To ensure a great-looking tile project, the layout of the tiles is crucial. A professional tile installer will lay the tiles out so that grout lines are level and trimmed portions are symmetrical. Unlike the floor, a tile layout on the wall does not involve narrow rows of cut tiles. Instead, the best layout follows a similar formula. Read on for some tips and tricks. How to Layout Your Tiles
Decide on the square footage of the room to be tiled. The more square footage you plan to tile, the lower the cost per square foot. To calculate the amount of tile to be installed, you must first measure the length and width of the room. Once you know this amount, multiply it by the width. For example, a ten-by-ten-foot room would equal 110 square feet. Remember to budget for extra square footage as you may have to fix broken tiles or make odd cuts in the tiles.
Prepare the wall for the tile installation. Tile installation requires basic materials. The substrate, or the base for a tile installation, should be prepared and leveled. The substrate may be made of plywood, cement, or a combination of both. Most wall tiles are installed using a mortar-based glue called thin-set adhesive. This type of glue is composed of fine sand and water-retaining agents. It is important to measure and level the surface to ensure a flat and level surface for the tiles.
Before you begin your tile installation, measure the space thoroughly. Using the proper measurement will keep the cost of the project low. Take into account electrical outlets and switches. You can also label each section of the space with a letter A, B, or C, depending on the size of the area. After taking the proper measurements, multiply the width and height by three to determine the total square footage. Aside from measuring the space, you should also learn how to cut and install the tiles correctly.
If you have a concrete subfloor, clean it thoroughly. Make sure to remove old adhesives and grout before tiling the floor. You can use a chisel to scrape out the debris, and use a solvent-based solution to remove any hardened materials. Once the surface is clean and free of debris, use a backer board to create a waterproof membrane and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
After you’ve prepared the wall for the tile installation, you should prepare a cement backer board. This cement backer board is an ideal base for tiles because it prevents cracking due to movement. You can also use plastic spacers to prevent the tiles from sticking to each other. When working with the cement backer board, it’s important to keep in mind that you should work in sections of two feet, since a tile adhesive can be very wet.
Getting multiple quotes for tile installation is vital, especially if you’re doing the job yourself. Contacting at least three home remodeling contractors will give you a better idea of costs and timelines. Be sure to ask questions, as it can minimize miscommunication and cost overruns. Additionally, a tile installation professional will also be able to help you pick the right tile for the job. Lastly, tiling experts typically charge by the square foot, while homeowners will pay by the hour.