Hi All,
I seem to remember a small comment about NOT using the premixed Thinset. I have experience setting tile and a saw but no way to “easily” mix thinset for about a 120 sq. ft. job.
I need to lay down ceramic tile over some linoleum which is solid. I know I should scuff it up with a grinder and clean it well but am not sure what else I should do to make this all come together.
This is a budget job where I need to work it for $700 all included. There will be MANY cuts and 1/4 is bathroom so there’s a toilet to remove and set. I’m doing it as a favor. At $1.20 sq. ft. for the tile alone is this a fair price? I won’t charge more but may charge less depending on the prevailing thoughts..
Thanks,
N
Edited 3/20/2003 11:00:00 PM ET by notrix
Replies
120 sf at $1.20/sf tile = $144 which leaves about $550 for labor and grout and mastic = about $4.60/sf. I have receivced quotes from tile setters here for $4 to $4.50 plus grout plus tile, so you're not off much.
Why not mix small batches of the powdered thinset in a bucket with a margin trowel? You can easily mix enough by hand to do most or all of the whole tiles, then go back and do the cuts the next day.
Do it right, or do it twice.
Hello notrix,
Don't forget to include the cost of resetting the toilet. New bolts and a new wax ring or maybe two to bring it back to the correct level after the installation of the floor. Trust me....A plumber will charge for it you should too........ favor or not.
Jack.
notrix
I just prefere to buy the thinset without the admix already in it and add it myself. My feeling from removing some tiles that were done withboth is that the thinset where the admix was mixed in was a stronger job. Also seems stickier to me. The cost difference is little and it takes no more time than adding water so.....
I'd also charge to take out and reinstall the toilet. Guess what a plumber would charge...don't even ask. You should get paid for your knowledge not just your labor.
Be a plumber
Namaste
andy
"As long as you have certain desires about how it ought to be you can't see how it is."
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
All you need to mix the thinset is an empty sheetrock bucket and a mud mixer paddle chucked into a slow turning 1/2" drill. 200 rpm is what's recomended. I can easily mix half a bucket at a time in about 5 minutes.
The paddles are sold with the sheetrock tools.
Premixed mastic is NOT thinset. It is water soluble and will breakdown. To lay tile one mixes modified thinset. And to lay it onto any vinyl or cushion floor directly is not advised if you are guarantying the job at all, especially with mastic.
Go to any Homeless Despot and get yourself a 10 buck 8" mortar paddle that fits on your 3/8" drill. Get a 5 gallon plastic pail from the local donut shop or Mc Donalds for free, and mix your own modified thinset. You will use the same pail to mix your grout as well.
I will say that if you can't make a dimple with a nail by hand on the flooring it will be OK for ceramic floor tile of number 2 grade minimum. No need to rough up the floor, that is why you use a notched trowel on offset tile backing, to get 100% coverage.