Bathshop321 Blog

New Products

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:51:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce the while stocks last introduction of 2 new baths to the already vast Bathshop321.com bath range.

The Xtacy
The Striker

and in Bathshop321.com fashion we have knocked an incredible 65% off the RRP...

The Xtacy - £379.00

This modern twist on a classic design is rugged and elegant. Original cost £1,299.00 we have slashed the cost to allow a little bit of luxury to the more cost conscious consumer bathroom.

The Striker - £379.00

Although slightly smaller than the Xtacy in length the Striker certainly makes up for this in presence. Again retailing at £1,299.00 bathshop321.com have made this a free standing bath for the people

Don't forget these are 2 additions to an already vast range of free standing baths

The Complete Home Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Farrell) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:04:00 +0000

When decorating a house it is important that you consider a number of factors. Initially it is well worth while making sure that you have a unified vision of precisely what it is that you are hoping to do with your home. From the outset set a theme and try to adhere to it as much as possible in order to ensure a cohesive finished product which you and your family are happy with for years to come.

Having established a theme for your redecoration it is prudent to assemble a schedule and try to adhere to it. Put aside time to purchase materials and the tools necessary to put together the vision you’ve assembled mentally. With plans in place and the appropriate tools it is time to assemble some sort of guide to work to. Take the relevant time off work or put aside evenings and weekends and assign specific tasks to allotted windows of opportunity.

Begin work and stay enthusiastic! The final product will take time and the intermediate stages of a makeover may not look exactly as you had hoped but perseverance is key and if you have prepared adequately then you won’t be unhappy with the result provided you put enough time and effort into it.

If you are decorating smaller rooms such as cloakroom suites consider such design flourishes as large wall mirrors and storage which utilises corners or wall mounted shelving units. It is also a good idea to opt for light, bright colours such as off-white, cream and magnolia in smaller spaces to maximise the light level. By doing this you will avoid creating a dark space and instead invite light and airiness into that space.

It is essential that you focus on budgeting adequately in terms of funds as well as time. A beautiful look can be created without breaking the bank, as long as you shop around and possibly consider packages or kits which incorporate a number of fixtures or items rather than buying these individually. In addition to saving money this will also tend to ensure uniformity in style which may be absent if you opt to buy individual pieces on separate occasions.

A project such as a makeover can be an enjoyable experience, and as well as enriching your free time and bringing together those working on a project, if done correctly can also add value to your home if looking to resell. It is a genuinely satisfying feeling to do something which not only enriches the time you spent doing it but also the value of your home and your day to day experience of living in the place you call home. Apply yourself appropriately and consider contingencies to make sure that the whole experience is altogether positive.

Bank Holiday Opening Hours....

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:08:00 +0000

As you all know this weekend is a bank holiday. This is just a quick note to let you know that we will have scattered opening hours as we are all going to be out in search of Easter eggs.

Over this weekend ONLY the following working hours apply-

Thursday 1st April 2010 - Normal trading hours
Friday 2nd April 2010 - CLOSED
Saturday 3rd April 2010 - CLOSED
Sunday 4th April 2010 - CLOSED
Monday 5th April 2010 - CLOSED
Tuesday 6th April 2010 - Normal trading hours

We will endeavour to answer any questions sent through ebay, but please remember that our distribution centre and suppliers are closed over the weekend so any technical queries may remain unresolved until Tuesday 6th April 2010.

We have had a face lift....

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 07:39:00 +0000

Here at bathshop321 we have had a little makeover. The new website was launched last Friday and has so far being a big hit with those in search of cheap bathroom suites.

The new site offers:

Improved clarity on products categories.
Improved basket viewing .
Improved contact us section
Easier access to the blog and Facebook
Post a review - If you like a product tell us why, in fact don't just tell us tell everyone!

