Simon the Tiler

About me

I undertook my ceramic tiling apprenticeship in 1984 at the age of 16 in Sussex, and have been tiling ever since.

I was taught by 2 'old-school' tilers, who taught me to cut tiles by hand, before all the new cutting equipment came to the market.  This is important for those awkward tiles, for instance, tiles around pipes.  I won't cut a tile into two unless it is absolutely necessary, I prefer to see a hole cut into the tile than a split in it.

I ran my own ceramic tiling business in Sussex for 27 years, working in literally thousands of household properties, tiling bathrooms, kitchens and conservatories.

I expanded my business to employ other tilers and we undertook large commercial projects all over the UK, including Sainsbury's superstores, Health & Fitness clubs, shop fronts, and Golf and Country clubs.

My wife and I moved to France early 2012 and spent the first year getting our fishing gîtes and lakes up and running.

(www.francefishinggites.com)

I'm a true craftsman at my trade.

It's all I've done since leaving school, so I should be good at it!

I'm a professional.

I leave your property clean and tidy, with ceramic tiling you can be proud of.

Don't take my word for it, take a look at my portfolio and see what my customers say or see my Facebook page for recent projects.

I look forward to hearing from you and to discussing your ceramic tiling needs.

I'm fully insured.  As you would expect from a professional, and as is required by French law.  Ceramic Tilers in France must provide an insurance which guarantees their work for 10 years.

The Price

" How much will it cost? "

Well, it's not as simple as just giving a price per metre. There are many factors which need to be considered, such as:

• the complexity of the pattern you have chosen
• the type of tile
• the size of tile
• the preparation required

Remember, you're paying for my years of expertise, not just my time.

Estimates are FREE

I won't charge you to come and provide a quote (devis) for your tiling.

I will give you a price by phone or email, and if you are happy with it, I will provide you with a legally binding quotation, requiring both of our signatures, which is valid for 3 months.

Materials

Are NOT included in my price.

Whilst I may bring materials from my trusted professional supplier, this is a sale between yourself and the supplier, and you must pay them directly.

What are you waiting for?

Give me a call or send me an email and we can discuss your ceramic tiling needs without obligation.

Some Handy Tips

Whilst thinking about your own ceramic tiling project, consider the points below before you go and buy the ceramic tiles and other materials.

Don't cut corners

You've spent your hard-earned Euros on a new shower room or kitchen, so don't forget that the tiling gives the room that special finishing touch.It doesn't matter how much money you spent on those worktops or units, if your eye is drawn to that badly cut tile in the corner; that tile will always be what catches your eye!

What tiles ?

Large tiles look stunning in the brochure or showroom - but these are fixed to a completely flat surface made for the purpose.If you have uneven walls or floors (we are in France, after all), I can only do so much to flatten out that surface. Tiles do not bend!The tiling will only look as good as the surface underneath.

Smaller tiles 'roll' over the lumps and bumps better, so are good for uneven surfaces.

Large tiles work really well on large areas, making the space look even bigger, but they don't stand out in a small room.

Different layouts, for instance, diagonal or broken bond, can enhance the room - as long as the layout and tile you choose fit into that space.

Tile on Tile ?

Yes, you can! In fact, it's one of the best surfaces to tile on. Providing the existing tiled surface is solid (you can check this out by tapping with a coin, and listening for hollow sounds).

Tile on Wood ?

Yes, you can! Providing the floor the relevant essential preparation to the substrate is carried out.

Layout is the key !

Inexperience may lead a 'handyman' or 'DIYer' to start tiling from one side, so that there is a cut only on one side.As a craftsman, I will centre the tiles accordingly, so that the look is balanced.