Does anyone know of flooring software that allow you to pre-cut tile before you start laying it down.?

Question

Im looking for software that i can type in the dimensions of the room i want to lay down tile in, and then the size of the tile, so it can automatically plot the type of cuts i will need to make before i will actually start laying it down. This would save me alot of time. Thank You

Answer 1

There is software that can estimate your costs for a given area, but not tell you how to cut it. The reason is that different tile manufacturers have different sizes. They may look the same size, but can be 1/4" more or less from each other.

The best thing to do, is remove your base, unless it is an older house with a wide mop-board, then when you are done laying the tile, you use a quarter molding to cover up differences.

For a large area, I'd recommend larger tiles for do-it-yourselfers. For say a bath, you will need to use smaller tiles.

As the previous answer indicated you will need to take into account where you will be walking. You don't want to have a whole tile at the beginning, and have to cut something down to a quarter at the end. It is better to reduce the size slightly at the beginning so you have a larger tile when done.

For do-it-yourselfers, laying it straight is the easiest, but running the tile at angels to the wall, actually cover up errors in laying the tile.

Mark your center line, then mark another line every tile width if larger tiles, or every 2nd or 3rd for smaller ones. Then mark your perpendicular lines. Even if you miss the mark, if you keep you line straight, no one will notice. After a while, you won't be able to find the error either.

You can use spacers, or just eyeball it too. Sometimes, eyeballing it works better.

Lay your tile out across the room to get an idea of how it will go with the adhesive down. Stand up, look at it, and think it through. Just remember, only God is perfect. The difference between an armature and professional is that professionals know how to hide their mistakes. LOL

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Laying tile is a kind of art and subject to some unforeseeable variables.
As the fella above said it is better to cut as you go.
Walls are seldom absolutely true, meaning perfectly straight.
That's why you start, usually, from the rooms entrance laying whole tiles and do your cutting against the back wall.
Trimming door moldings so the tile goes underneath.
If you in a bathroom lift the toilet and sink (if the sink is a pedestal) so the tile goes under them as well.
Caulk the base of the toilet but not the sink.

here's a link that might interest you.
http://www.floorstransformed.com/

Answer 3

Wow, the degree of accuracy would be incredible! No, too many tiny little corners around moulding would make it tough. Also it is better to lay it out and look at it before cutting...you might see a problem you had not expected.

Answer 4

no the soft ware can not take into account if you have a wall that has a bow in it or out of square

Answer 5

You could check out this store