Slate - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

vince · 25-05-2007

Hi There

How difficult is it to lay slate? I have been told it varies in thickness from 10mm-20mm. Any advice on laying slate would be apprieceated as i have just turned down 70sq mtr job.

Regards Vince.

tiling1 · 25-05-2007

Hi vince
Slate is not difficult to lay but more time consumming. All the slate needs to be graded as to the thickness cleaned and sealed b4 laying. There are few different ways in which to lay slate.
Depending on the levels of the substrate i usualy start at the highest point with the thinest slate working to the thickest making sure all exess adhesive is cleaned off as you go this makes life so much easier. A wet cutter is good if you have to cut inside but if you can cut outside i use an angle grinder with a stone cutting disk but this does kick up a lot of dust. A chipping hammer to finnish key cuts. seal the slate again b4 grouting helps with cleaning when grouting and again after to seal the grout.
I'm sure their will be other advice this is just how i find the easiest.
So that 70sq mtrs you turned down would pay a months wage for a weeks work.
Good luck for the nxt time you get offered slate work.

**Dave** · 25-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by vince

Hi There

How difficult is it to lay slate? I have been told it varies in thickness from 10mm-20mm. Any advice on laying slate would be apprieceated as i have just turned down 70sq mtr job.

Regards Vince.

hi vince. slate is pretty straight forward, first grade the slate from its thickest pieces to thinest. when laying use solid bed trowel ,back butter the slate and bed down start with thickest pieces first and grade back with thinner ones. i find lithofin slate seal best sealer to use but there are others on market. no need to seal first as long as you wash any adhesive of you go , seal before grout, wash till drys clean then seal again. good luck mate...

Tugboattiler · 25-05-2007

I got one coming up in a few weeks. 75 sq.m in a 4 tile pattern. Just out of interest what kind of price would you guys quote for it. (Labour only)

**Dave** · 25-05-2007

min £25 mtr

Tugboattiler · 25-05-2007

I charge that for ceramics, david.

GazTech · 25-05-2007

Use the thinner tiles for cutting into perimeter ,easier to cut and quicker,not walked on as much[IMG]http://www.tilersforums.co.uk/images/icons/icon12.gif[/IMG]