Saying hello and looking for guidance with my diy bathroom project.

[slicker55]

Hello everyone,

I don't pretend to be a professional anything... just a 'competent DIYer', always willing to listen and learn. I am patient, appreciate the importance of good planning and have an eye for detail.

I am currently fitting a new bathroom and have reached the tiling stage.

I want to centralise everything on a feature wall to accommodate a large rectangular mirror and vanity unit - no problem.

However, on the opposite wall, there is a wall mounted mixer tap (central to the end of the bath). I would also like this tap to be central to the surrounding tiles.

I have been experimenting all day and have determined this will not be possible if I tile this wall in the same way as the feature wall.

Here's my question...

I have studied the general principles of 'setting out' and appreciate that generally tiles and grout lines should be reflected on opposite walls but is it ever acceptable to compromise this approach?

 

[WetSaw]

And even when facing the mirror wall, you can not view both small walls at once.

Hmm, let me think about that...

 

[slicker55]

Hiya Julian,
Thank you for taking an interest in my project.
The drawings have been prepared using a program called 'Graphic' on my MacBook Pro.
Just to clarify, I haven't decided which way to go yet in relation to tackling the mixer issue (misaligment) - just interested to hear what others think would work best - what do you reckon?
Oh, you asked what happens if I was to start the first row with a full tile - good question - I did try that and it results in a 'sliver' immediately above the bath. It's all quite tight (so to speak)... cutting the first tile down just a bit to get rid of the 'sliver' above the bath introduces a 'sliver' under the shelf above the sink - aaaghhh. I really don't want a horizontal grout line between the top f the sink and the shelf above the sink so there's little scope for me to manoeuvre...

 

[WetSaw]

Can't you move the shelf above the sink so it'll be on the grout line?

 

[slicker55]

Hello pdc,
Nice one - food for thought - I will have a look at that....

 

[Albert]

Can't you move the shelf above the sink so it'll be on the grout line?

As above

 

[slicker55]

Thanks guys...

I'm referring to this as a shelf when it is in fact it is the reveal on top of a studded section which hides pipework etc...

I was thinking of making of making this more of a feature by having a wooden shelf fabricated by a company which uses some unusual materials. I quite like the look of Bamboo but haven't seen it in the flesh yet.

The timber they use comes standard (40mm depth) so maybe they could machine some of this out or alternatively make the shelf using two sections so that the front edge overhangs the grout line.

I'll have a word with them and see what they can suggest.

 

[Julian 'Farmer' Bonsall]

How does altering your grout gaps affect things?

 

[slicker55]

Hiya Julian,
Another practical suggestion which could come in handy on some jobs ... don't think this will help out on this occasion but thanks anyway. Not started any tiling yet so still time to reconsider and will bear this in mind.

 

[Julian 'Farmer' Bonsall]

Software looks nifty.

 

[slicker55]

Pretty standard graphics package but I use it quite a bit to create artwork for some of my other hobbies.

 

[slicker55]

.... today's dilemma!

Looking at options to tile around the window.

The tiles to the right of the window and above the window are dictated by other considerations.

Therefore, I am only trying to decide which is the better choice in relation to the tiles immediately to the left of the window:

Option 1

Pro's
Avoids a narrow cut to the left of the window

Con's
Tiles going into the corners of this wall (and the wall opposite) will only be approx 8cm wide

Option 2

Pro's
1. Tiles going into the corners of this wall (and the wall opposite) will be much wider (21cm )

A more even array of tiles horizontally above the bath.

Con's
A narrow cut (8cm) to the left of the window.

Gentlemen, your opinions please...