Tiling - novice advice

cupan_tae

Hi All

We moved into an old cottage a few months back. They Guy we bought it from was a skilled builder and did a fantastic job on the restoration etc. We’re slowly starting to put our own stamp on the place and I’m picking a few odd cosmetic jobs here and there to complete over the next while.

There is a small hallway at the front door of the cottage (approx 1m to 1.5 meter squared) which I’m thinking to re-tile. As I’m a novice I’m thinking to do a practice run (with cheap tiles, on a temporary floor\material) which would be the same dimensions as the actual hallway. (I have done no tiling before) the current tiles are terracotta

Is this a good idea to do the best job possible? Or should I just go straight at the real thing ?
What material could I get to do the practice run on? (Hallway is not square, and surface unlikely to be even) would be good to simulate real thing as much as possible I guess.

Any\all advice appreciated.

Thanks

sky6

As it's such a small area I'd go straight for it.
you need to level the Floor first, So get a bag of self levelling compound in a Builders providers or tile shop. Follow the instructions on the Bag but it's essentially a sloppy mix like a thick soup and not watery.
The Mix will flow into are are's and find it's own level. You can then rub it over with a Trowel to finish if you wish. leave it to dry for a Day or Two , Then your ready to Tile.
Marking out.
Measure the area both ways and find the Centre of the Hall. Draw Crossed lines in the Centre. You can place a Timber along the line to act as a straight edge.
You can lay Tiles along the straight edge starting at the junction point.
Using the straight edge and the centre point to lay your first row of Tiles and make cuts when you reach the Walls. The rest is just the same process working with the pattern you've picked. You can even do a dry run before you put down adhesive.

You should check what Tiles will work better with the Size of the Hall. The Tile shop will be able to help you there and also with the correct Adhesive.
Good Luck with it.

cupan_tae

Thanks for the reply. Probably makes more sense to go straight at it alright.

Cheers