How long to leave grout drying?

flyingbanana_2

Morning,

I am hoping for some advice. I have recently laid some slate tiles in the kitchen, which are a complete pain being every tile is different sizes, widths, etc! :mad: However, it is looking wicked now, def pleased that the missus chose slate as it does give a real texture and character to the kitchen.

The reason for my post is to get some opinions on how long to leave the grout before putting the appliances back? it said to not walk on it at all for 24 hours and then after that light foot is ok but to try and leave it for 7 days to fully cure.

Obviously 7 days is a long time to be without a washing machine, dishwasher, etc so i am thinking 3-4 days (72-96 hours) should be more than fine. I grouted on Monday night and didnt work on the floor till last night, so it had 48 hours to set without nothing disturbing it. I would love to put the washing machine back tonight but think missus doesnt want too till saturday/sunday.

It would be great to get some views!

G42

flyingbanana wrote: »

it said to not walk on it at all for 24 hours and then after that light foot is ok but to try and leave it for 7 days to fully cure.

I think your answer is in the instructions. It's your choice if you choose to ignore them.

wallbash

Im tiling the ensuite at this time ( in fact I should not have turned the computer on )

Can see your problem. The tiles are NOT going to move, the adhesive has gone off, but the grout ??? Most of your white goods are easily moved, and could be replaced carefully. But the washing machine is a lot heavier.

I would go for household harmony and get a working kitchen.
If you damage a bit of grout ( unlikely ) not the biggest problem in the world.

good luck, back to my own tiles.

olias

I'd give it the week. If you have spent a lot of time and money on it you'll be really pi55ed off if, say, the grout cracks with the vibration of the washing machine on spin and you have to drag it out, disconnect it and patch up the grout

Olias

flyingbanana_2

Thanks people.

So my only worry would be potential cracking of the grout? There is no danger of the tiles moving or anything, would there?

MX5huggy

I would say the week is only for it to fully cure so that it is waterproof 100% I would press on the tiles aint going to move, well not because of the grout anyway.

brownbake

Just done exactly the same - tiled our kitchen floor - looks good.

Anyway - you should let the grout harden for 24 hrs minimum. All you need do is either lift the appliances back into position - NOT DRAG - or get hold of a sack truck - maybe your work? And load onto that and then wheel it back.

Washing machines are especially heavy and awkward for one. 2 people - no problem.

You can hire sack trucks for about £10 a day but you can get them off Ebay for about £25 delivered that will adequately cope and may be a useful addition if you ever need to move heavy bulky items again?

HTH

brownbake

BTW - we used a rapid set adhesive that went off in 3 hours - Grouting was different and recommended not washing for 2 weeks. The tiles won't move - depending on the adhesive.

One point is - do not drag any appliances - lift them. Not only may you scratch the tiles but the feet may come off - from experience!!

If you have to drag an appliance make sure you protect the floor with old towels / sheets and then tilt appliance to remove.

Cheers

brownbake

I am going on a bit!... But for any specific tiling questions I highly recommend joining Tilersforums.

http://www.tilersforums.co.uk/

The guys there are really very helpful and the majority are professional tilers with years of experience.

When you get a quote off a pro - it is quite scary - so the fact that you laid natural tiles yourself is quite a saving!!:T

flyingbanana_2

Would this do the job? http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9686783&ecamp=trf-005&CAWELAID=266897013

Seems really cheap and always worth having one of these, just it is keeping it which is the problem!

Do you reckon you can easily take the wheels off?

Alan_M_2

What grout was used and how wide were the joints?