Laying quarry tiles

[Sazza]

Hi,

I am having a quarry tiles laid and the tiler has asked me to get the materials for laying the tiles. I haven't any experience of this so was hoping for some advice.

So I have a concrete floor, with layer of screed, underfloor heating insulation mats, electric underfloor heating mats and finally a self leveler. I am laying fully extruded quarry red quarry tiles and have been told to leave a grout gap of 10mm and to use flexible grouting I think I also need flexible adhesive becasue of the underfloor heating. The tiles will be sealed prior to grouting and again after - I want a sealer with a matt finish. The floor is 12m2 and the tiler has said that he will do this in 1 day so do not know if I need rapid set materials. I have been recommened Lithofin KF Stain Stop as a sealer although tiler said HG sealer would be ok.

So can anyone advise what I would need to get these tiles laid and ifd possible the sort of quantities I would need?
Also regarding the grout colour I was just going to get a grey grout but is there a colour that is traditionally used for red quarry tiles or a best colour grout?

Cheers,

Sazza

[steve187]

Hi and welcome
I find it strange that a tiler has asked you to obtain the materials, most tilers like to use adhesives, grout etc. that they are used to, and know will do the job without any problems.

If he leaving it to you i would suggest using a well known make such as Mapei, Keraquick grey should be ok, do you have a tile giant near you, they will give you some advise.

[andy allen]

as above.......i would ring the tiler to ask what materials he would normally use, were a fussy bunch us tilers and we tend to stick to the same products that we are used to using.

just remember with under floor heating everything has got to be flexable.

is he a tiler ? or a builder/handyman

[YourTiler]

That's an oddity - a tiler not supplying his own materials. As said above we all have our favourites

Flexible rapid set adhesive and flexible grout. Tile Giant will have everything you need

[Sir Ramic]

What quarry tiles are they. I am sure Ruabon advised against sealing although I know there are products available to enchance the look .
LTP Online | Pick Finish

[Ajax123]

I would be asking the question why he has not asked to supply his own materials or at least told you what to get. Smacks of him generating an opportunity for a get out if things go wrong. Does this tiler know what he is doing. Am I just being paranoid and cynical?

[Michael kiss]

This is something your tiler should be doing, advising you about the materials he is going to use and explaining the process of the job from start to finnish, if he can't or will not do this, use someone who will.
There are brilliant tilers on this forum who go the extra mile to get jobs, but this bit really is just standard practice. If he can't be bothered to do this, what's he going to be like with your job?

[DJS]

I agree with everything everyone already said. Seems strange he is not using his own, so I would ask why and proceed with some caution.

Maybe it's something like keeping his turnover down for VAT purposes, but the fact he has left you having to ask all these questions is a little un-nerving for me too.

I would advise a second opinion at least.

[Daz]

As above, this seems an odd request to come from a professional tiler.
If he plans to complete the job in a day, then you will definitely need to be supplying flexible rapid set adhesive and grout.

As another point of interest (and following on from Sir Ramics advice) if the tiles do need sealing then there is absolutely no way the job can be completed in a day. The tiles require at least 24 hrs to dry, post fixing / grouting before the sealer can be applied, otherwise you are in danger of sealing moisture into the tile which will leave a cloudy, misty look to the tile finish. I think you need to discuss the job, materials and work flow with your "tiler" and re-assure yourself that not only does he know what he is doing but you have confidence in his methods and ability.

Good luck,

Daz

[steve187]

I think the VAT thing could be a possibility, but the tiler could get the materials for cash and the customer pays, i for one will only fix using materials i have sourced, and know will do the job without complications.
I too would be thinking why has the tiler at least not specified which materials to buy.

[aph257]

IMHO go back to your "tiler" and ask him outright why he wants you to get the addy, otherwise get a real tiler in.

[Smudger]

Why the name change? I liked Cap'n Slow.

[Smudger]

Is it me, but I think 12m of quarry on an uneven surface, with cuts and grouting in a day seems rushed. With that and comments above I would like a 2nd opinion.

[Daz]

Why the name change? I liked Cap'n Slow.

Most people on here know me as Daz now, so I felt the name change was more friendly and personal.