www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Hi

I need some advice on installing large format matt porcelain tiles and underfloor heating in my bathroom. The plan is:
1. 1000 x 1000 x 3.5mm tiles for the floor and 500 x 1000 x 3.5mm for the boarded walls.
2. Installing electric underfloor heating and raising the tiled concrete floor by 30 to 40mm to finish flush with the shower tray.

I tiled the bathroom and kitchen in my previous house, but I suspect there may be issues with this tile due to its large size and thinness. I am wondering, therefore, if I should get a professional or DIY.

What problems can I expect to face working with such tiles?
How should the floor heating and tiling be tackled?

If I do decide to get in a professional at least I will have some knowledge which will help me select a suitable tiler.

Thanks

Ultra thin large format tiles really isn't a DIY project.

My best advice is to hire a pro and also one that has experience with them already as it's a steep learning curve for anybody trying them out for the first time.

Where about's are you in the country? And where did the tiles come from?

Hi
I am in East London and looking at LEA Ceramiche Slimtech.

In that case I can recommend Gary at GB Walsh tiling - http://www.gbwalsh.co.uk/

All the pictures on the website is of his own work, unlike some! - You can see his projects with extra large format tiles here - http://www.gbwalsh.co.uk/our-services/9

Failing that and he's busy, have a word with Ray at FEET international in South East London. http://www.feet-international.com/ He imports the type of tiles you are talking about and should have a list of local (and national) tilers that have done their training course.

Would love to see the pictures of your project once complete as I've seen from a few of your posts that you're going for a relativly high spec minimalist design.

Hi

I have emailed him.
I had visited F.E.E.T. and it was there that I was warned that it is something for a professional tiler. I'll ask them if they can recommend.

Thanks

Les

If Im unable to get a trained/experienced thin porcelain tiler should I simply drop the plan? If not, what should I be looking for?

No point in giving you our tilers as they are booked for months.

Judging by the questions I would say you really are best getting a qualified tiler in. Be warned though qualified tilers are very few and far between. Most tilers are house bashers, give them a bit of complicated work and they are fecked. hence why you will also pay a bit more for a good tiler.

Let them price for adhesive and grout because most have certain ones they prefer working with. I like NC products for example and one of our tilers hates them. He preferred BAL but now he is doing large development contracts and buys direct he has a new favourite.

Thanks for the advice.

I understand that I may not get a tiler in the time frame I'd hoped.

Two outstanding issues for me are:
1. Should I consider an experienced tiler who has not fitted large thin tiles?
2. What is a reasonable pay for a tiler? Per day? Per metre?

Thanks again

Thins should be absolutely no problem for an experienced tiler. A lot of inexperienced tilers will find them easy too. A house basher may be adequate for what you want done, by the way.

Prices vary. It depends on where you are, even what sort of house you have. I doubt you will get a metre rate for the job, that is normally reserved for sites with good runs of work.