Help with Stacking tiles - Tile Advice

[WetSaw]

You need to get yourself a bigger notched trowel and comb in one direction.

 

[Qwerty]

Sorry for the delay...... the reason I said not to use clips is that it can encourage poor fixing techniques- no solid bed, poor substrate prep etc

 

[Martyn Leeds]

Wonder why your boss/uncle, whoever, doesn't want to use the Tiler with 20yrs experience any more??

Cost perhaps?

 

[Dumbo]

Wonder why your boss/uncle, whoever, doesn't want to use the Tiler with 20yrs experience any more??

Cost perhaps?

Maybe the truth is that guy won't work for uncle anymore as he keeps getting asked to cut corners and use inappropriate materials

 

[Martyn Leeds]

Indeed,
He's probably been banging his head against the wall, and builder knows best as usual..

 

[martin1c]

I think that the result you have achieved with the tiles you were given is fairly good. The main thing you need to improve on is what's going on behind the tile and your fixing technique. Given that you say you're slow, it clearly matters to you that you do a nice job so I'm sure that any advice you've had here will be taken in.

Going back to your orginal question, don't bother with wooden battens if you're having to work with poor quality tiles. Use spirit levels or buy some aluminium battens from Trade Tiler and cut to length. These will give you the best start but you'll probably still need to use wedges too.

 

[GAZ5518]

Just to add... If your Uncles a builder... Tell him to make sure the walls are true and plumb... It'll make your life a lot easier..
And yes .. get a deeper serrater..
Keep at it ... You'll get there..

 

[slicker55]

Good luck to you mate - it looks to me as though you haven't had the best start to your tiling career but clearly, you're ambitious and determined to succeed. You have a pleasant disposition and a willingness to learn, admirable qualities which will hold you in good stead.