Important Changes to Tiling Standards

[Lukass]

It looks bad, I use 2mm in 95% of my jobs

 

[gamma38]

I had the same thing on a job I did last year I fitted a 5mm joint as the type of tile I was using I had always used that size joint. The floor took me two days to do a day and a half tiling and half a day grouting in all that time they had seen what I was doing and said nothing but as soon as the job was finished they Said they did not like the size grout joint I had used and could I change it. To be honest I was absolutely fuming but as I had not discussed the joint size with them befor I started tiling I had no option but to lift the floor and retile it using a 3 mm joint. I always ask what size joint people want now.

I agree, I always ask the customer what width they want. I even set a few tiles out with the different spacers so they can see what i'm asking. I don't think you can leave anything to chance.

 

[John Benton]

I always layout the tiles in different bonds/grout joint sizes prior to fixing. I can advise, but ultimately let the customer decide. They can't blame you once they're fixed then.

 

[charlie1]

All these issues should (imo) be discussed with customer prior to starting! Size of joint can have abig bearing in the overall look of the job! Having said that, sometimes with poorly calibrated tiles can dictate a larger joint! Nothing against larger joints, I have seen some great tiled floors with 5mm joints!!

Imo this is just one of those unfortunate cases where the expectations of the customer has not been saticfied by the tiler!....why are these issues never picked up during the project....would save a lot of hassle!

 

[Jackie0802]

Hi Charlie1,

I agree with you up to a certain extent, and if the grout width was the only problem we wouldn't have a dispute because on the face of it although (IMO) the floor would look better with a thinner grout line the width on it's own would not be a problem. With respect, I don't think it is for the customer to stand over the tilers shoulder and point out crooked tiles or awful cuts as the job progresses. We relied on the tilers professional expertise, and we paid for that expertise. We have also paid more money in an effort to get this put right. I'd also point out that water pooling in the grout line after the floor is washed is not something you would expect a customer to anticipate, but a good tiler should and apply the grout accordingly. I don't think our expectations were out of the ordinary, we would just like to be able to walk across the floor without tripping over and not have to wear wellingtons until the grout dries!

Oh, and a 5mm joint would be about half what we currently have

 

[The D]

Do you know what grout was used as in was it a specific wide joint grout or was it a standard grout?? if it was a standard grout this may go some way in explaining why the grout slumps in the joint.
British standards are there for your protection as well as his so quote them back at him.
IMO that type of tile should have a 3-5 mm joint maximum it looks to me that he has used a very large joint in an attempt to disguise shoddy workmanship.

 

[widler]

just tiled a bathroom with 60x40(well,actually 61.5x41.5 )asked the customer how they wanted tiles and what spacer

Answer- " are we the tiler,you should know what looks best" :smilewinkgrin:

As for that job,the close ups look real bad,im with deano he has used BIG spaces to make up for bad work,id like to see the full floor as well,set up ect ect

 

[AliGage]

Am i right in thinking the tiles with verying joint widths are around the tiles that have been replaced?

 

[Jackie0802]

Not in all cases, although most of the chipped tiles (25 in all) are around the ones that have been replaced. Two tiles have susquently cracked in the last few days, ironically neither of these were problem tiles!

 

[AliGage]

What has the house builder said? It's a new build right?

 

[John Benton]

Not in all cases, although most of the chipped tiles (25 in all) are around the ones that have been replaced. Two tiles have susquently cracked in the last few days, ironically neither of these were problem tiles!

Thats because they removed the tiles from the edge to the centre, instead of from the centre outwards.

 

[Jackie0802]

What has the house builder said? It's a new build right?

The house builder hasn't had anything to do with this part of the project. This is the kitchen and utility floor, which this is, was done as part of the new kitchen.

 

[AliGage]

I'm a little confused. A new kitchen replacing exsisting? Or the kitchen going into a new build? I was always led to believe that a house builder has to present the home with sanitary and cooking facilities as part of NHBC certificate criteria.

 

[Jackie0802]

I'm a little confused. A new kitchen replacing exsisting? Or the kitchen going into a new build? I was always led to believe that a house builder has to present the home with sanitary and cooking facilities as part of NHBC certificate criteria.

No, it was a new kitchen going into a new build. The builder didn't supply or fit the kitchen, a specialist kitchen company did that. The kitchen was fitted before the house was complete and handed over by the builder.

 

[DHTiling]

It's a shame to see yet another crap tiling installation.. the market is flooded with these ruff no care in the world would be tilers..

You are not happy with the quality, simple as that.. stand your ground and get this bodger to sort it or cough up for someone who can..

The use of wide joints on that type of tile is simply coz the tiler cannot tile with smaller joints, so used a wide one to try and hide his rubbish levels of floor tiling.

Sorry to sound abrupt but i am passionate about my trade and does my napper in when customer get shoddy work done.