Tiling Q's - get me set up...

[q9]

So I am going to have a crack (hehe) at tiling the bathroom. Might as well. Can't be worse than what's there (some bits held up with sticky tape!). Done the odd replacement before, but not a whole job like this. Will do the toilet first and see how I go.

So what do I need?

My list so far is:

Spready thingy
Spacers
Tile cutter of some description
Glue
Grout
Angle grinder
Sponge
Bucket(s)

And a large hammer as my catch-all tool

I am thinking of just using premix glue and grout - seems easiest and probably the most cost effective for me.

So what else do I need and what suggestions regarding gear do we have?

What prep do I need to do on the existing cement sheeting? Am I better off just ripping it all down and replacing?

Got about a month to plan and get everything, so no desperate hurry.

<edit>

Oh and I'm replacing all fixtures and fittings too.

[vlv8vic]

premix probably wont end up cheaper, i was scared of the mixed stuff first time around but apart from being a pig to mix it works well. Much cleaner to work with too.

So long as the walls you are working on are waterproof then you'll be right. No point taking short cuts on waterproofing because it'll only cause your tiles to fall off again.

[Honorary Bloke]

G'day q9. Looked at this post yesterday, slept on it, looked at it again. I think you want more information than is reasonable to expect on a WWing forum. Your description of your materials, tools, etc. imply that you know little about the undertaking (no offense, that is why you asked the question, I am sure). My suggestion is to visit this place to get the info:

http://johnbridge.com/vbulletin/index.php

It is the bee's knees.

[q9]

Thanks, good site, looking through at the moment.

Mostly looking at premix for consistency and time saved. Just crack it open and use (as is my understanding). Yes a 15kg bag is cheaper (by a lot) to 15kg premix but realistically I'll never use anything like the full bag.

Anyhow, off to look at the tiling forum

[gpkennedy]

I assume that you know that tyles look better if they are symetrical to the room, especially as you step into the room. ie don't have 1/3 of a tile against one wall and 3/4 of a tile against the opposite wall. If you get my drift you need to plan so that the offcuts against each wall are the same width. Starting on the toilet area presenta a problem unless the toilet area is in a seperate room.
PS hire a good tile cutter.
George

[q9]

Yes toilet is indeed a separate room

[juan]

So I am going to have a crack (hehe) at tiling the bathroom.

How big is the bathroom? How many m2 of tiles (wall and floor)?
What type of tiles have you in mind?
What are the floor and walls constructed of?
What condition are the surfaces in at the moment?
Is there a shower alcove?
Are there any electrical considerations?
How about some pictures and then you might get some more in depth assistance.

Cheers

[AIRMAN]

Yes a 15kg bag is cheaper (by a lot) to 15kg premix but realistically I'll never use anything like the full bag.

How big is the bathroom, are you doing floors and walls? or just replacing some of the tiles.

A 15kg bag of glue makes around 19kg of glue an will cover anywhere between 6-9m2 depending on your surface. If you are doing floors and walls, even on a small bathroom 2x2 you could expect to use a bit under 2 bags, for the effort of spending 5 minutes mixing it you can save some money.

Only other piece of advice is preparation is key and be patient, take your time, nothing worse than being stuck with a mistake staring you in the face every time you take a shower for years to come just cause you wanted to finish quickly.