Grouting Large Tile

Home Serve · 11-09-2008, 02:00 PM

I have some 18"x18" tile with a medium/light rough surface (not smooth) to grout and would like to get some tips on if you tile guys grout these as normal or try to avoid covering the whole piece of the tile with grout in order to save clean up time.
Tips, Ideas, time savers, etc appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave C

genecarp · 11-09-2008, 02:04 PM

I had seen this at a show, i know nothing about personally, but it sured demoed nicely. beyond this contraption, grout as usual..

http://thegroutrocket.com/

Home Serve · 11-09-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genecarp

I had seen this at a show, i know nothing about personally, but it sured demoed nicely. beyond this contraption, grout as usual..

http://thegroutrocket.com/

Boy you sure come up with the tools Gene! Looks like quite a machine! I'll check it out, we dont do much tile tho so can't spend much especially this time of year if you know what I mean.
Thanks,
dave c

Ceramictec · 11-12-2008, 07:37 PM

if it isn't a big area you just need to deal with the rough surface and go at it with a float & sponge.

I have a Tile-Eze and it makes Eze work of rough surfaced tile.

http://www.tile-eze.com/0101.html

Mike Finley · 11-12-2008, 07:42 PM

Back when I laid tile, any time I did large format tile I always avoided covering the entire tile with grout, it just made more sense, wasted less grout and was faster in the long run.

(That grout rocket I would be warry of based on the process of using it eliminates the step of packing the joints)

Ceramictec · 11-12-2008, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

(That grout rocket I would be warry of based on the process of using it eliminates the step of packing the joints)

exactly !

Pearce Services · 11-12-2008, 08:07 PM

You could try a grout bag. I like it for sanded grout on large format tiles when installed on walls, I also used one recently for a slate job, for the same reason you are concerned about, to keep the grout off of as much tile as possible. It works nicely, but does take longer than just using a float.

WarnerConstInc. · 11-12-2008, 09:45 PM

Ughhhh, I just got done with a small kitchen slate job, I still hate doing it, but a grout bag is the way. The only part I like about it is the pay!!!

Pearce Services · 11-13-2008, 06:31 AM

The slate I was working with was not gauged very well, and when I pulled out a pieces to add thin set to level the edges, the tiles would just blow apart from the suction, leaving a bunch of debris in the thin set.

I am now charging triple for slate, after this last one. I used to charge double my ceramic rate. I also needed to get 30% extra for waste.

Warner (and anyone else), how much over your Ceramic rate are you charging for slate? Is slate starting to become popular?

Mike Finley · 11-13-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pearce Services

The slate I was working with was not gauged very well, and when I pulled out a pieces to add thin set to level the edges, the tiles would just blow apart from the suction, leaving a bunch of debris in the thin set.

I am now charging triple for slate, after this last one. I used to charge double my ceramic rate. I also needed to get 30% extra for waste.

Warner (and anyone else), how much over your Ceramic rate are you charging for slate? Is slate starting to become popular?

Are you controlling the product? Slate is so different from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you have no control of what you are installing you are pretty much screwed. If you have control of your customers selections you can eliminate some of these headaches.

One of our tile suppliers, their slate is a nightmare, the other tile supplier their slate is completely different. When a customer wants slate we don't let them pick it from the first supplier.

MALCO.New.York · 11-13-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceramictec

if it isn't a big area you just need to deal with the rough surface and go at it with a float & sponge.

I have a Tile-Eze and it makes Eze work of rough surfaced tile.

http://www.tile-eze.com/0101.html

Never seen one of those before!!!! But I have seen these........

Ceramictec · 11-13-2008, 02:11 PM

MALCO.New.York · 11-13-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceramictec

It is like a VERY LARGE recirculating towel. Is it not?

My previous post was mean to be somewhat "funny". Apparently I failed!

Pearce Services · 11-13-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

Are you controlling the product? Slate is so different from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you have no control of what you are installing you are pretty much screwed. If you have control of your customers selections you can eliminate some of these headaches.

One of our tile suppliers, their slate is a nightmare, the other tile supplier their slate is completely different. When a customer wants slate we don't let them pick it from the first supplier.

I haven't been doing enough slate to know which products I prefer, But this was a customer supplied product, and I expected some aggravation, but not like this.

I will take you advice on the next one, and find a more stable product....Thanks

Ceramictec · 11-13-2008, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

My previous post was mean to be somewhat "funny". Apparently I failed!

