Opinions needed

[DHTiling]

All the info you need is on the forums spend some time going through the archives mate....

 

[tfs]

OK, thank you very much, I have looked through the forums, I have got some bits and peices.

Some of you are happy to spend the time to write 10 - 30 words saying this and that but, still not realy answering my questions.

I think its great having a forum for people to help but,it would be great if I could get some answers and communicate the real time served, qualified tilers. I will keep trying in the meantime, I gues I will learn the hard way.

kris

 

[brian c]

kris we are here to help m8,i think what you have asked has been answered clearly ,use flexi rapid set BAL product or any other porcelbond adhesive for porcelain tiles,use a flexi grout also.

Regards your customer,once you have identified what make of material you are going to work with THEN you will be in a position to inform them that you supply your own products because you know the qualities of the said product compared to the diy products which are usually inferior to the branded named products used by most of us on here.

if you have any more questions then fire away or send me a pm m8. Bri

 

[DevonChris]

Hi Kris,
I've been tiling full time for over 15 years and have met a lot of tilers over this time. The bad ones moan about adhesives and grouts, the good ones just get on with it. You need to make sure the adhesive and grout supplied is suitable for any job you do. Just read the instructions! Porcelain doesn't stick with 'ordinary' adhesive so be careful. If in doubt call the manufacturers or a tile shop.
You'll get to know which ones you prefer over the years. It'll cost you some time when you use a bad one (like B&Qs!) but you often have no control over the fixing products so it all just goes down to experience and you do the best you can.
There's usually very little to choose between the most popular adhesives and normally tilers have different preferences because they work with different styles/techniques and speeds. So you need to find what you prefer with your own technique over time.
One thing that all tilers will probably agree on, is that the stuff that is both tile and grout is terrible as it's a compromise of 2 different consistencies/materials that make it rubbish at both!
It's far more important to have the correct tools and be able to use them well. Many tilers I see waste a lot of time using tools with bad methods
Good luck, take your time when you need to and don't be afraid to walk away from a job if something's not right!

Chris

 

[GazLC81]

Kris you need to be honest with the customer and tell him that you are not comfortable using the Unibond adhesive/grout he is supplying. Tell him that there is a good chance that the tiles will come loose because that particular tile adhesive brand isn't very good. If he insists on using it either tell him to get someone else to do the job as you have a reputation to uphold and won't put your name to a bad job.

Alternatively, ask him to sign something before you do the job saying that he insisted on you using Unibond adhesive against your advice and that he will be responsible for any futher problems that may occur.

Gaz

PS You work for yourself mate, remember that you don't answer to anyone, you make the decisions!

 

[tfs]

thanks for your advice guys. I agree that I will be better off once I have used various types/ brands of adhesive and grout.

regards
kris

 

[lrtiling]

I know i'm a novice but i was told on my tiling course the price you quote includes the materials, not including tiles. Quote the price and buy whatever adhesives and grout you choose, you're the professional not the customer.

 

[brian c]

I know i'm a novice but i was told on my tiling course the price you quote includes the materials, not including tiles. Quote the price and buy whatever adhesives and grout you choose, you're the professional not the customer.

We all have different methods m8,i prefer to give a price per m2 and add materials on or if customer insists on a final price then that is what i give.Its always good when you get a punter who tells you just to buy what you need and they will square you up,if only they were all like that or if they gave you money for materials in advance as this would be good for newbies starting out.Fortunately i have an excellent supplier who lets me pay once i have been paid.(cheers Andy)

 

[tfs]

Thanks for the advice guys!

Im just gonna go in and do the job to the best of my ability. 12msq kitchen floor and two bathrooms approx 3msq each.

I will be plyboarding the floors too. The customer already has the adhesive etc. I have advised him previously to get trade quality and reccomended retailers. He got quotes and decided to get from B&Q, due to price I would imagine.

I have also told him to ensure he gets an impregnator if required and that he should ask the retailer if he is unsure.

Im excited anyway as Ive read through some posts and gathered that Polished porcelain could be a good challenge for many folks especially 600 x 600. So I will be chuffed when Im done.

thanks

Kris
----
My dry cutter is too small for the 600 x 600 tiles.

I need a wet saw so, I thought I would just buy one and use this.

Can I achieve an adequate finnish? and in a reasonable timescale?

kris

 

[brian c]

KRIS I WOULD DEFINATELY SEAL THOSE TILES M8 AS IV HEARD A LOT OF HORROR STORIES ABOUT THOSE LARGE FORMAT B&q tiles,dont leave ady or grout on the surface for any length of time m8 as this may result in the staining of the tile,make sure you use FLEXI ADHESIVE AND GROUT ESPECIALLY ONTO PLYWOOD.aLL THE BEST AND LET US KNOW HOW YOU GET ON. Bri