Starting out and now worrying

[Newbie1985]

Hi, I recently started working for myself as a tiler. I completed a course to enable me to change career, now the problem I have is I completed a job on a bathroom floor for a new build Taylor Wimpey and I thought the surface was Ply as it was installed when built. I Primed with SBR and laid the tiles all appears fine. Now after showing some ppl before and after shots I have been questioned about the surface whether it was ply or chipboard and I really don't know. How would I know this if I didn't install it, and if it is chipboard what problems could this cause, the surface was solid and did not move but I assumed that it being a new build its been prepped for Tiling. Main reason for posting is if I have cocked up and the surface is not suitable it's due to inexperience and not a cowboy job, I've used hardie backer on floorboards but thought it's not necessary on this job as it "ply" and solid. Any advice is appreciated. I don't want the customer thinking I have done them over if it goes wrong down the line. And I did graft my balls off on the job. Thank you

 

[Andy Allen]

What adhesive and grout did you use..?

 

[Newbie1985]

I used Topps rapid set flexi adhesive and Webber silver grey flexible grout. Both water resistant.

 

[Andy Allen]

Only suitable for fixing on to 15mm overlay ply !......if you would of used something like bal single part fast flex you may have got away with it....

 

[Dumbo]

Did you do the job for Taylor wimpy or the householder.

 

[Newbie1985]

It was the house holder.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

My concern would be the issue of not knowing the difference between plywood and chipboard!

 

[Newbie1985]

My concern would be the issue of not knowing the difference between plywood and chipboard!

Hence the reason for the post, if it's installed already how would I know, that's why I am asking to get the right information. But thanks for the vague reply mate much appreciated.

 

[Newbie1985]

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Nowt vague about it - your selling yourself as a 'professional' and your asking how do you tell the difference between plywood and chipboard.
What did they teach you on your career change course?
It's not about being a cowboy, it's about having the experience to undertake these jobs without the client being the training ground.

 

[Old Mod]

If I were you I'd go down to my local B&Q and wander round the timber yard and familiarise myself with different sheet materials.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

 

[Newbie1985]

Nowt vague about it - your selling yourself as a 'professional' and your asking how do you tell the difference between plywood and chipboard.
What did they teach you on your career change course?
It's not about being a cowboy, it's about having the experience to undertake these jobs without the client being the training ground.

This isn't the only job I've completed, however I've only used hardier backer if the floor has needed it so never used ply. As for selling myself as a pro I don't see why I can't as my intention is to do the best possible job for the customer. So your answer is vague and in no way helps me in what I am trying to find out, so in the politest way possible keep any negative comments to yourself at the end of the day I've possibly messed up on a job and I am just looking for advice not your opinion on my experience.

 

[Newbie1985]

If I were you I'd go down to my local B&Q and wander round the timber yard and familiarise myself with different sheet materials.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Hi, thanks, that's my plan as soon as the kids are in school. The photo I've posted is what I Tiled onto and assumed was Ply, can you tell what it is from the picture. Thanks

 

[Dumbo]

In response to your reply to my earlier question as you weren't working for Taylor wimpy you should not assumed that it was ready for tiling or else it would of been tiled . But secondly you should not make assumptions on anything to do with tiling you should always check or err on the side of caution if you can't be sure . Belt and braces

 

[Newbie1985]

In response to your reply to my earlier question as you weren't working for Taylor wimpy you should not assumed that it was ready for tiling or else it would of been tiled . But secondly you should not make assumptions on anything to do with tiling you should always check or err on the side of caution if you can't be sure . Belt and braces

I get that now and I have explained I'm fairly new to the game, the householder said TW we're too expensive hence not getting them to tile the floors. If I've fucked up im holding my hands up, would just like experienced veterans to confirm and put me on the right track however most people would rather go on about other stuff like lack of experience. No one has actually answered the question I asked. Does anyone actually know the answer.

 

[Dumbo]

You should be able to tell the difference as chipboard as it's name implies is chips of wood stuck together and looks like particles and no grain whereas plywood is sheets of wood glued together and therefore looks like a very wide plank of wood where you can see the grain. You may be lucky but I doubt it. the tiles will just let go and or crack .

 

[WetSaw]

View attachment 91983

Chipboard.

 

[Newbie1985]

In BnQ now and it's not chip board I don't think, this is the photo of the surface.

 

[Bathfix Bob]

New build upstairs will certainly be chipboard without a doubt. Were the tiles porcelain or ceramic?
I don't tile on any wood what so ever as it expands and pulls the tiles apart on the joins.
You need to screw down the chipboard properly to the joists to give it half a chance, don't reley on the nails!
You could get a few years out of it before problems show.

 

[Dumbo]

It won't be ply . Picture looks like ply

 

[Newbie1985]

New build upstairs will certainly be chipboard without a doubt. Were the tiles porcelain or ceramic?
I don't tile on any wood what so ever as it expands and pulls the tiles apart on the joins.
You need to screw down the chipboard properly to the joists to give it half a chance, don't reley on the nails!
You could get a few years out of it before problems show.

Hi Mate, tiles were porcelain and surface was solid, I'm absolutely gutted because it was a nice job and i worked hard on it as it was abit awkward not to mention the house was three storeys and all the cuts needed to be done outside and the weather was arse. Thanks mate appreciate the reply, think I'm going to hang my trowels up obviously not for me.

 

[Newbie1985]

It won't be ply . Picture looks like ply

Can chipboard look like this also

 

[Flintstone]

Never is there ply wood on the floor unless it's been over boarded ready for some
Flooring. This is chip board, don't tile on chipboard. As a rule, overboard every timber for now and you won't end up in this mess

 

[Flintstone]

Don't give up mate we all made mistakes and we all still probably do on some things from time to time. Just learn from it. Put it right and you won't make that mistake again

 

[jobdone]

Don't give. We all days like this. Always decouple timber substrates. Every day is a school day. Best to ask questions first there will always be someone on here with an answer. Good luck

 

[Bathfix Bob]

Porcelain is alot stonger than ceramic and stone and you can get away with more, but still don't skimp on the prep.

I would say you'll probably be fine on this one, I see loads of porcelain on new builds around 10 years old and straight on chipboard its (annoyingly) intact.

Any pics of the finished result?

 

[Newbie1985]

Porcelain is alot stonger than ceramic and stone and you can get away with more, but still don't skimp on the prep.

I would say you'll probably be fine on this one, I see loads of porcelain on new builds around 10 years old and straight on chipboard its (annoyingly) intact.

Any pics of the finished result?

I hope so mate the thought of letting the customers down (not purposely) is doing my head in, I mean the surface was smooth not like chipboard otherwise I'd of asked questions, if had been floor boards then straight away I'd of put hardie backer down. These are the photos mate.

View attachment 91990 View attachment 91991

 

[Dumbo]

Sorry should of read looks like chipboard

 

[Dumbo]

As above somewhere . Everyday is a schoolday .

 

[Newbie1985]

Thanks a lot Gents, some useful and appreciated advice. Yea everyday is a school day. Thanks to the lads replying who weren't knobs about it and actually took time to help. Good luck.