Preparation Standards

In order to provide you with the finish you would expect and that we aim to provide, there are certain preparation standards that we require to make this possible. If we are providing preparation work within our Estimate it will be clearly stated. The minimum standards that we require are as follows; -

• Walls must be flat and if necessary skimmed, re-plastered or rendered. If prior to commencing work, the walls are not in a suitable condition we will explain what is required before we can begin tiling. We are able to arrange for this work to be carried out at an additional cost.
• If the walls have been prepared with new plaster it is important to allow at least two weeks good drying conditions prior to tiling. If the walls have been prepared with a new sand and cement render it is important to allow at least two weeks good drying conditions prior to tiling.
• Floors must be flat and prepared to the condition expected with a new screed or plywood floor. If prior to commencing work, the floor is not in a suitable condition we will explain what is required before we can begin tiling. We are able to arrange for this work to be carried out at an additional cost.
• If the floor has been prepared with a new screed, please be aware that the screed must be dry before tiling can commence. The estimated drying times are one week per 25mm (1 inch) of screed (this period will be extended in periods of cold weather). If you are concerned regarding your screed, please contact us and we will advise you accordingly.
• If we are tiling onto a wooden floor there are certain conditions that must be met regarding movement tolerance. In most situations it is necessary to either have a new plywood floor installed (minimum of 18mm WBP grade screwed at 200mm centre’s with noggins) or have the existing wooden floor overlaid with plywood prior to tiling (minimum 9mm WBP grade screwed at 150mm centre’s). We are able to advise on this area and arrange this work for you if required but it would incur an additional cost.
• If we are tiling onto a floating floor it will require inspection and a separate specification will be required.
• If we are tiling a bathroom it would be necessary to have any existing sanitary ware removed prior to us commencing tiling. If you are having new sanitary ware your plumber will need to have completed his first fix before we commence tiling. We are able to arrange this for you if required but it would incur an additional cost.
• If we are tiling a kitchen floor it would be necessary to have your kitchen fitter remove or leave off the kick boards before we commence tiling. We are able to arrange this for you if required but it would incur an additional cost.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please also find below some further information that may be of interest; -

• If you have underfloor heating fitted, please be aware that the heating must be turned off during tiling. Once tiling is completed the heating should not be switched on for 14 days and the temperature should then be increased gradually by no more than 5°C per day.
• If your floor tiles are meeting up with the entrance to another room you may wish to consider a door threshold. We are able to offer a number of solutions from carpet-to-tile door bars through to hard wood thresholds. Please ask for further details.
• If you are having a floor tile installed, why not consider incorporating a mat well. This is where we fit a removable mat at the same level as your floor tiles. Please ask for further details.
• If you are considering having a wet room or have an area that will be wet for long periods, we are able to offer tanking to provide a waterproof system. Please ask for further details.
• We also offer a full range of sealing and cleaning products for the ongoing maintenance of your tiles. Please click here for further details.