How to Lay Out Tile for a U-Shaped Countertop

Tiling any counter top is going to improve the beauty and durability of your home and kitchen. So, it's no wonder so many people choose it for their rooms. However, not every counter top is square, like the tiles themselves. Everyone knows that tile is installed one square at a time, so what happens when you need to tile a "U" shaped counter top?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tile saw
• Pencil
• Graph paper

1. Using a piece of graph paper make a copy of the counter top shape and size. Use a simple ratio of one square on the graph paper for 1 foot of real space, or 1 square per 1 tile. This will show you how much tile you need to buy and give you a reference for the layout.

2. Starting at the straight end of one of the "U" arms on the graph paper begin "laying down" rows of tile by coloring in the graph boxes until your reach the curve of the "U".

3. Once at the curve of the "U" continue to mark off rows of tile across or perpendicularly to the subsequent rows. For each graph row you mark off, count one piece of tile that you will need to cut to shape.

4. Continue the perpendicular pattern straight across the counter as you come to the bottom of the "U". Since you are laying the tile perpendicular to the upright legs of the "U" shape, a few rows will go all the way across, from one counter section to another. That's fine and makes your pattern more appealing visually.

Resources

• Ceramic tile
• Counter top tiling tips