New Tilers Support - 2

[jaime w]

Hi all im in leeds just finished my tiling course is they much work out there for tiling whats the average to charge for a b room or a kitching splash back ect thanks.

 

[darrenba]

Hi guys, another newbie here.

I'm in the process of adding a shower room under my stairs and was wondering if there are any tips for tiling the underside of the staircase. Is there any particular adhesive I should use to stop the tiles from falling off as I'm putting them up? Or should I be supporting them in some way?
Should I also replace the current plasterboard with aquapanel or is there something I can waterproof the plasterboard with?

 

[Brindle]

Hi folks.
A bit of a query here again. I've searched for the answer but not found it exactly.
I am pricing a large ensuite, walls and floors. 21m ceramic walls, 8m porc or ceramic floor - cust yet to decide.
The substrate is very solid chipboard (recent new build), and runs through at the same level into the bedroom. Am I ok to tile the floor using Bal flexible providing I acrylic prime first.
I have a feeling the customer won't agree to adding another £200 for me to install tile backer board.
Cheers

Bob

 

[dalerichardson]

Hello, been grout with grout that is on the dark side and when it dries some of the grout lines have a light film on them and it doesn't change them when they are sealed, when the sealer dries it comes back and looks the same as it did before, what going on?

 

[DHTiling]

This sounds like you have an efflorescence problem...try using lithofin cement away it should help.....heres a description of what it is....



Efflorescence. A salt deposit visible on the grout or on the tile edge also becomes an unsatisfactory situation. What is efflorescence? Efflorescence results from a soluble salt present in your mortar setting bed, in your cementitous grout and in concrete slabs. It remains fairly inert unless moisture is present, in which case the salt moves to the surface where it dries into a white, crumbly powder.


Where does the water come from? It may be available in the concrete substrate or in the cement mortar (where too much mixing water has been used). The water may come from the cementitous grout itself, particularly if excess mixing water was used - a situation which also results in voids in the grout that allow easy passage of water from the concrete or mortar mix. Elimination of efflorescence is achieved by some of the following methods. When installing over an on-grade slab, a vapor retarder should be in place beneath the slab. Use a meter to check moisture emissions. Other preventive measures include allowing your setting bed to dry (and cure), using proper mixing techniques, installing dense grout joints, not using excessive water in dressing joints, and using kraft paper for curing.

 

[thechef]

Any advice on putting down 70sq mts of Travertine tiles?

Been asked to quote, have done some reserch about filled and unfilled, as well as sealing before grouting.

Anything I should know about?

Also I did read a thread ages ago about a tent to keep in the dust, can someone point me too it?

All advice is good...well mostly:whatchutalkingabout

 

[dalerichardson]

Thanks, is there a way to fix or clean away the efflorescence now that it's there and if there is will it harm the overall integrity of the grout?

Dale

 

[DHTiling]

try the lithofin cement away dale and if it works then re-seal the grout....

 

[steve_mcgarry]

Hi, I've been tiling for about 2 years now and have always had most of my work subbed out to me by larger tiling companies, but i have now managed to land myself a new build site with 3 houses and 6 flats local to me which is great, the problem is I am used to being given a price per m2 as a subbie, not me quoting a price for all works to be done!

The spec on the bathrooms and kitchens is pretty standard, fixing ceramic tiles on clean flat plaster with all visible tile edges to be trimmed.

I will be supplying all adhesive, grout, trim and will be PVA priming all walls prior to tiling.

If anyone could give me any tips on pricing up a job like this i would be grateful. I was looking at around the £24 m2 but am not to sure if that would scare off my customer, but at the same time I do not want to underprice the job.

Thanks.

 

[ALLSTAR]

Any tips on regrouting??

regards
Allstar

 

[White Room]

Hi, I've been tiling for about 2 years now and have always had most of my work subbed out to me by larger tiling companies, but i have now managed to land myself a new build site with 3 houses and 6 flats local to me which is great, the problem is I am used to being given a price per m2 as a subbie, not me quoting a price for all works to be done!

The spec on the bathrooms and kitchens is pretty standard, fixing ceramic tiles on clean flat plaster with all visible tile edges to be trimmed.

I will be supplying all adhesive, grout, trim and will be PVA priming all walls prior to tiling.

If anyone could give me any tips on pricing up a job like this i would be grateful. I was looking at around the £24 m2 but am not to sure if that would scare off my customer, but at the same time I do not want to underprice the job.

Thanks.

Hi Steve, Have they indicated what sort price there looking at, or ask them what region m2 there looking for, no harm in asking. But 24 m2 dos'nt sound bad I was working on £15 on site. Pva as primer NNOOOOOoooooo bal apd or sbr.

