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small quarry floor tiles

Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:50 pm
by transit boy
Hi Guys, I am new to this forum and hoping someone could give me some advise. I am self employed doing house mantainance, decorating, carpentry,the odd bathroom and kitchens. I have done a fair bit of tiling but i try and keep clear of natural stone, but I have a job that I am starting next week where I have to lay quarry floor tiles. The tiles are 4" sq. :(and 8mm thick and they have to be laid in a L shape hallway at a 45 deg pattern with a border tile. The customer has a detailed plan and is having the floor latexed leveled for me. Would you seal the tiles first before laying, because I am a little concerned that the sealer will get on the grout lines, also would you still use the large size notch trowel or would you use a smaller size.
When applying the adhesive to the floor, would you also butter the back of the tiles as they are smooth. Last question, might sound silly do you need to seal the latex before laying the tiles.
Many Thanks

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:47 pm
by LouLizR
If it's not too late...
sealing the tiles beforehand will take longer, as you would have to do them individually, but it would eliminate grease marks or other dirt getting into the tiles whilst laying them. If you opt for sealing after you lay them, make sure you clean the tiles of any adhesive as you go. might be worth getting a tile cleaner (before grouting) and then sealing them BEFORE grouting. Don't worry about sealant getting on the grout lines, as it won't show through the grout - just remember to grout after.

For quarry tiles use a 10mm trowel. I wouldn't butter the back of the tiles, only do this when floor is uneven. As far as I'm aware, you don't need to seal the latex.

Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 8:29 pm
by transit boy
loulizr thanks for reply and help