Small Bathroom Suites

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Farrell) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:27:00 +0000

At Bathshop321 we’re proud to offer a multitude of bathroom solutions aimed at the space-conscious. Making the most of a small area is just a matter of carefully selecting the best fixtures and fittings for the job and ensuring they are positioned in the most effective formation. By opting for a corner bath suite for instance, you utilise space which may otherwise have been wasted, meaning more usable space- which is particularly useful when the bathroom area is smaller than average. If a more conventional shaped, or P shape bath is more to your taste, then we offer the option of a 1500mm or 1700mm length bath with many of our suites: allowing you to choose the most suitable size for the space you have available. In addition to providing customisable options to make a suite the perfect fit for your bathroom, at Bathshop321 we stock a number of small bathroom suites to suit specific applications.

Our small bathroom suites come in a variety of forms and guises and all have been put together with the intention of getting the most out of a limited space without sacrificing function or style. From compact space saving bathroom suites which come complete with bath and shower facilities, through to the ideal en suite option of shower enclosure suites which just include those fixtures required to put together a wash space: we have numerous niche small bathroom suites at Bathshop321. Equally, if you’re looking to transform a space under the stairs or underused cloakroom into a supplementary washroom facility then our Cloakroom Suites are precisely what you’re after: combining all the necessary fixtures and fittings (and at an incredibly low price).

A small bathroom doesn’t have to mean a limited bathroom suite. By combining a compact bath with an incorporated shower unit and slim-line basin and sanitaryware, almost any bathroom can be stylishly rejuvenated- without eating up all the available floor space. Our space saver bathroom suites assemble these components perfectly and as small bathroom suites go; you’d be hard pressed to find better value, quality or design.

Whatever your requirements or space limitations, at Bathshop321 we’re sure we’ve put together a bathroom suite package to perfectly service your needs. If you can’t find what you’re looking for however then don’t give up. The majority of our small bathroom suites, space saver bathroom suites, modern bathroom suites...in fact almost all of our bathroom suites, are customisable, amendable and generally adjustable to ensure that they offer a perfectly tailored solution to transforming your bathroom space into an awe inspiring suite. Simply contact our sales staff by phone or email to talk through precisely what you’re after and they’ll be able to help put together a suite which fits perfectly.

Things to look for this year.

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:47:00 +0000

As many of you know Bathshop321.com sent two of it's buyers down to the KBB Event at the Birmingham NEC yesterday. The arrived back late afternoon with a back pack full of potential suppliers brochures and a head full of ideas.

Having spoken to them both James states that that the average persons bathroom is shifting usage "from a practical space - a place of serenity, somewhere to wash away all those troubles of the day. Smooth moulded sinks in shell and pastels are the thing to look at this year"

If you have any recommendations or questions please don't hesitate to get in touch!

Trust me ... watch this space... you will like what you see!

Meet our Virtual Assistant - Vicki

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:37:00 +0000

Bathshop321.com are pleased to announce the introduction of "Vicki"- our virtual assistant. Built form a knowledge base of product information and bathroom hints and tips Vicki is a click of a button away.

All you need to do is

3 Log onto http://www.bathshop321.com/

2 Click on the LIVE CHAT button(on the right hand side)

1 Wait for Vicki to ask you how she can help

Its as easy as 1-2-3 (sorry 3-2-1). No longer do you have worry about calling and asking questions, no longer do you have to wait for a response to an email.

Bathshop321.com at the KBB - Birmingham 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:20:00 +0000

As many of you will have noticed, over the past few weeks we have been adding products to the Bathshop321 portfolio and putting measures in place that improve your shopping experience.

In our determination to ensure that we offer you the best in both quality and range, we have opted to send two of our buyers to the KBB (Kitchen,Bedroom & Bathroom) event at the Birmingham NEC next week. They will be meeting current suppliers to discuss expanding current ranges, meeting new potential suppliers to discuss brand new products. We are aware this is very exciting so be rest assured that as soon as we have news you will!

If in the meantime you have seen something we dont do and think that our product ranges will benefit from your recommendation dont hesitate to send us an email or give us a call.

New to Bathshop321.com

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:54:00 +0000

Here at Bathshop321.com we are pleased to announce the arrival of Mira to our product range.

