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Posted to uk.d-i-y
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Laying and Cutting Slate Tiles
Andy Hall wrote:
On 2006-12-16 17:23:15 +0000, said:
Hi,
Our bathroom currently has bare floorboards and am looking to lay slate
tiles. The area is fairly small (~3m2) and the floor is pretty level.
What is the best way to do this? Presume I need to prepare the floor
first to lay the tiles? Obviously there is a number of obstacles to
fit around (Toilet, Sink, etc). What is the best way of cutting slate
tiles? I have a good jijsaw, can you get appropriate blades?
Thanks in advance
Will Owen
Even though the floor boards are apparently level, they can be subject
to movement, which is the last thing you need. Therefore, laying a
sheet of ply would be a good idea because you can then guarantee a firm
and absolutely flat base. The ply can be 12mm if the floor is sound
and screwed to the existing floor at regular intervals. It would be a
good idea to lift a floorboard or two and to check for pipes and
cables. Cables should be run through holes at least 50mm from the
surface, but it would not be unknown for them to run in notches in the
joists.
The second and associated point is not to attempt to tile around things
like washbasins and toilets. The results will be poor and it is much
harder to do. These things should be taken out, the ply and tiling
done and then the sanitaryware replaced.
Slate can be cut using an electric tile saw with a diamond blade.
It is not hard to do if you take it slowly, but plenty of water is
required. Powertools like jigsaws are not really suitable.
You will then need a good quality adhesive suitable for slate (e.g.
products from BAL or Ardex) and allow for a sufficient depth (probably
about 6-8mm on a flat surface). The slate hould be carefully washed
after cutting and in any case before use, allowed to dry. You may wish
to use a colour enhancer at this stage. These will raise the colours
without making the slate look glossy and plastic in appearance (hence
ruining the look). For this, Lithofin MN Colour Intensifier is a good
product. Otherwise you can give one coat of a good quality sealer
such as Lithofin MN Stainstop. The first coat is to prevent staining
by adhesives or grouts. Fix the tiles in place, and allow the
appropriate time for the adhesive to harden. Then grout and clean
that up. For a slate floor, it is usually a bad idea to use a white
grout because it will tend to discolour and not look appropriate in the
first place. Generally, grey or mid grey works well with most types
of slate.
Finally, another 2 coats of Stainstop will seal the slate and the
grout. These treatments appear to be relatively expensive but can be
applied sparingly and go a very long way. 500ml containers may be
enough for your needs for example.
On the subject of pipes... What is the best method to cut the slates
around radiator pipes, etc? Can you nip it like ceramic tiles?
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