Do you need primer for laundry floor levelling and tiling?

[roysi]

Hi there, 

I am going to get my hands dirty and renovate my laundry floor which is concrete and uneven. I went to local Bunnings and got Dunlop 20kg Ardit Floor Leveller however I didn't get a primer as no one mentioned it to me and I just found our by reading the instruction. How important is using primer? can I avoid it to save money? Have I picked the right Floor leveller for my project? I want the laundry floor levels as close to the outside tiles also direct any water from laundry to outside (backyard).

I have leftover tiles from bathroom renovation 60 cm * 60 cm and 1cm thickness that I want to use for laundry floor and I am not sure if it would be easy to install for someone who hasn't done tiling before and if I should buy smaller tiles? Can you please help me with material I can use for gluing tile after floor levelling as well? 

I removed the toilet and cleared the floor from dust and dirts.

Thanks 

Roysi

[EricL]

Hello @roysi 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your laundry renovation.

Looking at the photo you posted, how high is the tile outside of your laundry room? This can serve as a guide for you if you're trying to match the tile level outside. Since the tile you'll be using is 10mm, just keep in mind that you'll be laying down the same thickness of tile adhesive on the floor.

In regards to the primer, it's best to follow the manufacturers recommendation when using their product. Before you begin any major works, I suggest visiting your local council and having a look at the rules and regulations regarding your laundry revamp. 

If you are tiling the whole floor, I suggest removing your pantry and the rest of the appliances in that room. Waterproofing will be necessary, and you'll need a certified professional to put it on for you as it will be signed off. Once the waterproofing has been applied you can then begin tiling your floor.

I suggest having a quick look at this guide - How to plan a laundry renovation by @Adam_W. This will give you an idea of what you need to take into consideration when planning your renovation.

Here is a link for ideas and inspiration - Top 10 most popular laundry projects.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to lay floor tiles.

Here are some fantastic laundry projects our Workshop members have shared:

• Extensive laundry renovation by @ahamilton
   
• D.I.Y. laundry and toilet renovation by @Katiethediymum 
   
• Narrow laundry renovation by @Nham 
   
• Budget Bunnings laundry renovation by @prettyliving 

In regards to the fall of your floor, I suggest using a Craftright 1200mm Spirit Level to determine which way your floor is leaning to. I then recommend using a builder's line as a guide when using the leveller. If you've never done any tiling, it would be better to use smaller tiles as it is easier to manage and adjust. 

Since you are tiling onto a concrete base, I suggest using Dunlop 20kg Trade Resaflex. It is a multipurpose rubber modified tile adhesive and works on walls and floors. You can use it over a range of surfaces including Dunlop waterproofing membranes.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[roysi]

Thank you for your comprehensive guide. I waterproofed the floor and it’s ready for tiling. 

One question that I can’t find the answer watching the videos and resources is where should be my starting point for the first tile and second tile?

I read the best place to start is in the middle. Shall I put the first tile in the middle and second tile above it or I start from the top middle? 
Fall is from the wall opposite the door to the door. 

 Thanks again for your tips. I am super excited about my first tiling project. 

[EricL]

Hello @roysi 

Thank you for the update, its looking very good. You're correct the best place to start tiling is in the middle, as you lay your tiles out this will prevent you from having small slivers of cut tiles at the end of your run. To get a good idea of your tile layout, I propose drawing a vertical and horizontal line in the centre of your room using a chalk line. It's critical that you place your guide level and center to the room, double check your measurements and use a spirit level to help with the setup.

Lay four tiles in the middle of the room with one tile in each quadrant with no adhesive. Use your tile spacer as you lay your tiles down, your goal at this point is to lay your tiles down so that you have a good idea of the space that will be left at the edges. Lay some tile down going to the left and right, then lay more tiles going up and down. You should now have a very good idea of the gaps that will be left at the end of the run. 

You can adjust the four tiles in the centre to adjust just the gaps at the end, but you'll have a better idea once you've laid your tiles out. Once you're happy with the layout make sure to mark the position of the four centre tiles before you begin. 

Here is a handy step-by-step guide.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.    

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @roysi 

I have looked at tiles so many times and tried to figure out how they have got the dimensions right to make it appealing to the eye.

I would follow @EricL's suggestion to the letter. As I picture what he descibed it really all snapped in place.

Nice job in raising the level of the laundry and waterproofing it!

Dave