Browse Forums Flooring & Floor Covering 1 Aug 21, 2008 3:50 pm Hello All,
We purchased 600x600 polished porcelain tiles from a tile outlet (great price - got them for $22sq/m at Tile Factory Outlet at Auburn NSW) www.tfo.com.au. Anyway I read on someone elses post that they can do a butt joint when laying the tiles is that correct? Also - my interpretation of a butt joint is like what you see in shopping centres - with minimal or no grout in between - is this correct? The reason I ask is that I currently have bevelled edged tiles which collect dirt & grime and not to mention the discolouration of the grout. We were told to put the saler in the grout which we instructed our tiler to do, but he only used 1 of the recommend 2 containers, and since we have been advised that it is better to put the sealer on top to prohibit anything getting into the grout. Should I get my tiler to seal the grout or do it myself once he has laid them. We are not going through our builder for tiles or carpet due to costs esp the polished procelain (& trust me the customer service we received at Beaumont Tiles was appalling not to mention being ripped off on 2 occasions - but that's another post ). So ultimately I would love the butt joint if possible - is it too hard to do and will I be charged extra? Thanks in advance Sasha 1st time bldrs, fussy and impatient! Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 3Aug 21, 2008 4:41 pm The polished porcelain tiles will be rectified. That is, the edges are machined after firing to make the tiles pretty much perfectly square. This allows a minimal width grout joint, which is good, as grout is the main thing to soil in many installations.
However, as your tiles are not yet layed, I recommend having an epoxy grout. Epoxy grout will not need sealing, as it is a non absorbent material and is suitable for narrow joints. Its the ideal grout, BUT not all tilers are happy to use it as it takes more work to apply and clean up. So I suggest you look for a tiler that is familiar with and happy to use epoxy grout. The other thing is, the tiles should be sealed. Ideally, tiles should be laid, then cleaned to remove the wax coating that is normally applied after manufacture, then sealed with a quality solvent sealer like Aquamix Sealers Choice Gold, and afterwards, an epoxy grout applied to the joints. Ash. Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 4Aug 25, 2008 2:28 pm Thanks for the tip Waterhaven
We are building with the same company.. Beumont is a no go based on costs. Are you tiling upstairs as well ? we are planning to do the whole house with tiles and wanted to know the problems if any of tiling upstairs and the best preparation for tiling One tiler suggested using a layer of cement/sand over chicken mesh.. Buildling a Clarendon Crestmead in Sydney DA Approved on 20/03/2008 Slab Poured on 02/09/2008 Frame Completed 15/10/2008 Brickwork Complete 2/02/2009 Roofwork Complete 05/03/2009 Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 5Aug 29, 2008 11:40 am lobo Beumont is a no go based on costs. Are you tiling upstairs as well ? .. Hi Lobo, Creastmead is lovely, our new neighbours 2 doors down are building a crestmead, hubby asked why didn't we build that, I said it was too big (I have cleaning issues!!!) Are you building near me in Syndey - we are at kellyville ridge? They are currently waterproofing the wet areas..then the tilers will be in next week..still no sign of me packing yet!!!! sorry for the delayed response, sick kids, shopping for carpets etc. No I am only tiling the entry way, the home theatre (which is the kids toy room), the meals & Kitchen. the formal loung dining and study will be carpeted. Upstairs will also be carpeted. I personally loathe tiles..... firstly due to my ecperience with my bevelled edged tiles, the build up of dirt never escaped the knees of my crawling children (and the visitor's kids as well ). Secondly - my dirty grout issues - it wasn't sealed correctly & resulted in excessive bleach inhalation when I clean it properly . Thirdly - I really don't have time to vacuum a floor & then go around again and mop it (irrespective as to how great it looks afterwards)!!!! So needless to say, carpet upstairs, all round baby!!!! We found a great deal on our carpet yesterday - we wanted the Redbook Applique range in 9- Shale - so a charcoal colour with scattered squares. We got a quote from Solomans who told me I needed 58 L/m, and recevied a qoute of over $11K. Found place yesterday who will lay it on Foam which is apparently better than rubber - (may have to put a post on the website to verify this??), same carpet for under $8K, and he recalculated it and said that we only needed 49l/m. Needless to say we are very happy (trying to convince hubby that the money saved can go towards Plantation Shutters ) But we wanted the Redbook as this one comes with a 15yr guarantee on wear, fade and stains... so very appealing when I have 2 very clumsy & messy boys!. So an answer to your tiling question of tiling upstairs, I would put a post on the site & see if Ash or someone can answer it! Go and have a look at the TFO - not sure where you are, but if you can make the trip & know what sort of tiles you want they were great. Beaumont were rude and very unhelpful, the lady that served us told us that we only get a $10 credit if we change from the normal soap holder (valued at $20) to the one that holds the shampoo, cond & soap ($50). So we said no don't worry, then after disputing the wastage charge for Alfresco area - we paid Clarendon $3000 for the slab & tiles & they wanted to charge us an extra $60 in wastage (which they ended up waving - so they should) we then said we will like to change to the longer shampoo holder & the lady in the office said OK you get a $20 credit for each one...BASTARDS. I think because we went in there saying we are happy to stay with the standard range, they weren't too impressed. The worst thing is we would like to tile our front porch in the same tiles as the alfresco, but don't want to give Beaumont our business.... Will keep on searching! BTW: ASH.... THANKS A MILLION FOR YOUR REPLY, VERY HELPFUL.... SORRY I DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE YOU RESPONSE EARLIER. THANKS CYA Sasha 1st time bldrs, fussy and impatient! Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 6Aug 30, 2008 8:30 pm Wow - just found this thread - we were planning on going to the Tile Factory Outlet today after 'Googling' it yesterday, but got side tracked. After reading this, we'll definitely be going next weekend. Do they have a really wide range?
