Ceramic Tile Layout Design
The simplest ceramic tile layout design is just plain squares laid out in a grid. Even this, however, has variations. For example, as often happens, the floor, counter or whatever surface does not allow you to layout full, uncut tiles. This means that the tiles along at least one side, and usually two, have to be cut.
This appears ungainly, especially in a small space (see A). A simple solution is to use cut tiles all around the perimeter (see B). More work of course but square tile is easily cut and the result is far better. Plus, the new installation will (hopefully) be around for a long time.
A variation on this ceramic tile layout design is to turn all the tiles by 45 degrees (C). Again there may be questions about how to handle the border properly. The best solution is to have an inner field of diagonally placed tile and a border of square set tile (D).
The border tile can even be of a different color. You can use any type of tile provided it has the same thickness and durability as the inner tile.
Even if you decide on a simple square set pattern, you should plan the ceramic tile layout design on paper before hand. That way you will know how many tiles you need, as well as how much grout and adhesive. Once you have the drawing you may think you are ready to make a grid on the surface but there is one more important step. Be sure your measuring tools are accurate! Carpenter's squares should be square and straightedges straight.
To test a straightedge, draw a line with it then flip it over. Do not rotate it. Using the same edge draw a second line over the first then stand back a bit. If you see only one line everything is okay. If you see two separate lines that are convex or concave the straightedge has warped (see E).
You can do a similar test with a carpenter's square. Set one edge against a straight line and draw a second line.
Flip it over like you did for the straightedge and draw a second line in the same place. If there is one line - no problem! If there are two lines the angle between them is twice the amount the square
is off by. (See F.)
Now you can layout your grid!
The illustrations below show some classic ceramic tile layout designs using combinations of square and rectangular tile. These are more challenging but, as you can see, the results are beautiful.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Here are more examples of what you can do with ceramic tile designs.
I would like to know what you think. If you have any suggestions or comments about anything on this site please let me know. There is a contact link on every page of this site.
