Who Is Right - Tile Advice

[IanA2]

I've had some tiling done in a new bathroom. The guy who did it has worked for me before although last time he subbed the tiling out to a proper tiler. This time he's done it himself.

The problem is that the tiles are distinctly uneven, some higher than others and not level. Overall a pretty poor job I think.

The old floor had been taken up and re-boarded and ply laid.

I've tried to tackle him on this and he says:

"I'm sorry you feel the tiling standard is poor, if it is not level this will be down to floor joists being uneven and even with replacing floor and plying this will not correct the dip unless major alterations are made to the sub floor."

I think this is nonsense as when I've tiled in the past I've used different amounts of adhesive to level out any problems with the thickness of the tiles or "blemishes" in the substrate. Remember this was a new floor the tiles were being laid on and it's not a question of slope, just uneven lay.

So, who is right, me or the plumber?

Thanks

 

[IanA2]

PS they are 600 x 300 tiles

 

[CJ]

If the floor WAS flat, level and stable, then it's down to poor workmanship. I would also worry as to what adhesives/grouts he has used??

 

[Italy]

last sentence says it all .....
post photos thanks

 

[IanA2]

last sentence says it all .....
post photos thanks

Which sentence did you mean? I'll try and take some pics but the tiles avery dark and it'll probably not show up very well.

 

[Italy]

Which sentence did you mean? I'll try and take some pics but the tiles avery dark and it'll probably not show up very well.

So, who is right, me or the plumber?....
at my home. plumber . do. plumber.
tiler do tiler . hahaha sorry
putting photos.
here many good tiler. gladly advise you.
I be the last person to give advice.

 

[J Sid]

customer is always right!!!!

 

[Bill]

Are the tiles laid brick bond style? If so, this can cause unevenness as some tiles are not flat and therefore will have distinct lippage where the middle of one tile meets the two tiles on the next row.

This is one possibility but without photos it will be hard to determine exactly what is wrong.

Can you take a photo with a straight edge on the tiles to check for flatness?

 

[IanA2]

Are the tiles laid brick bond style? If so, this can cause unevenness as some tiles are not flat and therefore will have distinct lippage where the middle of one tile meets the two tiles on the next row.

This is one possibility but without photos it will be hard to determine exactly what is wrong.

Can you take a photo with a straight edge on the tiles to check for flatness?

No they are not brick bond, which reminds me, he laid the tiles with the length across the threshold ie like _ rather than | which I found irritating as I always thought tiles should be laid length-ways as you enter a room. I suppose I should have ensured he did that but just assumed he would lay them like that as I had explained to him (at length) that I wanted the the tiling to allow the eye to travel up and over the dais (freestanding bath is sat on raised platform) and up the back wall. Hey ho....

I'll see about pics, not easy because of dark colour. One consequence of the unevenness is that you can plainly see gaps under the skirting board on the walls...grrr.

 

[peteablard]

If he wasn't able to level the floor out with adhesive it should have been latexed. It's obviously a job he isn't skilled enough to do and he should have left it to a pro.

 

[IanA2]

I've taken a few pics which, to some extent show the problem. His latest reasoning is:
"I laid the floor to what I had and this is what any competent tiler would do. The floor is even it is just not 100% flat due to the dip." and: "...the only problem you have is with regarding the floor, which unfortunately is something that happens." I should add that the pics without skirting (that's another story) are of the dais which he built. Dip? He's having a laugh!

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I don't think the pics show the real issue!
A plumber doing the tiling is going to raise concern but there are some good all round bathroom fitters who take their time and make a great job.
In the pictures you have provided I assume the gap to the skirting is your worry however a silicone joint to seal the joint to the wood panelling would suffice. Other views may show other concerns.
Preparation is paramount and it should be as flat as possible prior to tiling.

 

[One Day]

Plumber! Lol!

(not helpful I know - sorry!)

 

[IanA2]

I don't think the pics show the real issue!
A plumber doing the tiling is going to raise concern but there are some good all round bathroom fitters who take their time and make a great job.
In the pictures you have provided I assume the gap to the skirting is your worry however a silicone joint to seal the joint to the wood panelling would suffice. Other views may show other concerns.
Preparation is paramount and it should be as flat as possible prior to tiling.

This guy thinks that he is a good all round bathroom/kitchen fitter. He does the electrics (satisfactory) and the plumbing (satisfactory).

The gap is a concern, as it is unsightly and very noticeable (directly opposite the loo!), I showed it to illustrate the general unevenness of his tiling which is apparent across the whole floor.

His main problem is his attitude, he thinks he's brilliant at everything. By the way he wants to charge £30 M2 for laying these tiles. His "day rate" is allegedly £250 which he claims is justifiable because he can do everything!!

 

[hmtiling]

The meterage rate,imo, isn't expensive and the plumbers I work with have similar day rates. The problem lies with him not being ' brilliant'.
He should have checked the floor prior to tiling and offered you the choice of going with it or latexing to get it level. This may have resulted in a height discrepancy at the doorway but, again, that's your choice to make.
As abovea bead of mastic, neatly applied, would greatly improve appearance.