Large format tiles, what adhesive?

[steve_c]

Hi,

Just looked at a bathroom job today, what seemed like good plastered walls, 35 metres. The room looks massive, 3 metres high with big window, a reveal in a wall and an angled corner, so it needs two trims. I can do the job no problem, just think it will take me a long while.
The tiles are 34 x 48 cm ceramics.
I have been advised before to use flexible powdered adhesive for large format tiles but wondered if I could use a bucket adhesive for ease and cost benefits? If so what do you recommend for larger tiles.

I'm a bit concearned I might be underquoting at 25 a metre including adhesive, especially when I pay around 20 quid for white flexible powder. Do tilers charge more for fixing larger tiles? Ideas on what people would charge per metre would also be helpful as I don't know what to charge as the price of bucket and powdered adhesive can vary so much and therefore eat into my price. Hope this makes sense.

Cheers for any advice and help,

Steve

[Dave]

Use a single part flexi powdered adhesive....dave..

[GazTech]

White star would cope with that size (as long as its not inch thick)...or single part flex...as for prices...welll....lets say big tile,faster to get on and less cuts....Gaz
BAL White Star
[IMG]http://www.bal-adhesives.co.uk/bal/bal_products/images/whitestar.jpg[/IMG] White, highly flexible, non-slip, highly water-resistant ready-mixed organic dispersion ceramic wall tile adhesive utilising the latest raw material technology and employing the highest quality acrylic resins. Conforms to BS EN 12004 for a D2TE Adhesive.

Suitable for use in dry and wet duty locations including heavy duty commercial applications such as communal showers and commercial kitchens. Ideal for use on a variety of backgrounds including cement:sand rendering, plaster, plasterboard, paint, sheets and boards, tilebacker panels and existing ceramic tiles. Suitable for use on worktops.

BAL Single Part Flexible
[IMG]http://www.bal-adhesives.co.uk/bal/bal_products/images/single_part_flexible.jpg[/IMG] A flexible, non-slip, water-resistant and frost-resistant wall and floor tile adhesive, especially suitable for fixing tiles, including fully vitirfied and porcelain tiles to low porosity backgrounds/bases. Suitable for use on concrete/brick/block walling, cement:sand rendering, plaster, plasterboard, cement sheets, tile backer boards, concrete bases, cement:sand screeds, plywood overlay, ceramic/quarry tile/terrazzo/hard natural stone, vinyl tiles/sheet bases, mastic asphalt. Conforms to BS EN 12004, Type C, Class 2T.

hope this helps...we carry stock of both items...Gaz

[Dave]

Bit large for white star that one i think..will take day's for the sticky to dry towards the tiles centre...think you need a cement based one for speed.......dave..

[GazTech]

[quote=dhceramics;31212]Bit large for white star that one i think..will take day's for the sticky to dry towards the tiles centre...think you need a cement based one for speed.......dave..[/quote]fair play dh single parts the one...the bal mixes to a great cosistency.....and would speed up the curing process....Gaz

[Dave]

white star will take the weight no probs as we know but for fast track installation then cement based for me.....great pics tho gaz mate..........dave..

[NETT Darren]

Single part flexi and a floor trowel if the walls are a little ropey, the size of the tile will not catch all the adhesive if you use a wall trowel. Do not use a floor trowel if you are chancing a tub gear as it will not dry out to the depth, make sure you acrylic prime the walls first before using cements

[GazTech]

[quote=NETT Darren;31217]Single part flexi and a floor trowel if the walls are a little ropey, the size of the tile will not catch all the adhesive if you use a wall trowel. Do not use a floor trowel if you are chancing a tub gear as it will not dry out to the depth, make sure you acrylic prime the walls first before using cements[/quote]Beautifully embellished,Darren..thanks...Gaz:coffee:

[steve_c]

Thanks for all the replies!

If I get the job I will go with the powder over tub based on your expert opinions.
Do I need to back butter or dab every tile also?

I thought about my rate and have quoted 27.5m2 labour, for a good job, done right. The customer said he was completley shocked!

I said get some other quotes then you don't think i'm ripping you off too much.

Just out of interest, how long roughly would an experienced tiler take to tile 35 metres large format tiles (for bathroom as described in first thread, first fix plumbing)?

Cheers,

Steve

[Dave]

hi steve ..use an 8mm trowel to get a good solid fix , only need to back butter as well if the walls are a bit ropey.....dave..