How to Install Tile Patterns
When you lay tile, it is always in a pattern. Even when all of the tiles are identical, they are still patterned in a grid across the floor. You can also lay out the design, or use a printed pattern, and create an unlimited number of unique tile effects. Then all you have to do is place the corresponding piece of tile in the correct location, very much like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Tape measure
- Tile trowel
- Tile cutter
- Ceramic tile
- Thinset mortar
- Grout
- Masonry sponge
Instructions
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Draw the pattern you want to lay, or use a printed tile pattern. Use graph paper to make the layout easier, and start with a scale drawing of the room. Having a pattern will help you plan the materials before you start and reduces errors in the tile pattern later. Assume that each square on the graph paper is one square foot for simple patterns, or reduce the scale to any even number that fits your design needs, such as six inches per square, or smaller.
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Cut the partial tiles you will require. Lay the tile in the scoring cutter, holding it down firmly with one hand. Once you have the mark lined up for the cut, use your other hand and drag the handle of the cutter towards you, scoring the tile. Press down on the handle, and the "ears" of the tile cutter will press evenly on both sides of the tile, spitting it along the scored line. Tiles can be cut to fit edges and corners, or to create your own patterns of differently cut tiles. Practice on spare tile before you make any crucial cuts.
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Clean the surface where you will be working thoroughly. Removing the dust is vital, and even small bits of debris can prevent tile from being placed properly or adhering. Objects caught under tile will often raise the tile out of level, or even result in the tile breaking when it is walked on. If possible, mop the floor after sweeping it.
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Apply the thinset evenly with a tile trowel. This type of trowel has notches around the edge to distribute thinset in lines on the underflooring. Apply it with continuous curving sweeps which leave raised lines of adhesive approximately 1/8" high. Hold your trowel at a 45-degree angle during application for the best results.
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Stack the tile in the order it will be used, or lay out the pattern nearby and transfer tiles individually as they are needed. Do not try to work large areas at once. Instead, apply thinset to an area the length of your arm, and fill each section before moving on to the next. Check the pattern often to be sure that it matches your design. Be sure to maintain a standard distance between tiles.
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Allow the tile to set for at least 24 hours after it is laid. Once it has set, mix your grout so that it is about the consistency of pancake batter. Apply in all gaps between the tiles and around the perimeter. Wipe excess grout away with the sponge. Clean the tile surfaces before the grout dries completely. Allow at least eight hours before walking on the tile.
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Tips & Warnings
Thinset is more versatile than mastic or other mortars. Use commercially available spacers to save time and corrections. Dyes can be added to grout to change the color.
