Large project advice please

[samlwind]

Hi

New to the forum and I have a large (to me) project to undertake.

Firstly I am looking for 80 x 80 porcelain concrete effect tiles. Can anyone point me in the direction of where the trade would get these or even how to import some? I have been to the usual places and found some I like at £45m2.

I need approx 130m2 including an R11 option for tiling a balcony.

Also can anyone recommend a decent tile cutter? I have a large carriage type wet cutter but this is time consuming. I saw a video here where they cut xxl format tiles with a guide (bit like a plunge saw) and then stuck a batten underneath and used pliers to snap the tile. Thought that was a good idea instead of buying a heavy and expensive scratch and snap type.

Thanks in advance Sam

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Welcome and may you have all the luck in the world!
This is not a DIY project.

 

[samlwind]

Hello,

Well yes it's going to be a challenge!

 

[Blunt Tool]

Hi Welcome Sam, are you a tiler? I would strongly suggest if you are not get a good one on board, don't spend thousands on tiles materials and equipment and still end up with a potential botch job, relax and leave it to a professional and enjoy

 

[samlwind]

Hi,

I am a builder and have done quite a lot of tiling before. I have the Luxury that this is my house that I am building. I can take my time etc.

 

[Blunt Tool]

Go to your local tile shops, buying that amount plus all the materials you will need and equipment should give you a good barter,
As a builder you know yourself that projects are often started with the best intentions, I cook a meal now and then for the wife, quite good at it but still wouldn't do a catering job for a 130 guest wedding party.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Where is Sandgate - bound to be a CTD near you.

 

[samlwind]

Near folkestone in Kent.. what is a CTD?

 

[Andy Allen]

Grinder and a good blade to cut them is the best option..

 

[samlwind]

Ok thanks..i was going to rip some down and use them as skirting ( haven't decided yet) and generally it's harder to get a nice straight cut with one... what blade would you recommend btw?
Thanks

 

[Bond]

Near folkestone in Kent.. what is a CTD?

Ceramic tile distributers.

 

[samlwind]

Yes I have been to those. Is £45m2 a fair price? Can I get them direct?

 

[Bond]

Yes I have been to those. Is £45m2 a fair price? Can I get them direct?

Can't say offhand, however, with that sort of quantity, you are in a good bargaining position.

 

[GoneGuy]

If our looking for a decent blade try forum sponser @ATSDiamondTools.
I would shop around and maybe try small family run tile shop s they will likely be able to offer good discount on an order that size, if not try CTD as @timeless john mentioned and then oh can get points/vouchers back on purchase of tiles which could pay for the materials.

 

[Albert]

If our looking for a decent blade try forum sponser @ATSDiamondTools.
I would shop around and maybe try small family run tile shop s they will likely be able to offer good discount on an order that size, if not try CTD as @timeless john mentioned and then oh can get points/vouchers back on purchase of tiles which could pay for the materials.

Hi Adey C.T.D is a mainly a trade referred business, the points you mention are for trade only.The voucher scheme is were a tiler gives a customer 20% of his discount
and he keeps the rest.

 

[samlwind]

Thanks for your responses...any other advice on score and snap cutters?

 

[Albert]

The new Rubi TZ is a great cutter, see if you can hire one, a grinder with a good
porcelain blade for your L cuts but 800x800 is not something for an amateur.
As you have a wet saw already why not just use that.
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xrmiJ0NdPc

 

[samlwind]

That rubi tz looks perfect. The wet cutter I have will take much longer but will do the job.
I know these 80x80s will be a challenge but I have done 50x50 for someone before in a big kitchen.
This is my home so I hope without the pressure of having to earn a decent price out of it I can take my time etc
I am going to use one of these wedge levelling knock off systems if anyone could recommend one?

 

[Bond]

That rubi tz looks perfect. The wet cutter I have will take much longer but will do the job.
I know these 80x80s will be a challenge but I have done 50x50 for someone before in a big kitchen.
This is my home so I hope without the pressure of having to earn a decent price out of it I can take my time etc
I am going to use one of these wedge levelling knock off systems if anyone could recommend one?

Have a look at Raimondi RLS levelling system, used this system recently, (first time using a levelling system). Had no issues with it, simple to use , once you got a handle on the wedge tension.

 

[Bond]

Oh, and the clips snapped off nicely.

 

[Ajax123]

If you want a concrete look why not use concrete?

 

[GoneGuy]

Have a look at Raimondi RLS levelling system, used this system recently, (first time using a levelling system). Had no issues with it, simple to use , once you got a handle on the wedge tension.

If you ise the pliers and set them it will make it easier and quicker.

 

[samlwind]

Thanks again for your help everyone.

Basically I had a bungalow on a hill and have built a 3 storey extension in front of it. It's been a massive undertaking and very complicated. Access is really limited and I can't get deliveries to the site. Including concrete. So hence the tiles.

 

[si.cleary]

I'm inclined to agree with Ajax123; for such a large area instead of concrete effect/look tiles just wet pour the whole area with concrete then polish it!
Why spend circa £6k + on tiles to look like something when you can have the real thing.........half the cost!

 

[Old Mod]

If our looking for a decent blade try forum sponser @ATSDiamondTools.

ATS are not forum sponsors Adey, but still a good supplier of diamond blades.
As are our spnsors @Pro Tiler Tools
The new Bosch blade they sell for about £27 is excellent.
Bosch Dry & Clean Cut Diamond Angle Grinder Blade 115mm 2608615076 | Buy Bosch Diamond Blades Online from Pro Tiler Tools - https://www.*******************/bosch-diamond-blades/52435/bosch-dry-clean-cut-diamond-angle-grinder-blade-115mm-2608615076

 

[GoneGuy]

ATS are not forum sponsors Adey, but still a good supplier of diamond blades.
As are our spnsors @Pro Tiler Tools
The new Bosch blade they sell for about £27 is excellent.
Bosch Dry & Clean Cut Diamond Angle Grinder Blade 115mm 2608615076 | Buy Bosch Diamond Blades Online from Pro Tiler Tools - https://www.*******************/bosch-diamond-blades/52435/bosch-dry-clean-cut-diamond-angle-grinder-blade-115mm-2608615076

Sorry should have done my homework

 

[Old Mod]

Sorry should have done my homework

No worries Adey.