Tiling the MSE way - any advice!

atypicalblonde

Hi everyone! My first post on this board so please be kind! My OH and I are planning on having a new bathroom, and want to do it as MSE as possible. We are planning on doing as much as possible ourselves, as OH is quite the DIY'er and I don't mind getting stuck in. However, OH has never tiled before. Are we completely bonkers to think that this is something we can do ourselves and are we better getting a professional in?

Thanks in advance for any replies x

Dennis99

Go for it. I've just put a new bathroom in for the first time.



We were all tiling virgins once!

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/tiling/index.htm

cattie

In my last house having just had a new kitchen installed & being shocked at the quote to have the tiling done, I decided to have a go myself. I'd never done any tiling before, but invested in an electric tile cutter, which really helped & I was over the moon with the result.

I'd definitely do my own tiling again in the future, with the help of my trusty electicial helper. I believe it's possible to hire electric tile cutters if like me you know you'll end up wasting a heck of a lot of tiles if you try to use a standard tile cutter.

Hitch

I was going to put you onto the ultimate handyman link (above) aswell.
I know the chap who gave the info for the tiling section, he knows his stuff.

atypicalblonde

thanks to everyone who has replied, it is spurred me into action now and I know we can definately give it a good shot (with the help of a trusty electric tile cutter of course ) ... Many thanks for the website link, I have had a look through and it all sounds like wonderful advice. Slightly terrified TBH, but we are aiming to add as much value to our house by spending as little as poss on labour costs, so masterclasses in all areas are being had right now!! xx

bigdic

Good luck with the tiling, as people have said it's very rewarding when it's finished. A few tips for you:

1. Use a good quality adhesive, don't scrimp as it's false economy.
2. As Cattie said an electric tile cutter is worth it's weight in gold.
3. Use a seperate powder (you mix with water) grout, it polishes off much easier and I think gives a nicer finish.
4. Once you're finished tiling and it doesn't look perfect don't worry, after you apply the grout and poish them it'll look fabulous and you'll be V proud.

Good luck.

claireb

Just wondering if "Bigdic" :rolleyes2 is still around as I'm interested to know which adhesive/grout can be recommended. I went to B&Q yesterday and there was a lot to choose from and it was very expensive.

Also, are any additional tools needed other than the cutter?

Thanks.

Canucklehead

Good morning:
We use Wickes products http://www.wickes.co.uk/icat/tileadhesgrout My OH, Corgi Guy, likes the wall adhesive in the large tub (often on special offer) but prefers the powdered floor adhesive and grouts. Our electric tile cutter, also from Wickes, has lasted us 5 years and several bathrooms/kitchens.

HTH

Canucklehead

agent_orange_2

claireb wrote: »

Just wondering if "Bigdic" :rolleyes2 is still around as I'm interested to know which adhesive/grout can be recommended. I went to B&Q yesterday and there was a lot to choose from and it was very expensive.

Also, are any additional tools needed other than the cutter?

Thanks.

Hi, I have just tiled the bathroom (walls) , like you, i was wondering which was the best adhesive. I ended up using Bal white star, which I had seen recommended. This is ready mixed and good for domestic shower areas. Most pro's use bal products. I went to a specialist tile shop and paid £18 for a 10 ltr tub. This is actually cheaper than the stuff you'll find at the likes of B and Q and, I believe, cheaper than the wickes own brand.
Oh and don't forget, use a decent grout, especially in shower area - something like Bal flexible - £10 a bag .

good luck

claireb

Thanks, I am tiling a concrete kitchen floor with porcelain tiles. The array of products is confusing, but I have found a technical helpline number for Bal - I called but no one's picking up at the moment. I will try again later.

agent_orange_2

http://www.tradetiler.com/acatalog/


A good site for anyone considering a tiling project/projects.