www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

How many floor tiles would a pro tiler lay in 30 minutes, no cutting just laying the adhesive and the tiles.

Bought some flexible tile adhesive from local tops tiles, told the expert I was a diy'er first attempt at laying floor tiles, so wanted something that would not go off too quickly, walked away with two tubs containing some powder and 5ltrs of additive £42 per tub retail, used a mates account so £43 for two, mixed it all as per instructions and started laying tiles, got ten tiles laid 1/4 of the mix used and what was in the tub had gone off
read the small print and it said will stay usable for 30mins depending on temp, so can't complain. but the expert sold me two tubs to lay approx 100 tiles 300x300 that would mean 50 tiles per tub, he also gave me the free dvd for beginners so did realize I was no pro, hence the question

What is slightly concerning is that you say 'tubs'?? I'm not sure of any cement based addy that comes in tubs? bags yes. tubs no

The fact you say it went off in 30 mins suggests that it was indeed cement based addy and that it was also rapid set. This is in fact what you want to use for floors but could you say what the addy it is that you're using?

Now the next part... A tiler will only mix up what he can use in 30 mins, that could be 1/4 bag, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4 bag or a full one... in general a whole bag should do 4sqm on a floor but if it's bad and needs some messing about it could only do 3 maybe only 2 sqm.

The same goes for how quick a pro tiler will lay. If a lot of prep has been done and it's a perfect floor a tiler can easily lay 4sqm in 30mins (a whole bag) if the floor is out and requires more care then it could only be down to 1 sqm. However a tiler would know instinctively how much to knock up for what he can use in that 30 mins and also at this time of year he may mix up less because of the heat which will make the addy go off quicker.

In this instance I don't think you can blame the retailer as they can only sell you the goods they can't assume you'll know how to get the best out of them.

Given the original price and the price you actually paid I assume you shopped at Topps, yes?

First golden rule.............Tiling experts don't work in tile shops, they are just sales staff with a tiny bit of knowledge and most of that tiny bit is just what packets say on the back. Take what a sales rep at Topps tells you, with a pinch of salt.


Colour sums it up just about bang on. I would just add that workspace will also determine how much he can lay.

Thanks for reply's,
The mix did come in a tub but once opened there was a 8kg bag of powder and 5ltrs of liquid to mix it with, instruction on the side said to pour all the liquid into the tub and then to slowly add all the powder while mixing, it was called toppfix 2 part flexible grey.
I did try to mix the second tub in smaller amounts by dividing both amounts by 4 but mix looked a lot lighter colour and was too soft so the tiles just sank into it.
I have since bought some Bal flexible powder that you mix with water, stays usable for up to 4/5 hours but takes 24hrs to dry.
I don't blame anyone but myself because the addy did everything it said on the packet, and it was a very hot day when I laid the tiles, or I may have got a few more out of the tub .

More than happy with my new toys; Big Clinker and small bosch angle grinder only broke one tile so far.

When I eventually get all the tiles laid, I need to fit new skirtings, what should I use to make the seal between the skirting and the tiles?

Blakey wrote:
When I eventually get all the tiles laid, I need to fit new skirtings, what should I use to make the seal between the skirting and the tiles?

Decorators caulk or a paintable mastic.

Some might say use silicone but that's only because they have never had to repaint skirting after some sod has smeared it in silcone