I have grit!

Randy

I swept and vacuumed the entire area before spreading any mortar, and also several times during so I'm pretty sure I didn't leave any debris behind, but I suppose it's entirely possible.

As far as pics go...well, not much going on there, yet. Here's a couple from inside the laundry room...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1170462782.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1170462806.jpg

Hopefully I'll have some good shots this weekend.

Randy

I think you need additional clearance around that water line.

I think that's a gas line, sir.


KT

I believe you are correct, still needs more clearance in my opinion. Maybe 1/8-1/4 inch.

It is, indeed, a gas line. And the pic doesn't really show the detail well enough. There is a good 1/8" clearance between the backerboard the the line itself.

Back to the gritty noise...

I just spoke with one of the more knowledgeable guys at the tile store about it. He suggested that perhaps I didn't get quite enough thinset in place where the gritty noises are coming from. He said this could cause the thinset that was there to start crumbling.

He also suggested this shouldn't be an issue, and that the gritty noise should go away as I walk on the areas, crushing the thinset.

The floorboards underneath are in good shape, secured down nice and tight. The backerboard sheets are firmly attached (currently with 56 nails per, but soon to be 88. :D ) So, once the follow-up nailing is complete, I should be starting with laying the slate in this area.

Randy

Just to clear up any confusion, here is the thinset I used under the backerboard.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1170561467.jpg

And here are the instructions on the back of the bag.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1170561509.jpg

Randy

No acrylic?

Ahh, ahh, ahh...


KT

Finally getting around to setting the tiles. Got the laundry room finished (with the big tiles...still need to install the 6 x 6 border tiles).

Here are a few pics:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1171161569.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1171161592.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1171161608.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1171161688.jpg

Randy

Looks good!
 

Randy,

Good work, that's going to look great!

Thanks, Art!

I'm moving pretty slowly with setting it, but I think I'm getting a routine down.

For now, I'll let it sit and cure through tomorrow and will give it a couple of coats of sealant, starting Monday evening.

It is pretty motivating seeing this all come together.

Randy

That look's nice. thanks for posting the pictures.

The color variation is beatiful!


KT

The fact that slate is soft, reminds me to tell you to be sure you get good thinset coverage under the corners of each tile. They are most likely to crack there.

Grout will get under the voids in the tile, but don't rely on it completly.


KT

Randy, just checking in to see the progress. Nice work! The tile is exactly the same as ours.

Maybe you mentioned it earlier, but what is going around the perimeter?

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2...1161688po2.jpg

PS-I noticed the exposed thinset. Is that dry or wet? I found that if I was taking a break, it was a LOT easier to scrap off the overlapping thinset while wet rather than chipping it off dry later. Maybe obvious, but I thought I'de mention it.

Hey, Bob! Thanks for checking in! :)

I really can't believe how beautiful this stuff looks. The pics just don't do it justice. So many color variations that don't show up in the pics. I have a bunch of 6 x 6 tiles with the same coloring that I'm going to install around the perimeter of the entire project.

Thanks for the tip about the thinset. I was doing that for most of the job, but was getting too excited about the way it was all turning out. You can see in the back of the pic you posted where I was cleaning it out. The stuff you see in that pic is really the only area I left.

Fortunately, I have one of these Fein MultiMasters that will make short work of the stuff I left behind. :D It really does, too!!!

Randy

If you scrape the thinset as you go, it will force the mortar under the edges of the tiles, solving the before mentioned problem. ;)


KT

Another great tip! Thanks!!!

Randy

See! It's almost like I'm there helping you...Almost :D


KT

Trekkor,
Almost without the sore back, busted knees, and scraped up hands...right :). Looks great Randy keep up the good work.

Woke up this morning with plenty of that soreness to share...if you were interested... ;)

You guys are great! It really is almost like you guys are here. All these tips and instructions really do help!

Thanks!!!

Randy