The most recent addition being the Mira Vie Electric Shower - This wall mounted unit stands 318mm high and protrudes 96mm from your wall. Finished in white gloss and chrome the Vie allows you both ease of use and style.

As you would expect we will keep you upto date with any other additions to the Bathshop321.com range, if there is something you would like to see on our website give us a call on 0845 8112 321

Think beyond a straight wall

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:28:00 +0000

Make the Most of your Bathroom's Corners

If you're in the process of remodeling your bathroom, don't overlook the opportunity your space's corners present. Whether you're interested in saving space or simply going for a completely new look, corner bathroom fixtures and appliances are a wonderful idea.

Corner elements open up a whole new world of opportunities in bathroom design for many people. They are ideal for compact spaces or unique areas where the shape, size or design of regular bathroom fixtures is an obstacle.

Corner Bathtubs

Would you love to free up the space your traditional shaped bathtub takes up in your bathroom? Today you can choose a corner bathtub that will provide plenty of room for bathing while it makes the most of a bathroom corner. Corner bathtubs are available to suit either left or right hand corners. Innovative and attractive, corner bathtubs are a great alternative to standard tubs.

Shower Enclosures

Today there are many choices in shower enclosures that fit perfectly in corners. You can opt for a square shaped or curve-fronted shower enclosure for your bathroom corner. These attractive showers take up minimal space but provide plenty of room inside. Quadrant shower enclosures with two center-hinged opening doors are particularly stylish, comfortable and convenient in a compact bathroom.

Corner Basins

Sink basins that are designed to mount in corners offer a flexible solution many homeowners find ideal for their bathroom space. Corner basins are available in a variety of designs, and today these innovative sinks are very affordable.

Corner Toilets

Toilets that are designed to mount and fit perfectly in corners are a great way to optimize space in a bathroom. They are also a very interesting design that can work well in a larger bathroom. Corner toilets are designed to be as comfortable and durable as regular toilets. Many people find them more attractive than traditional toilets as well as more unique.

Corner Cabinets and Cupboards

If you're looking for additional storage space, your bathroom's corners could offer the ideal solution. Specially designed wall cabinets that mount in corners are a great way to make the most of the space you have at hand. Corner-fitting bathroom cupboards are another alternative for utilizing corner space.

Design a Room with Bathroom Corner Fixtures

With so many great options for making use of the corner space in your bathroom, you may find yourself wishing you had more corners to work with!

In reality, utilizing the corners in your bathroom involves a careful evaluation of space and dimensions. If you are skilled at measuring spaces and planning room designs, you can design a bathroom plan that includes corner bathroom fixtures and appliances yourself. Many people prefer to work with someone experienced in room planning when they intend to incorporate corner baths, toilets or other elements into their bathroom remodel.

Corner Bathroom Fixtures Installation

When you've decided on a design for your bathroom that includes a corner shower, basin or other fixture, be sure the contractor you hire is experienced at installing these unique items. A quality contractor should have no problem with installation. Someone with little experience or a do-it-yourselfer may face some challenges with corner toilet, bathtub or sink installation.

If you're unsure about an installation you plan to do yourself, contact the supplier where you are purchasing your bathroom corner fixtures. If the supplier isn't able to answer your questions, you can turn to the manufacturer for support and guidance.

Shopping for Corner Bathroom Fixtures

More and more manufacturers are offering corner fixtures today, so consumers have more options than ever when it comes to incorporating these unique items into a new bathroom design. You can shop for innovative corner bathroom fixtures that may not be available in local shops online. As an added benefit, you'll probably find Internet prices for corner bathroom items are lower online than in shops.

Those finishing touches.

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:27:00 +0000

Focus on Smaller Components in a Bathroom Remodel

When focusing on a bathroom makeover or remodel, larger items such as showers, bathtubs, sink basins and toilets tend to receive the most attention. It's important to choose these items with care to be sure they look and function the way you want in your new bathroom. However, the smaller components involved in a makeover contribute to the overall look and feel of a bathroom, too.