 

[ALLSTAR]

Hi guys/girls

How much should i charge for a kitchen splashback. Its roughly 2.5 sq mtrs, and the guy has bought the materials. 1/2 day - days work??

regards
Allstar

 

[grumpygrouter]

Hi guys/girls

How much should i charge for a kitchen splashback. Its roughly 2.5 sq mtrs, and the guy has bought the materials. 1/2 day - days work??

regards
Allstar

If it's half a days work charge half your normal day rate. Do you have to cut around sockets etc. What size tiles are they, does the wall need any prep, are you grouting the same day? Waht about windows and and cutting around wall cupboards.

Are you sure about only 1/2 day?

Grumpy

 

[GazTech]

Hi, I've been tiling for about 2 years now and have always had most of my work subbed out to me by larger tiling companies, but i have now managed to land myself a new build site with 3 houses and 6 flats local to me which is great, the problem is I am used to being given a price per m2 as a subbie, not me quoting a price for all works to be done!

The spec on the bathrooms and kitchens is pretty standard, fixing ceramic tiles on clean flat plaster with all visible tile edges to be trimmed.

I will be supplying all adhesive, grout, trim and will be PVA priming all walls prior to tiling.

If anyone could give me any tips on pricing up a job like this i would be grateful. I was looking at around the £24 m2 but am not to sure if that would scare off my customer, but at the same time I do not want to underprice the job.

Thanks.

You have got to be kidding me!!!

 

[ALLSTAR]

If it's half a days work charge half your normal day rate. Do you have to cut around sockets etc. What size tiles are they, does the wall need any prep, are you grouting the same day? Waht about windows and and cutting around wall cupboards.

Are you sure about only 1/2 day?

Grumpy

Cheers Grumpy

There's sockets to cut around, and under cupboards, tiling onto old plaster (good nick, no holes, levels ok) Small tiles, roughly 140mm by 80mm. Going to grout next day since its local. £150 day rate ok?

regards
Allstar

 

[grumpygrouter]

Cheers Grumpy

There's sockets to cut around, and under cupboards, tiling onto old plaster (good nick, no holes, levels ok) Small tiles, roughly 140mm by 80mm. Going to grout next day since its local. £150 day rate ok?

regards
Allstar

That would be about right then. Are you doing brick bond or straight set? Need to be slightly more careful with brick bond so it may take longer.

Grumpy

 

[ALLSTAR]

That would be about right then. Are you doing brick bond or straight set? Need to be slightly more careful with brick bond so it may take longer.

Grumpy

Aye, it's brick bond

Cheers Grumpy

 

[big dom]

i always charge splash backs in linear meters @ £20 a meter.

 

[warwick]

Hi I'm a couple of weeks into a tiling course at central tile training in Coventry. I have really enjoyed the course so far, learnt a lot, and found it to be generally good value.

I am caught in 2 minds weather to do a further 4 and a half day course. This would cover building and then tanking a prefabricated shower base and walls, installing the waste then mosaic tiling the whole thing. Can't remember the make of the prefab kit (aqua -something), but you become a registered installer on the company's books and you can carry their logo etc on your van.

Does this sound decent value for an outlay of £560

I have already paid out for van/tools/course etc which has come to more than I anticipated. I'm still in full time work and only intend doing part time at weekends until things hopefully take off...

Advice to sway me either way would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[DHTiling]

I know is sounds a lot of pennies for learning how to do a wet-room..but wet-rooms are getting more and more popular so if you learn about them then it gives you the edge over fixers who can't do them...so go for it i say.....

 

[kgr1979]

I am just about to start out on my own, so obviously slightli aprehensive as i havn't been tiling that long. I would just like to know what process most of you guys do at the beginning of a job, i.e bathrooom wall and floor? Obviously i have been taught a certain way, however i would like to pick up any other helpful hints.

 

[no1chance23]

The Tile & Stone Show - Helping new tilers get started
For all new tilers looking for the best way to get started in the industry come along to The Tile & Stone Show on the 29 June - 1 July at London ExCeL this summer.
Its your chance to meet key figures in the industry to gain advice and network.
What to see
• Seminars with design experts such as Wayne Hemingway and Sebastion Conran
• A huge mix of exhibitors from all parts of the industry
• Business advice from Leo Aspden and Sheila Elliot
• See the latest products and launches - including a new range launched by Plasplugs at the show
and much more
To get your free pass for the show register now at www.thetileandstoneshow.co.uk

 

[seapower]

Hi, can anyone give me advice on what adhesive to use with victorian clay tiles on to a well layed timber base? I seem to be getting conflicting advise from the various manufacturers. thanks

 

[Dan]

Hi I'm a couple of weeks into a tiling course at central tile training in Coventry. I have really enjoyed the course so far, learnt a lot, and found it to be generally good value.

I am caught in 2 minds weather to do a further 4 and a half day course. This would cover building and then tanking a prefabricated shower base and walls, installing the waste then mosaic tiling the whole thing. Can't remember the make of the prefab kit (aqua -something), but you become a registered installer on the company's books and you can carry their logo etc on your van.

