the fronts away but they're all still wired in so its still a bit tricky working round them. I might re-do the ones I fitted yesterday.

I'm taking on board all your advice and really appreciate all your input.

 

[Nick HBS]

Just in case anyone still cares, I finished the tiling today after a 12 hour shift. I'm absolutely cream crackered but happy that I got it all finished.

The electric tile cutter suggestion was a stroke of genius, must have saved me hours today, and i'm quite satisfied with the electrical sockets in the end. Having a wee bit of trouble with my manual cutter though - one of those score and snap devices and it claims to be a professional standard (Its a Draper 3 in 1 tile cutter) but I'm unimpressed.

Just the grouting to do now and that's a job for tomorrow evening.

I reckon I've learnt more this week than on my course last month and I've a million questions to bombard you all with but they can wait for the weekend, I'm busy right now - I've got beer to drink.

Later.

 

[Gazzer]

Dont forget the photos

 

[Alan.P]

Well done, get it grouted and then post some pics. as for the questions, fire away when ready lol

 

[bobbynz]

You've already got the best tool in your toolbox mate...your Attitude
very good Grasshopper

 

[Nick HBS]

Cheers guys.

Well I went round to grout the tiles last night but ran out of grout! I had bought some which should have covered 15m2 but the tiled area was only 5m2 and I had still got about 1.5 m2 to do when all the grout was gone. I felt had mixed it to a pretty good consistency - it went on ok, not too thick, not too sloppy. So what did I do wrong? Anyway, going back on Saturday to finish the final bit.

To be honest, I've had enough of this particular job now and I need to step back from it and decide on my next step. It has been really really tough, both physically and in terms of stressfulness, especially when I've been at work during the day and then going and working again in the evening as I did yesterday.

I think I would do with a couple more friends and family type jobs before I can start even thinking of calling myself a professional and branching out into the wider world.

I'll hopefully get some pics taken this weekend when its all finished.

 

[enduro]

The first few jobs are always the worst...they seem to take forever. Just dont rush as speed will come, just do a good job then jobs will start rolling in.

 

[kilty55]

hi nick,a splashback is a small job really conpared to most tiling jobs

tiling is very demanding phsically and mentally,i would go on further training courses if i was you and as you say then maybe do a few more friend and family jobs if you feel confident enough before going on to do paid work atm

your in the best place for advice though and any questions feel free

 

[bobbynz]

Dont get too discouraged mate.You are up against it at the moment because a)its your first job b)you have to work during the day before you even start and c) your current experience means its going to take you twice as long using unfamiliar equipment and materials , in time you will master your equipment and will be able to guage your materials like addy and grout at a glance.
Anyway, you might change your mind when you have finished grouting, Silicon and polish off. It will look a million dollars and you will be well pleased with yourself:hurray:.
Its been 28 years now and I can still see myself standing back and proudly looking at my first completed job It was then that I decided that this was for me. Never looked back.
After this one, take a break while you plan your next one