Laying 20mm Porcelain Tiles

[charliegolf]

These will be going on a fairly smooth existing concrete base. I've been told 1:4 mix; but how deep should the bed be?

Thanks.

I need to do some cuts too (600x600 tiles/slabs), any advice welcome. A bridge saw (hope that's right) has been suggested.

Thanks.

PS only laying 8 plus some cuts to fill edges.

 

[charliegolf]

Bump! Anyone?

 

[bsr]

Try the tiling forum?

 

[charliegolf]

Tumbleweed there too!

 

[opps]

I would use a 9" angle grinder with a suitable diamond blade. Rather dusty though.

If you are not confident then hire a wet bridge saw.

https://www.hirestation.co.uk/tool-hire/Cutting/Tile-Cutter-Hire/210142/

I have never used the firm above. It was the first Google response. It will cost you about £100 for a weekend hire. As a DIYer, and especially as one that doesn't have a 9 inch angle grinder, it might be prudent to hire the bridge saw. They are very easy to use. Fill them up with water, drop the tile down and slowly push the cutter forward. BTW, they are also known as radial tile saws

Before hiring one though, double check any additional costs- eg, if it 110v- do they include the hire of the 110v transformer? How is the wear and tear on the diamond blade calculated? What are the delivery costs?

I have only ever laid porcelain inside houses. If your concrete base is level, I believe that you can use regular waterproof tile adhesive using a suitable notched tile rather than a dry mix base.

Given that you haven't had much joy here, you could try the following forum if you want more advice.

https://www.tilersforums.com/

I would highly recommend a "tile levelling system" if you want the patio to be flat. Typically, they are little "posts" that you put at the corner of each tile and then use cups or wedges to force the adjacent tiles down to the same plane.

https://www.sunrisetools.co.uk/tiling/

Again the above is just an example, I am not endorsing the company or product.

Best of luck. Please do let us know how you get on though. It helps others.

 

[jacko555]

Fwiw, I'm not a tiler but recently laid 9x 600x300x10mm porcelain tiles in the karsi.

I borrowed a wet tile saw from a mate and put on a new diamond blade. Best thing ever, compared to using an angle grinder. Had to cut 18mm off the sides of 6 of them and a few other cuts. I don't reckon I'd have managed such neat cuts using a grinder. If doing again, I'd buy a cheap one.

Note: goggles, gloves, old clothes/apron recommended, with a clear space outside. It sprays you with grey, gritty water and tiny shards of sharp porcelain as you cut and is a messy job.

In terms of adhesive mix - ask your local tiling shop? Mine was on ply over floorboards, so read the FAQ in the tiling section, then spoke with the tiling shop who confirmed the same advice. Used a Bal primer, Bal latex fibre adhesive, and a Bal flexible grout.

I didn't use a tile levelling system, just my hands and a spirit level, but, my tiles were smaller than yours. I would use it if doing larger tiles or a wall I reckon.

 

[charliegolf]

Thanks all.