Comedians are funny, let's stick to construction

Mike Finley · 11-13-2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pearce Services

I will take you advice on the next one, and find a more stable product....Thanks

But still charge em triple!!!!

MALCO.New.York · 11-13-2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceramictec

Comedians are funny, let's stick to construction

Alright WiseGuy...It is Glove Off! Gonna punchya right in the kisser!!!!!

11-09-2008, 02:00 PM	#1
Home Serve View Profile Home Serve Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (488) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: siding windows soffit fascia Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Central MO Posts: 488	Grouting Large Tile I have some 18"x18" tile with a medium/light rough surface (not smooth) to grout and would like to get some tips on if you tile guys grout these as normal or try to avoid covering the whole piece of the tile with grout in order to save clean up time. Tips, Ideas, time savers, etc appreciated. Thanks, Dave C __________________ Missouri Remodeling Company with services for Replacement Windows Vinyl Siding and Entry Doors

11-09-2008, 02:04 PM	#2
genecarp View Profile genecarp Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (5,426) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: LI,NY designer, new homes, renovation work, concre Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 5,426	Re: Grouting Large Tile I had seen this at a show, i know nothing about personally, but it sured demoed nicely. beyond this contraption, grout as usual.. http://thegroutrocket.com/ __________________

11-12-2008, 07:37 PM	#4
Ceramictec View Profile Ceramictec Tile & Marble Contractor Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (283) Photos (16) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (1) View All Activity Tile & Marble Contractor Trade: Tampa Tile Contractor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 283	Re: Grouting Large Tile if it isn't a big area you just need to deal with the rough surface and go at it with a float & sponge. I have a Tile-Eze and it makes Eze work of rough surfaced tile. http://www.tile-eze.com/0101.html __________________ -Brian- Brandon Lutz Bradenton Tampa Oldsmar Westchase New Port Richey Seminole St. Pete Wesley Chapel Sarasota website: www.ceramictec.com

11-12-2008, 07:42 PM	#5
Mike Finley View Profile Mike Finley Chief Toilet Mover Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (14,078) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Chief Toilet Mover Trade: Bathroom Remodeling Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 14,078	Re: Grouting Large Tile Back when I laid tile, any time I did large format tile I always avoided covering the entire tile with grout, it just made more sense, wasted less grout and was faster in the long run. (That grout rocket I would be warry of based on the process of using it eliminates the step of packing the joints)

11-12-2008, 08:07 PM	#7
Pearce Services View Profile Pearce Services Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (647) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (7) View All Activity Pro Trade: Commercial Loading Dock and Door Contractor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southeastern Massachusetts Posts: 647	Re: Grouting Large Tile You could try a grout bag. I like it for sanded grout on large format tiles when installed on walls, I also used one recently for a slate job, for the same reason you are concerned about, to keep the grout off of as much tile as possible. It works nicely, but does take longer than just using a float. __________________ Kevin www.BadcoDoors.com

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11-12-2008, 09:45 PM	#8
WarnerConstInc. View Profile WarnerConstInc. I like Green things Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (11,667) Photos (0) Reviews (9) Projects (1) Toolbox (10) View All Activity I like Green things Trade: Custom Carpentry Services Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: In a van, down by the river. Auburn, IN Posts: 11,667	Re: Grouting Large Tile Ughhhh, I just got done with a small kitchen slate job, I still hate doing it, but a grout bag is the way. The only part I like about it is the pay!!!

11-13-2008, 06:31 AM	#9
Pearce Services View Profile Pearce Services Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (647) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (7) View All Activity Pro Trade: Commercial Loading Dock and Door Contractor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southeastern Massachusetts Posts: 647	Re: Grouting Large Tile The slate I was working with was not gauged very well, and when I pulled out a pieces to add thin set to level the edges, the tiles would just blow apart from the suction, leaving a bunch of debris in the thin set. I am now charging triple for slate, after this last one. I used to charge double my ceramic rate. I also needed to get 30% extra for waste. Warner (and anyone else), how much over your Ceramic rate are you charging for slate? Is slate starting to become popular? __________________ Kevin www.BadcoDoors.com

11-13-2008, 02:11 PM	#12
Ceramictec View Profile Ceramictec Tile & Marble Contractor Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (283) Photos (16) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (1) View All Activity Tile & Marble Contractor Trade: Tampa Tile Contractor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 283	Re: Grouting Large Tile __________________ -Brian- Brandon Lutz Bradenton Tampa Oldsmar Westchase New Port Richey Seminole St. Pete Wesley Chapel Sarasota website: www.ceramictec.com

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