DIY : Floor Tiling

[Sam-Sam]

Hello Everyone,

A very Happy Easter to you. 

Would it be possible to help on below queries wrt my DIY project for floor tilling? I've absolutely no experience in flooring and this is the first time I am trying to do such work. I hope your help and guidance will make it easier for me to take up this task.

1. I need to put tiles on an area of 65 sqm. So I am thinking of ordering around 72 sqm of tiles including a buffer of around 7 sqm. Is this a good estimate?

2. I need to choose between the below two tile types. What are you thoughts in terms of quality and durability? What would you recommend?  

A:  I/N: 0087517 - Bellazza 60 x 60cm Floor Tile Porcelain Creama - Carton of 3

https://www.bunnings.com.au/bellazza-60-x-60cm-floor-tile-porcelain-creama-carton-of-3_p0087517 

B:  I/N: 6661363:  https://www.bunnings.com.au/bellazza-builders-60-x-60cm-porcelain-floor-tile_p6661363 

3. Please suggest the type of adhesive for above mentioned tiles and how much / how many bags should I buy?

4. What should be the trowel size for a 60x60 cm floor tile?

5. What tool can I use to cut the tiles? Do you think an angle grinder will do the job?  I am thinking of buying the one at this link and get the required cutting blades. What are your thoughts? https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-100mm-4-850w-angle-grinder_p6290579   

Please see, the tiles cutter recommended by the staff are quite expensive and I might not be using them at all after my project is done. Hence looking for a low cost solution for cutting the tiles.

6. Do I need to use the tiles levelling system or will a manual level will help?

7. What should be the size of the spacers between 60x60 cm floor tile? 

Finally, if you are doing any flooring project, I'll be more than happy to volunteer and work with you as a helping hand and learn from you.

Thanks for you time and help.

Cheers

Sam 

[JDE]

Sam 

Wow way to start tiling. What base are the tiles going on? Generally old rule of thumb allow 10 percent for breakage and cutting but it depends a lot on the space. I personally would be cheeky get the 72m2 put a few boxes aside and if you don't use them keep a few spare tiles and see if you can take full boxes back  you would need to have kept reciept. Davco ultra flex has always worked for me https://www.bunnings.com.au/davco-20kg-ultraflex-ceramic-tile-adhesive_p6656384 about $28 a bag which will cover about 10m2 you will need a bucket and a stirrer for end of drill. You will need a notched trowel davco suggest 12mm for tiles bigger than 400 x 400 https://www.bunnings.com.au/qep-12mm-square-notch-handyman-adhesive-trowel_p6650394. Tiles are rarely perfect so I have always allowed grout gap between them spacers are an excellent way to keep gaps perfect https://www.bunnings.com.au/qep-1-5mm-cross-spacers-500-pack_p6821834 I would suggest 3 or 5 mm.  As for cutting it very depends on how hard the tile is some will just score a sit on 2 matches or a lip and they will crack clean. You could look at hiring a tile cutter? I often use an angle grinder with a diamond tip blade it will do the job if you have a steady hand and is good for cutting around things. Depending on the tile it can leave tiny chips on the edge especially if you are too aggressive and try to cut all the way through in one go. You also need to consider are you going to centre your tiles and possibly have cuts down both sides (old school)  or start in one corner and only cut on one edge usually side that is most hidden. I suggest you actually lay out a run down each edge to see and adjust to avoid possible small strips on one edge. Dont forget to clean glue offas you go its a pain to remove once dry before you grout. And you don't need to do it in one go so mix glue in smaller batches so it doesn't go off.

JDE

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Sam-Sam,

It's great to see you've received a comprehensive reply from the knowledgeable @JDE. I trust that has answered most of your questions.

Either of those tiles you have selected would be perfect, and they are both porcelain and around the same thickness. You can hire a great quality tile cutter from our stores. However, an angle grinder with a tile cutting blade will also do the job and be perfect for curved cuts or cut-outs. The tile cutter would be faster if the majority of cuts will be straight.

You might like to use a laser level to ensure everything is kept on track or a straight edge would also work.

You should find these step-by-step guides useful:

• How To Install Tile Underlay

• How To Lay Floor Tiles

Please let us know if you need further assistance or have other questions.

Mitchell

[Sam-Sam]

Thanks JDE. Really appreciate you taking time and answering my queries.

The base for tiles is concrete floor as I am staying on level 1 apartment and have just removed the carpets from the rooms. 

How do I ensure that my bedrooms and lobby areas are at the same level. I am thinking of starting from the bedrooms and then moving all the way into the lobby but I am worried about maintaining the same level across the entire area. Any tips or tricks?

Cheers

Sam 

[Sam-Sam]

Hi JDE,

Can a ceramic tile adhesive (https://www.bunnings.com.au/davco-20kg-ultraflex-ceramic-tile-adhesive_p6656384)  be used for porcelain tiles?

Cheers

Sam

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Sam-Sam,

Davco 20kg Ultraflex Ceramic Tile Adhesive is ideal for porcelain and ceramic tiles. Here is the product brochure.

Mitchell

[JDE]

@Sam-Sam 

If you are going to tile several areas that are joining ie lobby hall and bedrooms it can be difficult to get all rooms even. You can either start in one room eg more visual area eg lobby and work from there use a straight edge and measure every couple of rows to make sure you are still square. Given the random pattern tiles you are looking at. I would probably use doorways as a break ie straight cut across them allowing bedrooms and lobby / hall to be separately cut. The join will beunder the door so normally not noticed.

JDE