Wetroom tray setting out

[al strachan]

Hello people. Been up to the eyes with life, but finally managed to progress my (now 6m long!) wetroom project.

All tanked ready to go, but wondering which way you pro’s would set out this tray. 315 square tiles, and with one sitting dead centre on the tray, hard against the front edge of the tray works out great for the full room, but will leave a 50mm slither outside the tray, then onto full tiles.

Moving 50mm over also works for setting out, but will leave the tiles off centre to the drain.

Might be any easy answer, just seems there will be a thin border of tile around the tray, and Exra grout lines to get the tiles symmetrical with the drain.

I could also be overthinking this. A common theme with me :/

 

[Tony_C]

Have you tried having a grout line at the center of the drain?

 

[al strachan]

This works also, but with it being a patterned tile, and a tiled cover, I would have a grout line through the cover too. Do you think that would look better? It a reversible cover, but not so keen on a plain stainless cover.
[automerge]1568748618[/automerge]
Sorry Tony, I’ve completely misinterpreted you reply. I’ll go check it out!!!

 

[al strachan]

Like this. I did try it before, but thought it would look messy. Are there option to keep the tile complete, and start the envelope on the next tile?

Tile 315mm, 3mm spacer, 600mm drain

 

[Boggs]

Are you installing a glass screen?

 

[al strachan]

Yes I am, just back from the edge of the tray, tray is 1500, but I was only doing a 500mm screen to save the towel rail and bog getting wet. Can’t install a deeper screen, since there’s an Eve on the opposite wall.

 

[Unused Account 1]

Use 2 mm spacers ifyou can

 

[al strachan]

Use 2 mm spacers ifyou can

I went for 3mm because my cutter blade is 2mm approx, so wanted the cuts to appear smaller,

Do you think 2mm would look better?

 

[Middlesex Tiles]

They look like BCT Laura Ashley Mr Jones tile, if so then 3mm spacer would be advisable . . .

 

[al strachan]

They look like BCT Laura Ashley Mr Jones tile, if so then 3mm spacer would be advisable . . .

Of course, they are indeed.

 

[Middlesex Tiles]

Please check the tiles to ensure that there is no significant variation in size from tile to tile before you start. Please also check that the glaze is good and reaches each of the edges.

Are you sure that they are 315mm? They are supposed to be 331mm I think . . .

 

[al strachan]

Please check the tiles to ensure that there is no significant variation in size from tile to tile before you start. Please also check that the glaze is good and reaches each of the edges.

Are you sure that they are 315mm? They are supposed to be 331mm I think . . .

Will do. I take there are known quality issues with these tiles 😬? That pretty much sums up my year! Yes, these are 330 or thereabouts, my error.

 

[Middlesex Tiles]

Ummmm - how do I put this . . . Yes!

Search BCT on here and see for yourself. They went out of business earlier in the year. When did you buy the tiles? Make sure that you have plenty before you start. Lots of tile retailers bought their clearance stock - at very low prices. But there is obviously no new stock in distribution

 

[al strachan]

Fml! I’ve had two packs open and nothing has sprung out, but I’ll be looking a bit further tonight before I start. All the same batch though, and if I remember correctly I bought area+11% and a spare pack (1m2) for good measure.(9m2 overall)

We searched for weeks before settling on these. If they are crap they ain’t getting laid, I’ve put too much into the subfloor, heating, prep for these to risk a bad job. Cost would be a pain, but not half as bad as deciding on new tiles with she who must be obeyed!

 

[al strachan]

just searched and I’m pretty gutted to be honest!

 

[Unused Account 1]

Ive done a few jobs with these ,very chippy ,sorry ,just being honest

 

[Boggs]

I thought they would be worse than they were to be honest.

 

[al strachan]

ive invested far too much time and money into my wetroom (and research) to finish it off with something I’m going to be using every day, and search around for cracks and defects every time I use it, to get any kind of enjoyment out of them.

It’s been weeks since I bought from Homebase, but going to make every effort to return them.

It seems you guys fit them for customers, so I guess it’s not all doom and gloom, but I can gaurentee you, I bet not one of you would knowingly buy these to fit to your own wet room, so really not much point in quizzing you fine fellows for any should I/shouldn’t I questions.