As for tiling upstairs, we were told by someone that's a no can do, much to our disappointment. The second storey floor is just not strong enough to support the weight of tiles apparently. So we are still umming and ahhhing over what to choose. Carpet is not an option for us, so we need to decide soon if it will be a fake wood laminate or a softer type of laminate. ha - Beaumont - echo your sentiments there - very off hand and unhelpful. When we did actually want to pay extra for something, she tried to discourage us 'You don't need that" - excuse ME! She just didn't want to be bothered working out the price. They obviously aren't paid on commission. Built a Clarendon 'Balmain' 2008 Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 8Aug 30, 2008 10:23 pm My hubby is Italian born & bred - they HATE carpet - if a floor can't be washed and bleached to death, they think the hidden germs will kill them and it makes him sneeze, itch and complain! Built a Clarendon 'Balmain' 2008 Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 9Aug 31, 2008 11:06 am Maxie Wow - just found this thread - we were planning on going to the Tile Factory Outlet today after 'Googling' it yesterday, but got side tracked. After reading this, we'll definitely be going next weekend. Do they have a really wide range? . Hi There, TFO do not have the biggest range, and it is constantly changing. We were lucky to find the ones we really liked first trip, to us nothing we found was similar. You can buy a sample tile, which we did & took it to the display & compared it to other tiles, colours etc, put it next to the coloured carpet that we wanted etc, i think it only cost us $5. Can't recall what it was called, from memory it was 600x600 polished porcelain "limestone beige" or similar. If they don't have enough for you, ask them if they will get more in - they generally do. They will store it for you at no charge and recommend tilers. Also if you buy a pallet & a half - which is what we needed, ask them to do it all at the pallet price we paid $22sqm for all of it, instead of the $28sqm for the amount over the pallet that we needed. So we were thrilled. Esp looking at Beaumont's prices.... Let them know what you want... if you have your heart set on something, get a sample & take it to them. they might be able to help. Don't be alarmed... it's a dingy factory, but great prices. Also - not sure if this is an option but what about cork for upstairs...we had cork in this place although it is only a single storey, but acoutsically it was great, & regretably changed to tiles. Also I didn't like the brown cork look, but I think they may have new styles & colours now, I think I saw black in a mag.....not sure...just a thought! Good luck! Can I ask where abouts you are building??? I haven't seen the Balmain, although we didin't look at too many Clarendons.... CYA sasha 1st time bldrs, fussy and impatient! Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 10Aug 31, 2008 6:06 pm Maxie My hubby is Italian born & bred - they HATE carpet - if a floor can't be washed and bleached to death, they think the hidden germs will kill them and it makes him sneeze, itch and complain! Perfectly good reason to divorce the bugga, I'd say! Ash. Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 11Sep 01, 2008 9:56 am royalblue Maxie My hubby is Italian born & bred - they HATE carpet - if a floor can't be washed and bleached to death, they think the hidden germs will kill them and it makes him sneeze, itch and complain! Perfectly good reason to divorce the bugga, I'd say! Ash. At least wait until the house is built!!!!!!! 1st time bldrs, fussy and impatient! Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 12Sep 02, 2008 7:54 pm waterhaven At least wait until the house is built!!!!!!! too right!!! Waterhaven, I have actually had cork on my list of possibilities, but so far have been unable to find anyone with a good display/range other than the basic tiles. I'm going to keep looking. The Balmain, is not built anywhere as a display home - but guess what, it's just a slightly different version of your house!!! (both of which are slightly smaller, slightly altered versions of the Waterford) We're building at Moorebank. Built a Clarendon 'Balmain' 2008 Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 13Sep 05, 2008 10:37 pm waterhaven lobo Beumont is a no go based on costs. Are you tiling upstairs as well ? .. Hi Lobo, Creastmead is lovely, our new neighbours 2 doors down are building a crestmead, hubby asked why didn't we build that, I said it was too big (I have cleaning issues!!!) Are you building near me in Syndey - we are at kellyville ridge? They are currently waterproofing the wet areas..then the tilers will be in next