Topps Tiles - Confused ???

[Hammer-Ray]

I went to 2 branches of Top Tiles recently to get 2 quotes for the same tiles just to be curious (Sad really) but anyhow they gave 2 different quotes for adhesives and grout.

1 wanted me to buy Bal Rapidset adhesive and Bal Microflex grout whilst the other branch wanted me to buy Top Rap adhesive.

It was also confusing that 1 branch said I needed 20 x bags of 20Kg adhesive to lay 85 metres of tiles whilst the other stated I need 12 bags, bloody hell thats a big difference

The only thing they both agreed on was 4 bags of 10Kg grout for the 85 metres of tiles.

So come on lads enlighten me which type adhesive & grout and how much of it ?

[Daveyboy]

Hi Ray, it does depend on how level the floor (I assume it is a floor) is and what size trowel your using...I believe Swe has a thread on here that has a spreadsheet that helps you work out quantities...Also, on the back of each bag, it will tell you the coverage depending on the thickness laid...

[theyomper]

As a rule of thumb I would allow 4 - 5 metres per bag. If you buy too much you can always take it back for a refund.

[grumpygrouter]

Yep I agree. 20 bags for 85m2!!

[Hammer-Ray]

Yep I agree. 20 bags for 85m2!!

Would you stick with Bal rapidset, Nicobond or the Top Tiles adhesive ?

[grumpygrouter]

Would you stick with Bal rapidset, Nicobond or the Top Tiles adhesive ?

Of the 3 I have only used the BAL so that is what I would say to use as I can't comment on the others.
If you are onto a timber floor, you need a flexible adhesive though!!!!!!!

[365drills]

Also agree on the point you can take it back if you have extra left over.

[dazzak]

Rule of thumb I always use is 4kg per m2 for addy and 0.5kg per m2 for grout. Obviously round up to the nearest bag. Anything like mosaics or 10cm2 needs a lot more grout.

20 Bags might be a bit overkill, but hey, it's always better to be safe than sorry right?

[grumpygrouter]

Rule of thumb I always use is 4kg per m2 for addy and 0.5kg per m2 for grout. Obviously round up to the nearest bag. Anything like mosaics or 10cm2 needs a lot more grout.

20 Bags might be a bit overkill, but hey, it's always better to be safe than sorry right?

His floor is 85m2 so 20 may even be a little short, depending on the condition of the floor!

[NETT Darren]

Topps own branded adhesive is palace adhesive, ive used it many times, half the price of the BAL and just as good IMO, does the job, work on the ratio of 4 metres per bag, with a 10mm trowel, that should safely get you where you need to be, so 20 - 21 bags for 85 metres, dont know where the guy got 12 bags from, he must have just been the tea boy

[Dave]

he must have just been the tea boy

[theyomper]

I also use Toppfix a fair bit, never had a problem with it to date.
Also at £6.84 a bag for rapidset and £9.76 for flexi it's a good price.

[NETT Darren]

Thats a cracking price your paying there, just dont sell it too cheap to the punters, just because youve got a good deal doesnt mean the customer has to, keep trying to get your full mark up on adhesive / products etc, remember your out there to make money

[timeless john]

Hammer Ray.

I would expect to get no more than 5sq mts per bag on good level floors so as previously advised 20+ bags would be about right.
Don't agree with others on getting more than required as my supplier of 30 years have a policy of no refund on adhesive and grouts as the don't know how its been stored after you bought it so have no control over continuity of supply.
The type of adhesive and grout would be determined by the surface you were tiling on and some stores have special deals on tiles/adhesive. 85sq mts is a nice order so play for some discount on adhesives.
Have fun.
John.

[theyomper]

Thats a cracking price your paying there, just dont sell it too cheap to the punters, just because youve got a good deal doesnt mean the customer has to, keep trying to get your full mark up on adhesive / products etc, remember your out there to make money

Don't worry I don't do cheap for anyone not even friends and family. I always make a very good mark up on sundries.

[Hammer-Ray]

The surface is 22mm moisture resistant chipboard screwed down @ 300 ctrs.

I agree at 85mts I should be able to bargain a bit on the order.

[grumpygrouter]

The surface is 22mm moisture resistant chipboard screwed down @ 300 ctrs.

I agree at 85mts I should be able to bargain a bit on the order.

In which case I would def overboard with 6mm Hardie and use Mapei Keraquick and latex plus for adhesive. That is a very large area to be tiling straight onto chipboard IMO. Ardex 7001 would also be excellent if you can get it, is not quite as easy to use but it does go further.

[Hammer-Ray]

Rule of thumb I always use is 4kg per m2 for addy and 0.5kg per m2 for grout. Anything like mosaics or 10cm2 needs a lot more grout.

I forgot to mention the 17 x sheets of mosaics as well
Guess I'll have to ignore the Tea Boys estimate and go for 20 bags.