Month: August 2009

From, often painful and time consuming experience, whilst not claiming to any kind of authority, I suggest the following sequence to tiling (others may have differing guidelines): Tiling Tips Get a level consistent floor. (More below...) [optionally] Skip this step if using glazed tiles. Seal / stain-guard tiles. If expecting a really messy job, or tiling an awkward space you may want to seal or prime before fixing to save effort later. Layout tiles.Check for colour and size variations. (more below...) Fix tiles with adhesive. [optionally] Prime or seal tiles. Protecting the tiles before grouting may sometimes be in order…

Having dabbled in all sorts of areas of building and do-it-yourself that I really have should left alone, I thought I'd record (should I ever dabble in these areas again) and share some of my experiences, mistakes and (sometimes painful) learning. The aim of my new "Starter for 10" series of posts is just that. These won't be static posts as I'll add to them and refine them over time - in fact I'd love to receive any hints, tips or advice you may have. Any that are worthy of inclusion will be added with appropriate acknowledgements. I've already published these: Tiling Installing a…

As promised on my update for July, here are some early pictures of the downstairs tiling as it goes in. The main room started... Very early days in the kitchen. I rather like this arty shot of the floor taken as you come down the stairs. The floor has been grouted by this stage. Strange angle and perspective on this shot. I like the lines and think the photo fits a lot of the room in. Don't worry, the stair carpet is only temporary!

On into the rainy damp Summer of 2009.. My bathroom tiling continues. I actually finished it once, but being unhappy with the grouting decided to regrout! Not quite as barmy as it sounds. I'm using white grout as I thought it would look cleaner in a bathroom, but mistakenly I rather carelessly sealed the tiles after grouting and left a dirty reside on the grout. I should have sealed more carefully and cleaned the grouting before it dried - hey, you live an learn. I'm really happy with the solar panels and heating system - the panels have been up…