Discussion
Can't be that hard can it?!
I've permission from the boss to attempt to tile around the worktop in the kitchen so not a massive area and only three sockets and a ledge to worry about, really, how hard can that be?
We're going for the 'chunky rustic' look so I can get away with not being entirely perfect but obviously I want to do a good a job as possible.
Would be very interested to hear from both those with experience and those who have tried and failed!
I've read up the the Readers Digest guide on how to do it and whilst it looks tricky not impossible if I take my time etc etc.
I've permission from the boss to attempt to tile around the worktop in the kitchen so not a massive area and only three sockets and a ledge to worry about, really, how hard can that be?
We're going for the 'chunky rustic' look so I can get away with not being entirely perfect but obviously I want to do a good a job as possible.
Would be very interested to hear from both those with experience and those who have tried and failed!
I've read up the the Readers Digest guide on how to do it and whilst it looks tricky not impossible if I take my time etc etc.
If you take your time, use the tile spacers and make sure you don't let the adhesive or grout dry on the front of the tiles (especially if it's waterproof adhesive), then it's not rocket science and a first timer should be OK. If you have to cut any tiles (highly likely I suppose) then I'd recommend one of the B&Q tile powered cuters with water cooling....just do it outside as the water sprays everywhere.
I hadn't tiled until about 9 years ago and did a simple bit round the bath in our old house. Since we moved I've done a showerroom, a conservatory floor, the entrance and dinning room floors, plus the upstairs bathroom floor and walls. I had to buy my second B&Q cutter to do the last bathroom (thick limestone tiles) so it gives you some idea of how long they last if you clean them out after use).
Might be easier (though dearer)to buy the ready mixed adhesive/grout so you can put the lid on it and walk away if your patience gets the better of you. Plus get lots of cloths/sponges for cleaning the surplus off the tiles and surrounding areas.
Best of luck.
I hadn't tiled until about 9 years ago and did a simple bit round the bath in our old house. Since we moved I've done a showerroom, a conservatory floor, the entrance and dinning room floors, plus the upstairs bathroom floor and walls. I had to buy my second B&Q cutter to do the last bathroom (thick limestone tiles) so it gives you some idea of how long they last if you clean them out after use).
Might be easier (though dearer)to buy the ready mixed adhesive/grout so you can put the lid on it and walk away if your patience gets the better of you. Plus get lots of cloths/sponges for cleaning the surplus off the tiles and surrounding areas.
Best of luck.
Make sure where you know where to start the tiling. It may sound a bit obvious but depending on how the sink/wall units are laid out may detrmine where you need to start tiling. e.g. if you have a half height unit above you sink with full height units either side you woul need to make sure your tiles here are even so would have to find the centre and start from there. Apart from that try and get hold of an electric tile cutter for the bits around the plug sockets and a normal staright line cutter for the er straight lines. Good luck,
Pete
Pete
Tiling is pretty easy to do.
Get the old ones off with a 4" chisel and club hammer (wear safety specs)
Make sure the old adhesive is removed (Litle bits don't matter providing they'll be covered with the new adhesive, and not cause the tiles to lay uneven.
Seal the walls with a PVA / water mixture.
As has been said above, plan how you're going to lay your tiles out; it's no good having a full tile at one end, and an impossible to cut sliver of a tile at the other.
I've never bothered with the water cooled cutters. I do all my straight cuts with a cutter bought from screwfix about 10 years ago (It's on it's 4th wheel).
For the tricky cuts I've got a dremel and the ceramic cutter (fantastic bit of kit, screams like a banshee and lets you carve your initials into a tile!), less tricky cuts are taken care of with a 4" grinder and diamond disc.
When fitting the tiles mark a horizontal line on the wall with a spirit level, then work from this (might be worth checking the worktop, window for level before this, and maybe adjusting you working level to 'look' right).
I always use the premixed adhesive/grout, it's more expensive, but worth it IMHO. Use proper tile spacers, a notched adhesive spreader and have a large bowl of water and plenty of washing up sponges ready.
Have a go, you'll be suprised at the results.
I did the main bathroom in our house nearly 10 years ago now, then did the 2nd bathroom, then the 3rd. Then I tiled the porch and hallway. Did the kitchen last, probably the easiest room of the lot.
I've also fitted two new bathrooms for my eldest, tiling is the easiest bit of the job for me.
Get the old ones off with a 4" chisel and club hammer (wear safety specs)
Make sure the old adhesive is removed (Litle bits don't matter providing they'll be covered with the new adhesive, and not cause the tiles to lay uneven.
Seal the walls with a PVA / water mixture.
As has been said above, plan how you're going to lay your tiles out; it's no good having a full tile at one end, and an impossible to cut sliver of a tile at the other.
I've never bothered with the water cooled cutters. I do all my straight cuts with a cutter bought from screwfix about 10 years ago (It's on it's 4th wheel).
For the tricky cuts I've got a dremel and the ceramic cutter (fantastic bit of kit, screams like a banshee and lets you carve your initials into a tile!), less tricky cuts are taken care of with a 4" grinder and diamond disc.
When fitting the tiles mark a horizontal line on the wall with a spirit level, then work from this (might be worth checking the worktop, window for level before this, and maybe adjusting you working level to 'look' right).
I always use the premixed adhesive/grout, it's more expensive, but worth it IMHO. Use proper tile spacers, a notched adhesive spreader and have a large bowl of water and plenty of washing up sponges ready.
Have a go, you'll be suprised at the results.
I did the main bathroom in our house nearly 10 years ago now, then did the 2nd bathroom, then the 3rd. Then I tiled the porch and hallway. Did the kitchen last, probably the easiest room of the lot.
I've also fitted two new bathrooms for my eldest, tiling is the easiest bit of the job for me.
Dont be affraid to just spread the adhisive on the back of the tile and then place on the wall. Use a good quality anti sagging adhisive and they'll stay where you put them. Doing it that way allows you to ues a pencil line as a guide and as your tiles are "rustic" it will be easier without spacers. Keep the joints about 5mm.
Nolar Dog said:
And if you need any cheap tiles I have 5000 Porcelanosa handmade ones I need to get rid of 
Ooooo details please! 
Cheers for the advice guys, I'm going to get myself a bit of plasterboard and some cheap tiles to practice with, the hassle I will get if I screw up will be unbelieveable!
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