Pietra Serena Sandstone 800x800mm help - TilersForums.com

[Stuart_AC]

Hi All..

This is my first post here – I usually lurk around and find this site very useful for general info. I’m looking for some product advice (and general advice) for a tiling job I’m doing at my house.

Details
Floor Area - 145m2
Tile - 800x800x20mm Pietra Serena Sandstone in light grey
Substrate – 12 month old concrete slab, no underfloor heating, level to about 4mm across it’s entire length. Slab has been wet vacuumed so is generally dust free.

I plan on laying the tiles in accordance with this video


1. Lay tiles with Mapei Elastorapid Adhesive with 10mm notch trowel and back butter entire tile. I'm not planning to use a primer as the slab is as dust free as you can get in a new build. Mapei say that it's not required with their product.
2. Seal with pre-treatment Fila PRW200
3. Grout with Mapei Keracolour 113GG
4. Clean with Fila Cleaner
5. Grease resistant treatment with W68 Fila Jet Matt Satin

Questions
1. Has anyone used a cheaper fast drying adhesive product that is compatible with sandstone? The Mapei stuff seems to be very expensive.
2. Same with grout – anyone used a more cost effective grout that can be used with sandstone?
3. Am I using the correct trowel notch?
4. The vast majority of the cut tiles will be hidden under the skirting. I don’t have a tile cutter and a decent bridge saw for 800mm tiles looks like it will be £800 odd quid. Could I get away with a handheld saw with a guide rail? Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks for your help in advance.
Stuart

 

[Stuart_AC]

Forgot to mention - I was looking to use spacers with the levelling wedges. Does anyone have a recommendation for a decent product. I worry that some versions might snap off with having to lift such a heavy tile.
Cheers,
Stuart

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Stuart - 145 sq mts of 20mm 800x800mm stone!
I'am sure there are threads in the search and other members who will provide ongoing input, however I personally don't believe this is a DIY project and therefore cannot help in your request.
I wonder if there is a member near you who could provide an advisory role for a nominal cost to stage visit and provide ongoing support.
Good luck.

 

[Stuart_AC]

Thanks John,
It’s a big project indeed but I’m confident of getting a decent result with a bit of good advice. I’ve built this house from scratch and managed just fine till now. I’ve had a search on the threads and can’t find anything specific to this type of stone so thought it best to start a new thread.

I’m an architect but can also turn my hand to nearly all trades with results that are consistently neater and to the book than the trades I occasionally employ to give me a hand (albeit I take longer). Your advice about getting someone experienced in on a day rate for advice and some ad-hoc help is good and something that I occasionally do – if anyone is near Glasgow then I’d be keen to discuss. I don’t have any problems with the procedural side of things or even the practical when I get going – just looking for some opinions on products and tips and tricks if anyone has some experience with this sort of tile.

I’m aware of several other products that claim to do the same thing as the Mapei range. I’ve used Mapei before so know its characteristics but would like to source a more cost effective product so want to hear about peoples experience of other products. I’m speaking to ProRapid and a couple of others but am open to suggestions.

Cheers,
Stuart

 

[Stuart_AC]

Thought a picture or two of the space might add some interest to the thread

 

[Dumbo]

I would use a primer for the cost of it what harm can it do compared to the risk of failure . Also large format trowel for that size tile . Lithofin sealing products I find are more user friendly than fila .
Quality hand held grinder with quality blade should cut them although you may need more than one blade . But as timeless John says not really a day job

 

[Stuart_AC]

Thanks for the tips. I've used Fila before so was quite confident with it so purchased it a while ago. Maybe have a look at Lithofin next time.

I'm seeing some decent prices for the Proflex SP Rapid adhesive. After speaking to their rep they do recommend a primer. I'll always do what the manufacturer suggests so if I go with them I'll use the primer. Can any of you vouch for the Proflex products on natural stone?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Stuart - ok you sound confident and even though your an Architect; 2nd to engineers on the list of 'clients to avoid'
but we'll do what we can!
Adhesive and cost - look for the Tilemaster range or if you are near Ctd Glasgow they are competitive.
John.

 

[Stuart_AC]

Thanks John, I'll have a look today.

I can be a nightmare client as I can hang around observing a bit too much. Not just because I like to keep an eye on things but mostly because I like to get stuck in and want to learn the tips and tricks of each trade. I find that spending a lot of times with trades and taking part really helps with my job. I'll let you know how I get on

 

[Dumbo]

Thanks for the tips. I've used Fila before so was quite confident with it so purchased it a while ago. Maybe have a look at Lithofin next time.

I'm seeing some decent prices for the Proflex SP Rapid adhesive. After speaking to their rep they do recommend a primer. I'll always do what the manufacturer suggests so if I go with them I'll use the primer. Can any of you vouch for the Proflex products on natural stone?

Not required and do not use are to different things when doing as a manufacturer says