Does this sound decent value for an outlay of £560

I have already paid out for van/tools/course etc which has come to more than I anticipated. I'm still in full time work and only intend doing part time at weekends until things hopefully take off...

Advice to sway me either way would be appreciated, thanks.

Don't forget to leave feedback in the feedback forum. 🙂

 

[mikephillips]

Hi all
just finished a job floor tiling over 15mm ply.
Trouble is the theres a small bit of movement in the floor and the grout is starting to crack.

I'm not sure that the grout was flexible.

What can i do to solve this problem.

TIA

Mike

 

[marbleman]

hello folks it takes about 3 1/2 days to do a bathroom of in or around 30 to 40 sq meters charge about 350 to 400 pound dont price jobs by sq. meters as that does not take into account for rough floors/walls which can take up a fair amount of time to prepare. prefection always comes before speed and my customers know that hence the reason for not advertiseing in 4 years i have lost 2 jobs that i have priced. ps i wonder is that also because i am to cheap hhhmmm.

well 350 to 400 pounds for 30 to 40 m2 is very low your doing yourself approx rate is £25-£28 per m2 walls labour adhesive grout and sealant . prep work is seprate charge on a daily rate . think about it you buy your own tools, insurances,run a vehicle, no holiday pay, no sick pay, clothing, so at that rate you are earning around £50 perday once you have paid your tax and i.n and expenses
regards
marbleman

one question how long have you been tiling ,

 

[TileSmasher]

Evening All,

I'm a new tiler, still wet behind the ears and have my first job next weekend. Just a small 15sq metre, downstairs toilet. I've assesed the job and there is lino glued to the concrete floor.

Does anybody have any tips about removing the glue from the floor once the lino is pulled up?

Cheers!

 

[hrgj3270]

Evening All,

I'm a new tiler, still wet behind the ears and have my first job next weekend. Just a small 15sq metre, downstairs toilet. I've assesed the job and there is lino glued to the concrete floor.

Does anybody have any tips about removing the glue from the floor once the lino is pulled up?

Cheers!

hi mate i lifted lino a few weeks ago on my first job. the lino i was faced with looked like normal vinyl on top but i was very unpleasently surprised when i tried to lift it. the vinyl was hessian backed and the glue stuck the hessian to the floor even after i had removed the vinyl. i had to scrape for 2 hours or so to remove it from a concrete floor. i also used a small bottle of adhesive thinner that is readily available from DIY shops. i washed the floor after using it just incase it affected the adhesive in anyway.

hope this helps mate
----

Evening All,

I'm a new tiler, still wet behind the ears and have my first job next weekend. Just a small 15sq metre, downstairs toilet. I've assesed the job and there is lino glued to the concrete floor.

Does anybody have any tips about removing the glue from the floor once the lino is pulled up?

Cheers!

hi mate i lifted lino a few weeks ago on my first job. the lino i was faced with looked like normal vinyl on top but i was very unpleasently surprised when i tried to lift it. the vinyl was hessian backed and the glue stuck the hessian to the floor even after i had removed the vinyl. i had to scrape for 2 hours or so to remove it from a concrete floor. i also used a small bottle of adhesive thinner that is readily available from DIY shops. i washed the floor after using it just incase it affected the adhesive in anyway.

hope this helps mate M

 

[jocky102]

hello folks it takes about 3 1/2 days to do a bathroom of in or around 30 to 40 sq meters charge about 350 to 400 pound dont price jobs by sq. meters as that does not take into account for rough floors/walls which can take up a fair amount of time to prepare. prefection always comes before speed and my customers know that hence the reason for not advertiseing in 4 years i have lost 2 jobs that i have priced. ps i wonder is that also because i am to cheap hhhmmm.

damn that is cheap, i charge £23 a squared metre + materials regardless or walls/floors, 30 m2 would cost them around 760ish, i dont advertise either i get all mine from referals, and to the questions on the other tilers on speed, dont worry about it i take my time tiling too, if i take 4 or 5 days i dont care, my reputation is more important than a rush job, im in there 2 days longer than other tilers in most cases, there are tilers and there are finishing tilers, i hopefully belong to the latter... im a firm believer in you get what you pay for

Jock

 

[jocky102]

Re: getting started

can any one give me any work to get started did the course at north east tiling 05/nov/07 thank you

the only thing i can say it advertise advertise advertise, thats how you get yourself up and running and believe me it costs ALOT BUT in a few months you won t have to do it because referals come in, then you can save more and make more, stick at it and dont worry about advertising costs, it is ALL tax deductable afterall lol, what you spend legit they cant tax u for... GO FOR IT lol

 

[simon price]

hi , i am doing an intensive and advanced tiling course in a few weeks. If there are any tilers looking for any part time help in the essex area so i can learn with out giving my other job up, i would be most gratfull. would not want paying. thx