Laying tiles like a pro: tips and tricks for perfect results

The direction of the tile is similar to that of a brick wall, where the longer side is across the surface. This creates a more pleasing layout and makes the room appear larger. For a much smaller space, such as a bathroom, it's best to lay tiles lengthwise, where the longer side is laid vertically.

Do you start tiling from the top or from the bottom?

Here's how to do it: Install the first four tiles in a pyramid: three at the bottom and one at the top. Each subsequent row is a draping process on the pyramid, from front to back. Start your first drape on the right or left side, and work your way up, over and down the other side.

When tiling a floor, do you start in the middle? Diagonal tile patterns almost always start in the center or near the center of the room. To draw a diagonal pattern, draw a line from one corner to the other. Measure the line and find its center point. Draw a second chalk line 90 degrees from the first at the center point.

When laying tile, where do you start?

It's always a good idea to start laying your grid in the center of the wall, as it's easier to make sure your pattern is symmetrical. This also means that the half tiles you need can be placed at the end of each row and will be the same size.

Does it matter how you lay the tiles?

In many cases, when tile is used in a room, it is located in the heart of the house or in a secluded area, usually in the kitchen or bathroom. If you have square tiles, or tiles to be laid diagonally or in a herringbone or Versailles pattern, orientation is not an issue.

Can we level the tiles with putty?

You can use thin-set mortar to install tile on an uneven cement floor and leave the floor perfectly level. You can also use thin-set mortar to level an uneven cement floor or fill small holes in the floor without installing tile.

How thick a layer of mastic can be under the tiles? Allow for a 3/16 to 1/8 inch thick layer of thin-set mortar under your tiles. A 3/16 inch layer of thin-set mortar will be sufficient for tiles with a smooth back to bond the tile to the floor or backerboard. For natural tile with an irregular back surface, you may need to spread a 1/8-inch layer of thin-set mortar during installation.

Can mortar be used as a self-leveling material?

In fact, the answer is no. Mortars cannot be used to level or patch a floor - ever! The materials used in mortars make the product unstable once the thickness exceeds the maximum thickness recommended by the manufacturer.

How well can you level with putty?

You can put new thinset on top of the old, but only if the old thinset is perfectly smooth and level. In fact, most manufacturers indicate in. The thickness of the bedding can vary from 3/32â to ¾â. In fact, most manufacturers indicate in their product literature not to use thin-set mortar to level or flatten the floor or wall.

How do I get my first row of tiles straight?

How do you keep tile lines straight? While you can simply start tiling along one wall and use it as your main guide, walls are rarely perfectly straight. Instead, find the middle of two walls opposite each other and draw a chalk line between them to create a line perpendicular to the middle of the room.

Surface preparation is a crucial step in tile laying. It ensures good tile adhesion and avoids misalignment or cracking later on. Before starting, it's important to carefully inspect your floor or wall to remove any traces of dirt, dust or grease. Next, you can apply a bonding primer to facilitate the adhesion of the mortar adhesive to your substrate. Finally, check that your surface is level with a spirit level or metal ruler before beginning the actual installation.