To tile or not to tile??

accountingbod

What are peoples thoughts on DIY tiling?

I have tiled my old kitchen before which was okay - nothing amazing.
I want to do it myself to save some money from our very tight budget.

My bathroom is to be re-tiled. Large ceramic wall tiles and large porcelain floor tiles.
About 23 sq metres in all so i reckoned it could save me anything between 500-1000 pounds to do it myself?

P.S - If i had the money i would definitely use a tiler, as i put you guys with plasterers in terms of knowledge and making something difficult look easy! I know i wouldnt achive the quality of professional most likely but in the interests of saving money, the issue is should i even be entertaining the thought?!!

I am a rather handy man around the house so dont mind giving most things a go.

Thanks

STOCKWIRE

Large tiles are easy as long as the wall are flat. If they are curved or bumpy this will show in the finish. If they are not flat your better off using small tiles . Floor tiles are not hard to lay it's cutting them that is difficult.
Have you considered upvc bathroom cladding. Easier and faster to put up, grout free, cleaner, warmer and possibly cheaper.

Good luck

Canucklehead

Have a go...but you not might save quite as much as you think labour-wise.

Canucklehead

accountingbod

Thanks Stockwire

We did look at the UPVC but decided on tiles in the end.
Yeah the porcelain floor tiles are thick! Going to be interesting cutting those to size!

accountingbod

Canucklehead, the labour aspect is one of the things that also makes us think of using a professional.
I have thought though that i will just have to bite the bullet and write off the next few weekends! I didnt want to relax anyway

accountingbod

Thanks Andrew

My attitude exactly. How are you going to learn otherwise??
My other half was more keen on having a pro than me.
We have bought tiles already so going with the thicker porcelain.

With respect to the walls, they are just painted at the moment so i am thinking of priming the wall also maybe with some damp matting or waterproof lining (not PVA!!!)??

Canucklehead

accountingbod wrote: »

Canucklehead, the labour aspect is one of the things that also makes us think of using a professional.
I have thought though that i will just have to bite the bullet and write off the next few weekends! I didnt want to relax anyway

Hi...

If your name represents what you do I would think your time is quite valuable. Don't want to put you off the DIY just thought that your estimate for savings i.e. £500-£1000 was a bit optimistic. You might actually find the tiling relaxing.;)

Let us know how you get on.

Canucklehead

pinkteapot

My brother is a plumber/tiler and porcelain tiles are harder to work with than ceramic. After his experience (early in his business) of doing our porcelain tiles, he started quoting lots more for work involving porcelain tiles!

You will need a decent cutter as porcelain tiles are harder than ceramic. If the tiles have a glazed surface your arms will get covered with tiny shards of a glass like material when you cut the tiles. If this happens, wash it off. Don't brush it off or you get covered in tiny nicks.

Google "cutting porcelain tiles" for various articles offering advice.

Not trying to put you off because I'm all for having a go at DIY. Just might be worth reading up on porcelain tiles first as if you decide to get a professional in it's probably better to do it at the outset than with the job half done.

accountingbod

Great advice pinkteapot and yes canuckle, i do appreciate the value of time! I'm training for my accountancy at the moment but am far enough through to appreciate that everything has a value when it comes to time and labour
Your enthusiams have helped me to decide to do it myself.
I'll keep a diary on here if its of any interest?

One more thing... the floor under the existing lino is the original wooden floorboards. Any recommendations on how to prepare this for floor tiling? Many thanks.

Canucklehead

accountingbod wrote: »

One more thing... the floor under the existing lino is the original wooden floorboards. Any recommendations on how to prepare this for floor tiling? Many thanks.

Hi: excellent 'How To Tile' here...and best of luck with the accounting.

HTH

Canucklehead

accountingbod

Many thanks Canucklehead