Bathroom Accessory Sets

Nothing looks worse than a newly remodeled bathroom with old accessories. When you remodel, don't forget to update your towel racks, toilet paper racks, cup and toothbrush holders and robe hooks. These small accessories make a bathroom more convenient to use, and they can also compliment the style of a newly remodeled bathroom. Chrome is an attractive, durable and affordable choice in bathroom accessory materials.

Bathroom Wall Cabinets

While it's possible to paint or apply a new finish to old cabinets during a bathroom makeover, replacing them is so easy and inexpensive, it might be a better choice.

Bathroom wall cabinets come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes today. Specially designed corner cabinets and cabinets with built in lights make organizing and accessing bathroom supplies convenient. You can choose from any number of attractive designs, colors and materials to compliment the look and feel of your bathroom.

Storage Cupboards

Bathroom storage cupboards are another great accessory to add to your bathroom. Storage cupboards are ideal for storing extra towels and cleaning supplies. Bathroom storage cupboards come in a variety of materials, styles, finishes and sizes. You can easily find one that perfectly fits your bathroom's space as well as style.

Bathroom Mirrors

A bathroom mirror is a crucial element in any bathroom, and it's important to select the right size and shape mirror for your room. Today you can choose from square, rectangular, oval and circular shaped mirrors. Innovative or traditional mirror lighting options make mirrors more functional as well as more attractive.

Toilet Seats

Toilet seats are an important accessory you won't want to overlook in a bathroom makeover. A new seat can spruce up an old toilet, but it can also personalize a brand new toilet so it suits your individual tastes and needs.

Soft bathroom seats provide an extra level of comfort compared to ordinary seats. Seats specially designed for families with young children are another great option. A smaller seat designed for kids' comfort is housed in the top lid of the regular toilet seat. It easily pulls down for use whenever needed.

A soft-close toilet seat is the ideal solution to the slamming toilet seat. The seat gently closes without being held to prevent slamming. You'll never replace a toilet seat that's broken due to slamming again.

Bathroom Carpeting

Unless you install under floor heating, bathroom carpeting is the best way to keep your feet warm in the bathroom. A small bathroom rug or carpet can make a big difference in how comfortable your bathroom is to use. It can also add warmth, color and texture to your bathroom's design.

Choose a bathroom carpet that's easy to clean and designed to be used in moist areas. Regular carpeting usually doesn't stand up to the wear and tear associated with bathroom floor usage. Bathroom rugs usually have a special rubberized type of backing that deters water damage and prevents slippage on wet surfaces.

These are some basic remodel "extras" you'll want to choose with care when you're completing your new bathroom. Although they don't involve elaborate installation or a lot of expense, they each play an important role in how your bathroom looks, feels and functions.

Sponge.. Yay or Nay

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:24:00 +0000

Who thinks that natural sponge adds a bit of class to newly decorated bathroom? There are mixed views on this, some say it has a practical use,
other say that it should be for decorative purposes only, and finally other say that it should be left where it forms.

What are your thoughts?

Challenge us

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:10:00 +0000

I hope you have been checking out the updates we have been sending you? The introduction of Tapshop321.com marks a very significant satge in the growth of Bathshop321.com.
It has allowed us to boost our product offerings, which inevitably only benefits you guys.

If anyone out there has any comments, question, or even just fancies a chat with our industry & product experts feel free.... you know who to call.

Something BIG has landed.....

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:18:00 +0000

Something so BIG, it will revolutionise the way we buy our bathroom fixtures and fittings!

Something so BIG it will leave other retailers quivering!

Something so BIG we will be able to save on average 25% on standard retail price!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PLEASE BE SEATED FOR THE INTRODUCTION OFF........(pretend you can hear trumpets)

http://www.tapshop321.com/is now open, so click on the above logo, go to the site, enjoy the vast array of products that are available to you at the click of a button, and as you would expect you will be speaking to the same friendly customer service team as you would if you where saving money with http://www.bathshop321.com/.

