plastic-over-polystyrene 'fake' tile panel

Bunski · Post by **Bunski** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 1:05 pm

Hello,

We are currently trying to update our kitchen on a tight budget. We have plastic-over-polystyrene 'fake' tile panel on the net and have now received a sample. Basically, for those that aren't familiar, they are a plastic-over-polystyrene 'fake' tile panel that can be used on existing tiling. Has anyone out there used this product? Any good?

Thanks.

thescruff · Post by **thescruff** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:13 pm

plastic-over-polystyrene in a kitchen is about as safe as standing a can of petrol on a cooker.

Crazy idea.

Bunski · Post by **Bunski** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:31 pm

I see your point. Hmmm......although we were thinking of putting a stainless steel splashback behind the hob.....but still not sure now though.

Thanks for your thoughts.

bathstyle · Post by **bathstyle** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:10 pm

Just took a look at the website, it does look a bit, dare I say, cheap

I would feel better sticking some Amtico on the walls, yes a stainless steel or glass panel behind hob is a must

lamntile · Post by **lamntile** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:20 pm

Also looking at their website and cant see any specs for the "tiles" at all so i would be staying well away as to me this suggest no conformity with standards.

Bunski · Post by **Bunski** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:24 pm

I have to say that the sample does actually look quite effective and as a quick fix it could work. I was rather sceptical but the real thing looks quite good on the wall. Oh well, back to square one.....

lamntile · Post by **lamntile** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:32 pm

It may well look good but will it do you good if your kitchen caught fire all those fumes as your wall goes up in a sheet of flame

, as i said no mention of specs for fire retardance ,fumes etc on the site. If they had the right specs i would expect them to be letting everyone know.

Bunski · Post by **Bunski** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:10 pm

wise words indeed. Thanks very much for your input. I guess I was trying to cut taking the old tiles off and making a mess but I suppose in the long run it would be the better (and safer) option. DIY is tedious......

lamntile · Post by **lamntile** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:13 pm

Am gonna get shot down for this

but if your existing tiles are on solid and dont sound hollow when tapped you can tile over them if you dont want all the mess of removing them and replastering your walls possibly

Bunski · Post by **Bunski** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:20 pm

we already wondered about that but surely they will look too thick where, say, only half the wall is tiled? Maybe it's just as well to get on with getting on and bite the bullet. Nobody said it would be easy.....

lamntile · Post by **lamntile** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:25 pm

If only half the wall is tilled then yes it would look out of place and over tilling isnt really viable.

There are a number of posts in the forum for the removal of tiles etc

Bunski · Post by **Bunski** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:27 pm

thanks very much for taking the time to reply. Will look at the removal tips and hope for the best. I think I knew deep down that proper tiles were the way forward.

lamntile · Post by **lamntile** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:34 pm

You will certainly have more choice than originally and they will certainly last longer the extra effort will be worth it

karenelainea · Post by **karenelainea** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 9:21 pm

Hello,

I used these Neken Tiles in Black over my exsisting tiles in my Kitchen almost 2 years ago now. I have also taken the same option as you and put a glass frosted splash back behind my cooker and no tiles behind it. After 2 years, these tiles still look fantastic!! always getting comments about them. Very very easy to install, actually tiled the whole kitchen in 2 hours, the a further hour to grout> I would not recommend using normal grout though as this is gritty and can scratch them, use either silicone seal or the stuff of the website. We are just about to do our whole bathroom in this too. Well reccomended we think. BTW the website do not do them justice at all and they don't look cheap, my friend who is a tiler was admiring my work and offered me a job!! and was very suprised to say the least when I explained it's amazing what youcan do with a pair of sharp snips!!
karen

Razor · Post by **Razor** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 9:45 pm

I hope the above is a genuine post and not spam but I agree I have seen these in a few places and they actually look quite good

Not as good as real tiles though

As always it's the care that goes into fitting them that gives the end result.