Wallpaper + Tiles
Laying Slate Tiles
If you're looking for a hardwearing floor surface, look no further than slate. It's durable, easy to maintain and looks striking in any room. So, what's the catch? Well, it could cost you if you aren't careful during installation.
Dear Donna,
I want slate flooring for my kitchen and I really like the look of roughly finished tiles. However, I'm afraid it might not be very practical. Has anyone got this kind of flooring in their house, or maybe polished slate tiles? If so, please advise me on any possible difficulties or good tips.
Thank you!
Chan.
Our Homes And Property Expert replies:
Hi Chan,
Hard ceramic and quarry tiles look fantastic in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and even conservatories. Plus, they are easy to care for and hardwearing. They can however be expensive, so take care when laying them.
Specialist companies such as Fired Earth stock beautiful tiles in blue, grey and brown but they'll set you back a pretty penny. Check out Wickes for a much cheaper alternative. You should also invest in a specialist sealant for quarry tiles so your floor can withstand any spills and resulting staining.
What type of floor are you tiling onto? Hard tiles can be laid directly on a dry and level concrete floor but a timber floor must be strengthened first with 13mm (0.5in) thick exterior grade plywood fixed with countersunk 25mm (1in) screws with 4mm gauge or ring-shanked nails at 300mm (12in) intervals. Clean a concrete floor with detergent mixed with water and if it is uneven, level it.
If you intend to use a cement-based tile adhesive, first prime porous concrete surfaces and plywood with diluted PVA adhesive, so that the moisture is not drawn out of the adhesive before it has a chance to set.
New tiles can be laid over old quarry or vinyl tiles as long as they are securely stuck down. Vinyl tiles should be coated with primer.
When you calculate the area of your floor, remember to include the dimensions of any alcove or bay. Round up the total to the nearest whole number to establish the number of packs of tiles you need.
For more practical DIY advice, check out You Can Do It The Complete B&Q Step-By-Step Book Of Home Improvement. It's available in B&Q stores nationwide for £16.98.
Take care,
Donna.
I want slate flooring for my kitchen and I really like the look of roughly finished tiles. However, I'm afraid it might not be very practical. Has anyone got this kind of flooring in their house, or maybe polished slate tiles? If so, please advise me on any possible difficulties or good tips.
Thank you!
Chan.
Our Homes And Property Expert replies:
Hi Chan,
Hard ceramic and quarry tiles look fantastic in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and even conservatories. Plus, they are easy to care for and hardwearing. They can however be expensive, so take care when laying them.
Specialist companies such as Fired Earth stock beautiful tiles in blue, grey and brown but they'll set you back a pretty penny. Check out Wickes for a much cheaper alternative. You should also invest in a specialist sealant for quarry tiles so your floor can withstand any spills and resulting staining.
What type of floor are you tiling onto? Hard tiles can be laid directly on a dry and level concrete floor but a timber floor must be strengthened first with 13mm (0.5in) thick exterior grade plywood fixed with countersunk 25mm (1in) screws with 4mm gauge or ring-shanked nails at 300mm (12in) intervals. Clean a concrete floor with detergent mixed with water and if it is uneven, level it.
If you intend to use a cement-based tile adhesive, first prime porous concrete surfaces and plywood with diluted PVA adhesive, so that the moisture is not drawn out of the adhesive before it has a chance to set.
New tiles can be laid over old quarry or vinyl tiles as long as they are securely stuck down. Vinyl tiles should be coated with primer.
When you calculate the area of your floor, remember to include the dimensions of any alcove or bay. Round up the total to the nearest whole number to establish the number of packs of tiles you need.
For more practical DIY advice, check out You Can Do It The Complete B&Q Step-By-Step Book Of Home Improvement. It's available in B&Q stores nationwide for £16.98.
Take care,
Donna.
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