Large Form Tumbled Limestone Floor Tile Advice

[JMC tiling]

Hi all,

got a 70sqr mtr floor to do in tumbled limestone in sizes 1000mmx600 900x600 800x600 and 700x600, 30 mm thick.
The builder has not yet spoken to the architect or customer above how they want this set out but I don't think it is done in a opus like pattern with them sizes surely? I have attached a photo of how I think they should be set out and would like to know what you lot think.

Also, what size spacers would people use? I am looking at a 5mm space bearing in mind they are tumbled.

apart from that its all being de-coupled, fixed with one part rapid norcross, cleaned and sealed before laying, after fixed and after grouting.

Any other advice much appreciated, have installed plenty of tumbled stone before but nothing in such large form.

Cheers, John J.M.C Tiling,

 

[White Room]

That's how I done this one but there was only 3 sizes 80,700 and 600 all 600 width

 

[Dave]

Yep , those sizes are laid random bond in rows ..

 

[StevieBoy]

Hi John, that's going to look very smart when it's done, but the 1000 x 600's will certainly take some lugging about especially 30mm thick

I don't see anything wrong with layout that you have in the picture, 5mm to 7mm joints would be fine, but I wouldn't use spacers due to any irregularitys in the tile sizes - you may get caught out there.

I would have them sealed before fixing, then when grouted - I don't think you need to do it in between.

 

[JMC tiling]

Cheers lads, what size grout joint you gone for there whitebeam?

 

[JMC tiling]

Hi John, that's going to look very smart when it's done, but the 1000 x 600's will certainly take some lugging about especially 30mm thick

I don't see anything wrong with layout that you have in the picture, 5mm to 7mm joints would be fine, but I wouldn't use spacers due to any irregularitys in the tile sizes - you may get caught out there.

I would have them sealed before fixing, then when grouted - I don't think you need to do it in between.

Cheers stevie, I did consider not using spacers for that very reason but will work around a 5mm joint, I sealed them all today and will consider only one more seal once finished as you suggest. thanks again.

 

[JMC tiling]

Cheers stevie, I did consider not using spacers for that very reason but will work around a 5mm joint, I sealed them all today and will consider only one more seal once finished as you suggest. thanks again.

oh and thankfully I have a labourer to help lump them about ha ha!

 

[White Room]

Cheers lads, what size grout joint you gone for there whitebeam?

The customer wanted 10mm, as you know the customer is always right.

I fixed working clean and then sealed, grouted and sealed again....

 

[StevieBoy]

Cheers stevie, I did consider not using spacers for that very reason but will work around a 5mm joint, I sealed them all today and will consider only one more seal once finished as you suggest. thanks again.

No probs, I would also back skim them too.

 

[JMC tiling]

No probs, I would also back skim them too.

oh yes, that comes as standard anyway

 

[Old Mod]

Yep same same, broken bond with 5mm joint on average!

 

[JMC tiling]

The customer wanted 10mm, as you know the customer is always right.

I fixed working clean and then sealed, grouted and sealed again....

the customer will be consulted, cheers.

 

[White Room]

I take they are from Manderin stone as your've been supplied with Norcross....

 

[JMC tiling]

I take they are from Manderin stone as your've been supplied with Norcross....

Not sure actually, the Norcross was supplied with the tiles so could well be. Ive used there addy before and think its good stuff anyway.

 

[Old Mod]

I don't quite understand why u pre sealed them tho?
Not something I'd normally do, I must admit..

 

[StevieBoy]

I don't quite understand why u pre sealed them tho?
Not something I'd normally do, I must admit..

Depends on the grout colour. If you were grouting them with say a dark grey, they could stain quite easily.

What colour are you grouting them with John?

 

[JMC tiling]

I don't quite understand why u pre sealed them tho?
Not something I'd normally do, I must admit..

Grout colour yet to be decided hence why I sealed first. Also, its a large building project with a lot of trades on site so didn't want to take a chance on someone carrying a cup of coffee over it at some point or something else and well..... you know.

 

[Old Mod]

Depends on the grout colour. If you were grouting them with say a dark grey, they could stain quite easily.

What colour are you grouting them with John?

Sorry Stevie I mean before laying.
Always seal before grouting.

 

[StevieBoy]

Sorry Stevie I mean before laying.
Always seal before grouting.

Sorry mate my bad there, are you like me - a seal as you go kinda guy lol

 

[Old Mod]

Well tbh it's hard work sealing 70m before u even lay it, u shouldn't be stacking them against each other before they dry.
If there is any moisture left in the stone once u've laid to a decoupler, where's the moisture gonna go? Take forever to dry out thro the joints, especially 30mm thick!
U shouldn't be letting ANYONE anywhere near it til u've finished!
Sod em! They keep off!
And if anything more serious than a drink is spilt, chances are ur gonna have to replace it anyway!

 

[J Sid]

I would lay and then give a good clean and leave to completely dry for as long as possible 2,3 or 4 days depending on time of year and where the tiles how been stored, and then seal and grout. Clean again, let dry and seal a final time.
If on a site then make it clear that NOBODY walks anywhere near the floor till completed.

 

[Old Mod]

I would lay and then give a good clean and leave to completely dry for as long as possible 2,3 or 4 days depending on time of year and where the tiles how been stored, and then seal and grout. Clean again, let dry and seal a final time.
If on a site then make it clear that NOBODY walks anywhere near the floor till completed.

What are u, a parrot on my shoulder? Hahahaha

 

[JMC tiling]

Well tbh it's hard work sealing 70m before u even lay it, u shouldn't be stacking them against each other before they dry.
If there is any moisture left in the stone once u've laid to a decoupler, where's the moisture gonna go? Take forever to dry out thro the joints, especially 30mm thick!
U shouldn't be letting ANYONE anywhere near it til u've finished!
Sod em! They keep off!
And if anything more serious than a drink is spilt, chances are ur gonna have to replace it anyway!

I agree, its hard work but no matter how much you tell people not to go near your floor, they always seem to find there way onto it, no respect! Always looking to improve my methods and if the consensus is that laying then sealing is sufficient then so be it in the future, I worry a bit about adhesive staining aswell although I do work very clean. They were sealed and laid out flat on 2 timbers so no issues with them touching each other whilst drying. Cheers, lads, much appreciated.

 

[J Sid]

What are u, a parrot on my shoulder? Hahahaha

You can type bloody quick !!!!
You weren't a women in a past life?

 

[Old Mod]

Hahaha I wish, I'd of been very nawty! Haha

 

[J Sid]

John, if you can't stop other trades walking on you work, have a word with the customer and let them know your concerns and they will let it be know to everyone that nobody should walk on his newly laid floor.
Other trades will listen to him/her.
Or learn to SHOUT A LOT
Good luck with the job

 

[On one]

My thoughts would be ''my job,my responsibility''...........''walk on my floor and I'll effing shoot you!''

 

[Old Mod]

My thoughts would be ''my job,my responsibility''...........''walk on my floor and I'll effing shoot you!''

And that's if I'm in a generous mood!