Something BIG is about to land.......

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Something so BIG, it will revolutionise the way we buy our bathroom fixtures and fittings!

Something so BIG it will leave other retailers quivering!

Something so BIG we will be able to save on average 25% on standard retail price!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PLEASE BE SEATED FOR THE INTRODUCTION OFF........

New Products to Bathshop321.com

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:27:00 +0000

As many of you may know we are always striving to give you the best of the best. Thats is why over the next few days you need to keep an eye out for some fantastic new products coming to the bathshop321 website, those reading this blog are the first to know ! but dont worry, feel free to shout it from the roof tops!

Cheapest Bathroom Suite In The UK Guarantee

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Farrell) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:26:00 +0000

We are 100% confident that no other bathroom supplier on the internet offers as many deals as we do at Bathshop321. Do not bother checking out the rest just sign up to our blog (using the link to the right) and Facebook group and be the first to receive all our latest offers.

Today is no different and we are proud to announce the cheapest bathroom suite in the UK. Our Blaze Bathroom Suite is coming in at only £159 and with a further 10% off until the end of the month you can pick this cheap bathroom suite up for a mere £143.

We are so confident that you wont find a like for like bathroom suite cheaper we are challenging you to do so and hit us (if you can) through our Price Beater Challenge.

Check out this glorious bathroom suite below and hurry as we only have limited stocks

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR WONDERFUL BLAZE BATHROOM SUITE

Spooky things happening at Bathshop321.com

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:11:00 +0000

Here at Bathshop321.com we are a bunch of sceptics, we like the thought of someone or something being out there, but - and it s a big but we will continue to seek logic in every photo of apparitions we see...

However when one of our sales team was at home the other night ... this ghostly apparition was caught lingering by his dressing gown,

Most of the staff here at Bathshop321.com have put this down as a fake, that Iain is having us on... however I think that it heard about Bathshop321.com's amazing value and was looking for a cheap bathroom suite, who could blame it?

Newsflash - Bathshop321.com Best in Baths

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:48:00 +0000

*******************NEWSFLASH********************

http://www.bathshop321.com/

What our customers saying.....

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:51:00 +0000

Here at Bathshop321.com we take great pleasure in knowing that we have done a good job.... we also believe it is important for you guys to know what people like you(our customers) are saying about our staff, our products and our delivery contractors.

Take a look at the comments below:

Wow a super bargain! well worth the price thank you : )
Great seller, fast delivery via great couriers, excellent prices- Awesome.
Arrived promptly very well packaged- really lovely product soft close doors fab
Great Value Suite, Quick delivery service.
Absolutely gorgeous bathroom suite - excellent value for money - Love it!
First class service and delivery--many thanks
Good service,good communication and good product thanks.
Great product. Would recommend this seller.

We hope you enjoyed this partial glance at our feedback forum ? of course, we cant be "all things to all men" ....but we will give a good try!

Bathshop321.com as featured on Sky Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:17:00 +0000

All those watching the Rochdale FC highlghts on saturday will have seen the 2 latest additions to the Rochdale FC pitch parimeter.

2 new boards about 20 ft x 4 ft (one of which is shown below)

At Bathshop321.com we are very pleased to be working with and supporting our local team and community, so keep an eye out for promotional leaflets coming through a door near you soon!

Thanks

10% discount code for all bathroom products!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Buckley) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:22:00 +0000

So it's February already, and that means there's only 322 days until Christmas! (Sorry for that...).

Throughout January we've been running our amazing sale where we've held back the increase on VAT and also given you free delivery. Now as we're feeling particularly kind, we've decided to give all our customers an extra 10% off our entire range of bathroom suites & bathroom furniture!

To claim the 10% discount, simply enter "bathroom-suites" at the shopping basket, and remember you can still claim our amazing free delivery!

Newbies at Bathshop321.com

noreply@blogger.com (Bathshop321-Cheap Bathroom Suites) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:55:00 +0000

As many of you may know Bathshop321.com has seen rapid growth over the past 8 months, Part of this growth has been to recruit 2 newbies.... me and Iain.

