Slate Tiles

[mike heaton]

Hi my first post on site but have been reading for some time and have found the site to be very useful.

Currently moving walls about etc for a Client to create a new En Suite and Remodle Bathroom.

Initially I was advised by Client that he was having vinyl tiles so took up floor boards and replaced with green chipboard.

Client has now bought some black Slate Tiles from B&Q, and would like your thoughts on a few things.

Plan now to overboard with 6mm NoMorePly as client concerned about height.

I an used to ceramic tiles but have not laid Slate before and the B & Q Tiles vary in thickness from 14mm down to 3mm is this normal.

Will the thinner tiles be okay to lay or not, I plan to use Granfix Ultimate Flex.

Next question is what about sealing, Client came back from B&Q with QEP Tile Sealer cannot find any mention of this product on the Forum is it any good

I understand that I have to work clean and seal Slates before grouting but any other suggestions or tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

 

[diamondtiling]

Hi Mike welcome to the forum.

You need to make sure that the floor is deflection free, a de coupling membrane would be advisable as well. Your slate is not calibrated so start with the thickest first.
I dont know the sealer from b and q.

 

[mike heaton]

Thanks for that

couple of questions

Is the thinest slate okay to lay at all.

Also re de coupling membrane floor is very stiff 9 x 2 joists and room is only around 4.5 square meters

 

[diamondtiling]

3mm is far too thin a tile for a floor especially slate. Your floor is actually quite big for a bathroom, you need to satisfy yourself regarding bounce etc, make sure its screwed down and add 6mm backer boards for a better tiling surface.

 

[david campbell]

:welcome:to the forum
as above the 3mm stuff is too thin for a floor,sort into pile varying in thickness and if you can start with the thickest tiles in the middle of the floor that way the others can be built up to them and i wouldn't touch the qep sealer with a barge pole!

 

[mike heaton]

Thanks for that David

What is the minimum thickness of tile you would use and what sealer would you recomend, My intention would be to seal before and after grouting, Client can take QEP back for refund

Thanks Mike

 

[mike heaton]

Thanks again Diamond Tiling I am happy that floor is stiff enough, what would be minimum thickness of tile you would suggest?

 

[doug boardley]

I'd go 10mm as the minimum, are the slates smooth or riven surface?

 

[mike heaton]

The tiles are Riven and the majority of them are between 7 and 8 mm thick do you think these would be okay?

I could return anything less than 7 mm about 20% of tiles, otherwise I will have to return the whole lot and source elsewhere and I dont think client would be over joyed with this.

 

[White Room]

Tell him to replace the thin ones for thicker ones at the store he bought them.