www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Hi,

I am looking to retile our entire bathroom (3.4m x 4.2m) with these designer tiles. I am new to tiling so thought I'd look to you people for some advice.

I have never done any tiling before and am at a bit of a loss as to what equipment I would need.

I am looking at this diamond wheel tile cutter. Would this be up to the job, or given the price of the tiles, would it be advisable to spend a little more for a better cutter. I don't mind spending a little more to get a better final result if nessecary. What would you reccomend.

Are there any other tools that I would need before I embark on this mammoth task.

If you need more info please feel free to ask.

Cheers
Dave

First thing I'd say is that your walls are going to have to be completely flat and true.

Large format tiles can be a pain to work with and are very unforgiving if you have the slightest uneven-ness in you wall surface. A bump in the wall will result in one end of a tile "kicking" up and standing proud of the tiles adjacent to it. The bigger the tiles, the bigger the problem.

What is the best way to check this? Is it enough to go round and test the walls with a flat edge, like that of a ruler?

Cheers
Dave

Once you've got any exisiting tiles off, treat yourself to a nice long spirit level (you can tell the Mrs. that it's essential you have one if she wants her nice new bathroom!) and check the walls all over, with the level both horizontal and vertical.

If the wall isn't within a couple of mm of the straight edge of the level all over, then you've got some bumps or waves that are likely to cause you problems.

What you'll then need to do about it will depend on how bad they are.

It would also be an idea to use some Tile spacers. Very cheap and they can save you from knock on effects of a wonky tile. Especially bad with tiles as big as you are using.

If you are wondering why bill and ben have been banned for this post, you can find out here-

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