That’s the setting out question answered also 😂

 

[al strachan]

I’ve found these Mr Jones Dove Grey 33cm x 33cm Porcelain Floor Tile - https://www.dantotsu.co.uk/floor-tiles-c27/laura-ashley-tiles-c1240/mr-jones-dove-grey-33cm-x-33cm-porcelain-floor-tile-p2151

Same pattern, but stated as pecelain, and a bit more expensive?!

Let’s just say that the good lady hasn’t taken the news too well !

 

[Boggs]

I would say same tiles wrongly advertised as porcelain.

 

[Spare Tool]

As above, BCT ceramics not a great idea in a wetroom they are pretty crap really, they didn't go bust without a reason, just laid these the other week and are porcelain, 250 square which might help your set out....see what the misses thinks Al...I have bigger images of floor if it helps?

 

[al strachan]

As above, BCT ceramics not a great idea in a wetroom they are pretty crap really, they didn't go bust without a reason, just laid these the other week and are porcelain, 250 square which might help your set out....see what the misses thinks Al...I have bigger images of floor if it helps?

I like them yes, but I think a bit to dark/contrasty for her. A photo of a floor would be a big help, and would there be any lighter ones in the range do you think?

To be fair I’ve just been looking at the two packs I have open, and laying 16 tiles in a square, there no real measurable size differences, all laid tight together and all fit snug. Glazing looks good, and placing face to face I can’t see too much bowing or irregularity (a tiny bit, but nothing that would give any real lippage. They do absorb water readily though, and fading/cracking/staining would always be a worry. The seed is sown!

 

[Spare Tool]

Cant say I've never done it, but ceramics on any floor aren't a good idea imo..
Not sure on lighter shades, these came with a white border, not to everyone's tastes but..." It's not my house" 😆
I'll dig a bigger pic out..there must be something similarish out there she likes..

 

[al strachan]

Cant say I've never done it, but ceramics on any floor aren't a good idea imo..
Not sure on lighter shades, these came with a white border, not to everyone's tastes but..." It's not my house" 😆
I'll dig a bigger pic out..there must be something similarish out there she likes..

I like that 👍 let’s see what swmbo says. I’ve also found these:

Brighton Grey Pattern Matt Porcelain Floor Tile- Tile Mountain

These Brighton Grey Pattern Porcelain Floor Tiles have a stylish patterned design in a matt finish and measure 450x450x8.5mm. Order a cut sample!

www.tilemountain.co.uk

Great price also, and at 450mm square should be perfect for a 900mm tray? Do fake grout lines work ok on a wetroom floor? and is there anything an experienced eye would see as a concern?

 

[Spare Tool]

Think the concern would be the depth of the fake groutlines are only 1-2mm deep, and constantly showering water on them could more than likely wash it out...not something I've fitted in a shower before so couldn't give a definitive answer..

 

[Middlesex Tiles]

Maybe not, I believe that there is a Turkish factory that are now making these - in porcelain. They are quoted as satin rather than matt (so a slight sheen to them).

Possibly not the best quality - but probably better than the originals? Get a sample to check that the good lady will be happy with the finish.

 

[al strachan]

Maybe not, I believe that there is a Turkish factory that are now making these - in porcelain. They are quoted as satin rather than matt (so a slight sheen to them).

Possibly not the best quality - but probably better than the originals? Get a sample to check that the good lady will be happy with the finish.

Well i gave them a phone, and i'm assured that this is definately porcelain and from completely different manufacturer. sample ordered!!

 

[Tony_C]

Whatever tile you end up choosing I'd also recommended picking up a diamond hand pad to buff down your envelope cuts to give them a cleaner edge for the old tootsies. Can pick one up for less than a tenner

 

[al strachan]

Thanks for the tip Tony, will do.

Also, since there’s every chance I’ll end up with 330mil tiles, I guess by original question is still potentially valid 😁

 

[Tony_C]

It's quite tough to decide without seeing it fully. Try laying both situations out over the complete tray and surrounding tiles to the tray and marking what the cuts would be on the tiles and stand back and look at it. Perhaps post the pics which may make it easier for us to give an opinion on also