ᐅ Tile Installation: Correct Tiles? Surface Curvature? Manufacturer?
Created on: 1 Apr 2020 22:45
C
crionHello everyone!
This week, we had our first in-person meeting with a potential tiler (of course without shaking hands and maintaining sufficient distance). Our preference remains porcelain stoneware with a wood-look, preferably in large-format, long and narrow tiles.
After the conversation, two questions came up that Google hasn’t been able to answer so far:
1. Choosing the right tile seems almost like a science. He mentioned that tiles often have warping, and especially with large-format tiles, even within the standard tolerance, quite significant warping can occur. There are only a few tile manufacturers whose tiles are consistently very flat/warping-free, which he could recommend. He mentioned one manufacturer and tile type, but unfortunately, we didn’t remember it.
=> Are warp-free tiles really that crucial (especially with the "buttering & floating" method)? Do they even exist in sufficient quantities, and if so, from which manufacturers (possibly which types)?
2. His suggestion was to decouple the tiles. Then, on the third or fourth (?) day after the screed application, decoupling mats would need to be installed. This could save us time since we wouldn’t have to wait as long or at all for the screed to dry. Google also showed that especially with large-format tiles this could be very useful, as it significantly reduces the risk of cracks.
=> Does this work with the correct decoupling system (which one(s)?) without loss of performance with underfloor heating in cement screed when the decoupling mats are laid on top of the heated screed? And what additional costs roughly come up per square meter for materials and installation (less important, as we will see this in the quote)?
Best regards & stay healthy,
crion
P.S.: The maximum title length is very limited – why is that, and has it always been this way?
This week, we had our first in-person meeting with a potential tiler (of course without shaking hands and maintaining sufficient distance). Our preference remains porcelain stoneware with a wood-look, preferably in large-format, long and narrow tiles.
After the conversation, two questions came up that Google hasn’t been able to answer so far:
1. Choosing the right tile seems almost like a science. He mentioned that tiles often have warping, and especially with large-format tiles, even within the standard tolerance, quite significant warping can occur. There are only a few tile manufacturers whose tiles are consistently very flat/warping-free, which he could recommend. He mentioned one manufacturer and tile type, but unfortunately, we didn’t remember it.
=> Are warp-free tiles really that crucial (especially with the "buttering & floating" method)? Do they even exist in sufficient quantities, and if so, from which manufacturers (possibly which types)?
2. His suggestion was to decouple the tiles. Then, on the third or fourth (?) day after the screed application, decoupling mats would need to be installed. This could save us time since we wouldn’t have to wait as long or at all for the screed to dry. Google also showed that especially with large-format tiles this could be very useful, as it significantly reduces the risk of cracks.
=> Does this work with the correct decoupling system (which one(s)?) without loss of performance with underfloor heating in cement screed when the decoupling mats are laid on top of the heated screed? And what additional costs roughly come up per square meter for materials and installation (less important, as we will see this in the quote)?
Best regards & stay healthy,
crion
P.S.: The maximum title length is very limited – why is that, and has it always been this way?
H
hampshire2 Apr 2020 19:22Narrow and long shapes are technically more complex to produce without warping. This affects the price.
Decoupling is sensible with long formats.
Decoupling does not affect underfloor heating.
At first, that sounds like good advice.
Decoupling is sensible with long formats.
Decoupling does not affect underfloor heating.
At first, that sounds like good advice.
P
Piotr19812 Aug 2020 23:08I’m joining this thread to share my thoughts.
I have already requested quotes from tile installers well in advance. What stands out to me is that there are significant differences in the scope of services offered.
For example, one contractor includes a leveling system for 1,500 (currency) while others do not. From your perspective, is this important? Why might some not offer it?
Then there’s the topic of uncoupling membranes. Not cheap at 20 EUR per square meter (21.5 USD per square yard). Are they necessary? The tiles planned are 20cm x 120cm (8 inches x 47 inches) for the living area.
Maybe someone can tell me what to pay close attention to. The price differences are striking. I’ve only asked tile installers who come highly recommended multiple times within the building area.
I have already requested quotes from tile installers well in advance. What stands out to me is that there are significant differences in the scope of services offered.
For example, one contractor includes a leveling system for 1,500 (currency) while others do not. From your perspective, is this important? Why might some not offer it?
Then there’s the topic of uncoupling membranes. Not cheap at 20 EUR per square meter (21.5 USD per square yard). Are they necessary? The tiles planned are 20cm x 120cm (8 inches x 47 inches) for the living area.
Maybe someone can tell me what to pay close attention to. The price differences are striking. I’ve only asked tile installers who come highly recommended multiple times within the building area.
Good evening Piotr!
The tiler we chose from the Eichsfeld area near Duderstadt wrote about our Kingswood 22x85 cm (8.7x33.5 inches) tiles:
"Decoupling does not make sense with this size and doesn’t really provide any real benefit here."
There was no mention of leveling.
Best regards,
crion
The tiler we chose from the Eichsfeld area near Duderstadt wrote about our Kingswood 22x85 cm (8.7x33.5 inches) tiles:
"Decoupling does not make sense with this size and doesn’t really provide any real benefit here."
There was no mention of leveling.
Best regards,
crion
P
Piotr19813 Aug 2020 23:21crion schrieb:
Good evening Piotr!
The tiler we chose from Eichsfeld near Duderstadt wrote about our Kingswood 22x85cm (8.7x33.5 inches) tiles:
"Decoupling does not make sense with this format and does not provide any real advantage here."
Leveling was not mentioned.
Best regards,
crion Thank you for the information! That’s good to hear.
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