week..still no sign of me packing yet!!!! sorry for the delayed response, sick kids, shopping for carpets etc. No I am only tiling the entry way, the home theatre (which is the kids toy room), the meals & Kitchen. the formal loung dining and study will be carpeted. Upstairs will also be carpeted. I personally loathe tiles..... firstly due to my ecperience with my bevelled edged tiles, the build up of dirt never escaped the knees of my crawling children (and the visitor's kids as well ). Secondly - my dirty grout issues - it wasn't sealed correctly & resulted in excessive bleach inhalation when I clean it properly . Thirdly - I really don't have time to vacuum a floor & then go around again and mop it (irrespective as to how great it looks afterwards)!!!! So needless to say, carpet upstairs, all round baby!!!! We found a great deal on our carpet yesterday - we wanted the Redbook Applique range in 9- Shale - so a charcoal colour with scattered squares. We got a quote from Solomans who told me I needed 58 L/m, and recevied a qoute of over $11K. Found place yesterday who will lay it on Foam which is apparently better than rubber - (may have to put a post on the website to verify this??), same carpet for under $8K, and he recalculated it and said that we only needed 49l/m. Needless to say we are very happy (trying to convince hubby that the money saved can go towards Plantation Shutters ) But we wanted the Redbook as this one comes with a 15yr guarantee on wear, fade and stains... so very appealing when I have 2 very clumsy & messy boys!. So an answer to your tiling question of tiling upstairs, I would put a post on the site & see if Ash or someone can answer it! Go and have a look at the TFO - not sure where you are, but if you can make the trip & know what sort of tiles you want they were great. Beaumont were rude and very unhelpful, the lady that served us told us that we only get a $10 credit if we change from the normal soap holder (valued at $20) to the one that holds the shampoo, cond & soap ($50). So we said no don't worry, then after disputing the wastage charge for Alfresco area - we paid Clarendon $3000 for the slab & tiles & they wanted to charge us an extra $60 in wastage (which they ended up waving - so they should) we then said we will like to change to the longer shampoo holder & the lady in the office said OK you get a $20 credit for each one...BASTARDS. I think because we went in there saying we are happy to stay with the standard range, they weren't too impressed. The worst thing is we would like to tile our front porch in the same tiles as the alfresco, but don't want to give Beaumont our business.... Will keep on searching! BTW: ASH.... THANKS A MILLION FOR YOUR REPLY, VERY HELPFUL.... SORRY I DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE YOU RESPONSE EARLIER. THANKS CYA Sasha thanks a lot for your detailed reply. We are building at Oatley (if you know where it is! ) my wife wants tiles all over the place ! Buildling a Clarendon Crestmead in Sydney DA Approved on 20/03/2008 Slab Poured on 02/09/2008 Frame Completed 15/10/2008 Brickwork Complete 2/02/2009 Roofwork Complete 05/03/2009 Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 15Oct 05, 2008 6:14 pm loretta Waterhaven, how have you found your tiles? We are also looking at TFO - they are so cheap! Is there a catch? Cheers L H L, Hopefully I will be able to tell you in about 4 weeks. We should get the keys in the next few weeks, so we haven't had the tiles delivered or laid. TFO have been great - they rang me last week to ask when we wanted the tiles, told them not yet, gave me the number for the delivery guy ($80) to the North West area so really reasonable. Just have to contact the tiler's this week for their availability. But cheap yes, and the service was also great - and hopefully all works well. Sorry can't assist just yet! Cya 1st time bldrs, fussy and impatient! Re: What laying styles can I have for Polished porcelain tiles? 16Oct 06, 2008 7:55 am If you butt joint than where is the grout going to go you need some width use ABA fine sanded grout never butt up tiles against each other you will rip up that floor with in two years. Seal the grout with either a clear seal or colour sealing would be a better option lasts 10 times longer and colour sealing is a topical coat where as clear seals a penetrating sealers that sit just below the surface you can go epoxy grout but that will cost you the big bucks.
Craig I'm about to put down some Merbau. Is it necessary to oil underneath the boards before laying? 0 760 Hey There. No problems re jumping in. My original question was "should I have waterproofed" the concrete slab before putting batons down. We have been told we should… 7 3371 6 7967 |