By way of Blog I thought I would introduce myself to you all, so hello!

Bringing in 2 newbies has allowed Bathshop321.com to focus our efforts on the most important things to our business....

YOU GUYS!!!

Improved customer response times.
Faster order processes (which ultimately means you get your suite faster)
Always someone on the end of the phone to answer those questions that are to long to write down.

I look forward to being a part of the bloggers community and will be back with another thrilling installment on Monday.

ta taa for now.

James

Some Useful Directories

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Farrell) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Since the begining the internet has been a tool to share information. We at Bathshop321 would like to keep this tradition alive especially with social media being so prominent.

For this reason please find our list of URLs that we have found useful enough in the past to want to tell people about.

We are not directly associated with any of the below companies however we have visited their website in the past and liked what we saw enough to give them a mention on our blog.

Have a look but be sure to come back and visit us for your Cheap Bathroom Suite needs

DoWeb the UK Directory
Findsome.info
Ace Bathrooms
Pr3Plus
Free web directory
UK Shops Pages. A free link directory.
Udump.net
Link Submit Directory
Data Recovery Software
Underfloor Heating DIY
Udump.net
Sliding SHelf Directory
Home & Gardening Directory
Great Fredericksburg Homes
Hints And Things

Tips for tiling a bathroom yourself.

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Buckley) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:38:00 +0000

Shortly we'll be releasing a large number of "How to" guides on our website, so as a taster of what's to come, here's a few important tips that will help you on your way when undertaking a small tiling job for the first time.

It’s much more difficult to start this job than to finish it. Psychologically, it’s hard to get yourself to demolish your own house. Just get a hammer and destroy some tile, cut out some old carpet. Once you’ve reached the point of no return, it’s much easier to continue. Your house can take it.
Remove all of your bathroom doors before starting. I know you think you can get away with just closing and opening the doors as needed, but trust me: removing the doors is easier.
Ripping out carpet, pad, and tack strips is extremely easy. Don’t fall for it. This is a trick to get you to relax your guard so you’ll be totally demoralized when you try to remove tiles.
Removing old tile is much more difficult. There are tools that can help but we found that an old flat-head screwdriver and a hammer worked very quickly. Use the hammer to wedge the tip of the screwdriver under a tile until it cracks. Remove and repeat. It goes pretty fast.
If you’ve got cement fiber board under the tile, do not try to remove it by demolishing it with a hammer. Find all of the nails or screws holding it down and remove those first. Then the board comes up very easily.
Ignore the know-it-all at the home improvement warehouse who says you need a pro-high-power-diamond-tip-bladed-mega-buck saw to cut backer board. You don’t. Get the kind that you can score and snap. Get a scoring tool though and don’t try to do it with a utility knife. The backer board scores and snaps easily.
You will spend a lot of time on your knees. Get decent knee pads with an extra-wide strap or two straps. Avoid “value” pads that only use a single strap. They get behind your knees, hurt, and you won’t use them.
Cement comes in 50 pound bags. Only mix half of it at a time. If you mix the whole bag, you’ll end up having to buy a new bucket and another 50 pound bag of cement because it hardened in the bucket because you were tiling too slowly because it was your first time. Plus, it’s easier to mix.
Get someone to help you. It makes the job go much faster if one person lays cement and another person comes behind to place and clean tiles. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing you’re not making mistakes alone.
If it’s a small job, just measure the tiles you need to cut and get the home improvement store to cut them for you.
Grouting is much easier than tiling. But buy a regular grout float and an offset grout float. The regular float won’t work under counters.
Cement and grout clean up pretty easily. Don’t stress about making a little bit of a mess.
It’s hard work and it’s going to take you longer than you think. We completed the job in 5 afternoons and probably put in around 15-20 hours total. If you worked faster you could theoretically do it in a weekend—but I’d count on doubling the estimated time for your first job.