Travertine tiling

[chrisz]

Have just been reading all the posts I can on laying travertine as I'm starting this at the weekend.

I have a few questions:

I ordered a load of travertine from a company up north (I am in London) and they supplied it with grey adhesive. After reading a couple of posts I'm a little worried that it'll show through? Can anyone confirm or reassure me it won't?

Second issue, what is the most cost effective way of cutting the holes I will require? In the bathroom I will need holes for the toilet waste pipe, radiator pipes, sink waste etc, and taps that are coming out of the walls. Shall i buy some bits, or hire some? I have looked at hire kits and they don't seem to come with all the bits I would need.

 

[Moz]

Hiya chrisz
some tips ...from my addled brain

Tile size if bigger than 300 x 300 you need the bigger sized large format floor tile trowel
I would use a single part flex........
Bal here
http://www.bpindex.co.uk/manf.html?id=1060
without seeing your tiles ,cannot say if the mudmix /adhesive is right supplied

for a novice I would say ...
seal/ fix/ seal/ grout/ seal
for sealer I always used

Aquamix Sealers Choice 15 Gold
for tools look here to give you an idea of cutters etc ..
http://www.trades-direct.co.uk/

if you have probs the guys here can help or topps tiles lads are very good
hope this helps you doing a Good Boss Job

 

[chrisz]

So I should seal once before laying?

Is this the right size trowel?

http://www.trades-direct.co.uk/modules/shop/view.asp?Prodcode=RHTROWEL

 

[Moz]

yes to both ,

 

[chrisz]

goddamn, already bought one like this!

http://www.trades-direct.co.uk/modules/shop/view.asp?Prodcode=RHTROWELTHIN

 

[Moz]

chrisz
with these tiles you NEED a thick bed of mud /adhesive...
have you the reciept to swap it ......

 

[chrisz]

it was from screwfix, so might be able to change it. No problem if I can't it was cheap.

 

[Moz]

chrisz
keep it for an wall tiling in the future

 

[chrisz]

yeah, am doing some wall tiling in kitchen anyway.

while i have your attention, and you seem an authority on tiling...

I am looking for some thin horizontal white tiles, anyone know of some good modern tile suppliers? When I say thin, I mean in height, not depth of the tile.

 

[Moz]

chrisz
well I used to be a Quality Professional tiler/bathroom fitter ....
a start
http://www.tiles.org.uk/

http://www.tiles.org.uk/directory/catalog.shtml?cat=range&alpha=A

as said in other threads its a matter of taste really but

try topps tiles site

http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/
or many other sites


or get your local yellow pages an have a look a tile suppliers adverts they usually have web links ...then have a good look online ...

 

[chrisz]

update: nearly finished floor, very happy, thanks for all the advice.

 

[chrisz]

any general tips on grouting? have grouted before, just wondered if anyone had any for grouting travertine.