Replies

1. 
   DonCanDo | Apr 06, 2008 11:56pm | #1

   Did you use tile spacers?

   Like these: http://www.tools4flooring.com/tile-spacers-c-60_66.html

   I've seen tilers do a perfect job and faster than me without them, but they make things go faster for me.  Do not be tempted to leave them in place.  They must be removed before grouting.

2. 
   IdahoDon | Apr 07, 2008 01:06am | #2

   I like the rubber spacers since they give a little.  Some tiles just need extra attention to make it look right and tapered spacers are invaluable for that. 

   If good tile work were easy everyone would be doing it instead of hiring tile setters.

    

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

3. 
   JTC1 | Apr 07, 2008 01:22am | #3

   The GOOD pro tilers that I have seen do it mostly by eye.

   That being said - I use tile spacers, I like the rubbery ones.  They can be pulled after a half hour or so on a floor - the tile won't move unless you work at it.  I leave them in place for longer on walls as the bigger tiles can ever so slowly sag.

   All tile spacers need to be removed before grouting. If you throw them into a bucket of water and let them soak a few days the thinset will come off and they can be reused.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
4. 
   Billy | Apr 07, 2008 01:54am | #4

   Snap good layout lines.  Use a story stick that incorporates the average tile size and grout spacing.  Use a straightedge on the side of a run of tiles.  Spacers can help but don't rely on them too much because tiles are not uniform in size unless you special order $$$ them trimmed to the same size.

   Billy

5. 
   EricPaulson | Apr 07, 2008 03:54am | #5

   I wouldn't say that amount of time is innordinate.

   Those rubber cross spacers are for babies.

   Walls I use small wedge spacers so I can adjust the individual tiles. Good layout and level and plumb lines to work from.

   Floor same thing with the lines and I wouldn't waste the time to even think about spacers there.

   Eric

   [email protected]

    

    

    

    

6. 
   Ted W. | Apr 07, 2008 04:19am | #6

   I just finished a 460 sq. ft. floor (oh, my aching back!) and the lines came out perfect. What I do is divide the entire area into a giant grid with roughly 3' or 4' squares. Each square will fit x number of tiles with a grout line on two sides. I started doing it this way after a nightmare of a job some years ago, in which the 'hand made' tiles varied by as much as 1/16" in size.

   I also work my way out from the middle, rather than starting at one side as some do. That way if there's any variation in the lines, it evens out across the floor, rather than having to make it up as I reach the other end.

   When I do use spacers, I really like the Tavy spacers (see links by earlier poster). I have a coffee can full of each color. I used them for the afformentioned floor because the 12" x 24" porcelain tiles were perfectly consisten in size.

   EDIT: I didn't use the grid system this time because the tiles were so consistent. Just worked my way from the center.

   --------------------------------------------------------

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   Edited 4/6/2008 9:23 pm by Ted W.

   
   

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   Edited 4/6/2008 9:24 pm by Ted W.