Advice on kitchen tiles and adhesive

redman

Looking for two pieces of advice:

1) Anyone have experience on good adhesive for kitchen tiles and whether to go for the combined grout and adhesive or use separate grout?

2) Looking at Ceramic tiles and these are apparently wipeable, but wondering if they should be sealed in anyway against splashback such as pasta sauce?

Thanks

Redman

dools

Redman,

Got sorted with plasterer on Saturday so thanks for that...

Re your tiles, we just got our kitchen tiled 3 weeks ago. Is it just the walls you're doing or is it floors as well? Just checked, he used tile adhesive from B&Q and then off-white grout (kind of grainy ,sandy appearance) afterwards. We had a mix of 5 natural/pastel colours for the tiles so off white grout blends much better.

Regarding the splashback, he told us that most tiles are wipeable, but the grout will get really grubby and greasy. He gave us a tip to get a glass chopping board and when cooking messy foods on the hob, stand the chopping board on it's side and lean against the tiles to protect them. That's what we do now...

C

redman

Thanks C that would be useful.

I am just doing the walls, small enough area, did the floor already using the Edge flooring system which was great.

Glad to hear the plasterer worked out well.


R

dools

Hi Redman,

As above,Just checked, he used tile adhesive from B&Q and then off-white grout (kind of grainy ,sandy appearance) afterwards. We had a mix of 5 natural/pastel colours for the tiles so off white grout blends much better.

Not sure if that's any help

C

chichograsso

Hi There,

1. Generally it's never a good idea to use combined adhesive/grout combinations as they are gimiky and although they will "work", so does using your wife's tights to repair the fan belt.

2. using sealer on your kitchen wall tiles has some advantages and I would recommend it, but to be honest B&Q is not the place to buy tiling adhesive or grout or sealant. Go to one of the many specialist tiling shops dotted all over the country and get the right materials for the job, a decent adhesive - pre mixed, the powder adhesive needs to be mixed very well and in a precise manner to work effectively. A decent grout - go for one of the well known brands and remember that spending thirty quid a sq. yard on tiles and then sealing them with cheap grout is a false economy - your grout seals your tiles and provides the waterproofing element so don't skimp on it! Lastly Sealant will darken your grout somewhat so bear that in mind when choosing the grout - a light grey will look dark grey when sealed etc, ask in the tile shop and you won't go wrong.

Finally, let me apologise to B&Q in advance - don't buy tiling materials in big DIY stores, why? because they generally do not carry trade standard adhesives or grouts, go to your local tiling supplier and speak to one of the sales people there - they will look after you !!

If you need any more specific advice post it here and Ill do my best to answer

Regards

Ronan
www.dialatiler.com

LegacyUser

Hey Redman, I used the adhesive/grount combination and found it really handy and easy to use, along with the tile spacers. Just make sure you use a spirit level to insure you are straight.

redman

Thanks for all the comments, any brands of adhesive people would consider as good.
e.g. Unibond Wall Tile Adhesive. I only have 2.2m2 to do.