Uncalibrated slate

[garhum]

Hi guys Im starting a floor in the next couple of days and I was wondering if you had any advise and tips when laying uncalibrated slate they are 30cm x 30cm it would be greatfully accepted

[P'boro tiler]

mix the batches well.

back butter/skim all tiles.

lay a thick tile first so you know what height to be level with.

apply a thicker skim of adhesive to the backs of the thinner ones and after some practice youll have them very flat.

use grey bagged adhesive like Mapei Keraquick.

work very clean. i mean spotless!

use a very good cutting disc. a 40 quid marcrist or norton aerojet

[garhum]

so do I seal them first or once there down mate

[faithhealer]

(I) Always seal before laying them, if you have the space to stand them some where, and as above work as clean as you can.

[garhum]

thank you for the words of wisdom many thanks

[brian c]

keep the thin tiles for the areas where less traffic will be ...under radiators in corners.Wash grout of tiles straight away and keep using fresh water in your bucket.

[Alberta Stone]

If they are very rough then don't seal before you install as you will have to chip the high points down with a good chisel and your sealer goes with the chip.
Make sure you have a small wash bucket with small sponges to clean any mortar you get on the face and joints as you go.
Change the water when it gets too dirty and leaves streaks.
If they are odd sizes and not square then you will have to recut the joints when the mortar has set for a day.
I find that the little cordless makita wetsaw with a vac handy works really nice as it kicks up way less dust than an angle grinder.

[garhum]

thanks guys its my first natural stone job done loads on ceramic and porc one more question after seeing the tiles I noticed some are nearly smooth on one side and the other side is rough they are rustic slate so i was wondering if you would make the flatter side the adheisive side or the face side any thoughts jedi masters ????

[wetdec]

Can't you get in the Arms m8 Highlanders slate post is in there and its excellent.........!!!!


tiler

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[garhum]

No ive asked for the key to get in from dan but nothing yet mate

[wetdec]

Cool just thought from reading your posts your obviously a tiler and got some work under your belt.............


tiler

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[Dave]

No ive asked for the key to get in from dan but nothing yet mate

Another option is to pm me your details and i'll let you in...

[garhum]

Cool just thought from reading your posts your obviously a tiler and got some work under your belt.............


tiler

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Yes not really the call for natural stone in the north wales area but its going to be a challenge and some more pics for the portfollio lol thanks for the advise

[Alberta Stone]

If it is gauged slate then it will have lots of grooves on one side.
That grooved side goes down.
If it is just cleft or riven on both sides then pick the nicest side to go up that you like the best.
With natural stone the installer is the artist and so has to pick what they think is most appropriate for the effect they are trying to achieve.
Check for loose flakes and remove them before installing and check the edges to see if they have the start of a split.
If they do they have to be used for a cut piece or just finish the split before installing.

[garhum]

Can't you get in the Arms m8 Highlanders slate post is in there and its excellent.........!!!!


tiler

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Have you ever seen all I can describe it as is fools gold in slate foud it on one of the tiles and told my punter I would make a feature out of it ??? I was just wondering if its a regular thing ????

[Alberta Stone]

Have you ever seen all I can describe it as is fools gold in slate foud it on one of the tiles

It is quite common in the Indian slates.
Sometimes it looks like mustard when dry, but when wet it shines like gold leaf and sometimes it is shiny even when dry.
Also there is the various rainbow hues, oil slick colors which make very colorful features.
Sometimes I bookmatch them as a carpenter would do with wood grain, so as to make the feature even bigger.
If you have time you can be really artistic with your creation.
Sometimes I even involve the client, but that is only on occasion.

[GazTech]

With uncalibrated slate various thickness, Pourable Thick Bed or Large format adhesive is a perfect choice, it can be built up to 25mm and will ensure 100% coverage.....Gaz

BAL Adhesives - Products - pourable thick bed
Large Format & Natural Stone Tile Adhesive

[garhum]

It is quite common in the Indian slates.
Sometimes it looks like mustard when dry, but when wet it shines like gold leaf and sometimes it is shiny even when dry.
Also there is the various rainbow hues, oil slick colors which make very colorful features.
Sometimes I bookmatch them as a carpenter would do with wood grain, so as to make the feature even bigger.
If you have time you can be really artistic with your creation.
Sometimes I even involve the client, but that is only on occasion.

Funny you should say that as I had consulted the client and told him I would make a feature out of it and he was quite impressed thanks for the advise though

[garhum]

Thanks Gaz its Topps slate im using it seems ok too but all tips are always welcome