how do I lay out a pattern to lay a tile floor with borders?

Question

A do it yourselfer here interested in finding out if anyone has any suggestions on the proper lay out of a two border & field for tile floor. THANKS!!

Answer 1

GREAT how - to webpage. Also check out DIY webpage information. http://www.diynetwork.com

Answer 2

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of tile, I suggest it isn't rocket science, but takes some care, knowledge in the form of research, an proper Preparation.

First of all measure an area, then decide on the tile sizes. calculate if need be, ahead of time how many of each tile you'll need and purchase extra.

Decide on grout spacing,,, 1/4 inch is common, and allow that added measurement in your calculations.

Determine if the area is square, and find a measurement/ spot. somewhere in the area that not only allows for the least amount of CUTS, but also accomdates your border design. Allow that molding should be removed and 1/4 to 1/2 inch spacing at the edges is acceptable.

Snap chalk lines in two directions, at a predtermined point, after you've figured out the layout in general,,,perhaps even laying out two perpendicular lines of the pattern.

You don't state the location for the border? Is it at the very edges? Assume,,, in any case the size of the area divided by the size of each main piece of tile,,, IE: 12, 16 18 inch, etc, as well as how the size of the borders will fit in what space is left.

Example: In a room 10 by 10, using 12 inch tiles, even exactly centered, you lose 1/4 inch with grout space in the tile layout,,, per piece, while you add 1/4 x 9 to the end measurment, plus edge spacing. that relates to 2 1/4 inches you have to figure in somehow,,, then calculate that changing by adding border tiles, say 2 inches by 12 inches,,, or whatever.

No mortar until all that has been calculated, then begin. My rational for spaces at each edge might allow some miscalculation. Use the rubber spacers, don't put any pressure on newly applied tiles,,, after you've set and leveled them, and work in areas small enough to manage,,, IE: 3 x 3 or 4 x 4.

Rev. Steven