Creating a beautiful tiled wall is an investment in craftsmanship and time, so it’s important to plan your tile layout before you begin. An effective tile layout should be determined before applying the thin-set to the wall, in order to achieve a professional and cohesive look. The following tips will help you figure out the best layout for your tile wall.
Before starting anything, record the measurements of the room including windows, shelves, or other features that may interrupt the tile pattern. Proper measurements will make sure that the template you create is accurate.
Next, you should lay out the tiles on a flat surface to get a better sense of the flow of the pattern. This will give you a chance to play with design options and make changes as needed. It’s also a good way to consider awkward cuts and mismatched edges. If you determine there will be cut tiles, measure and set them aside with their respective cutting measurements, but don’t actually cut them until you’re ready to install them in your wall space.
It can be helpful to draw a map of the tile layout on the wall itself. Snap a chalk line at the top of each row to create a guide to keep the tiles straight. The grout spaces between the tiles can be adjusted using spacers. As you begin, starting from the bottom and working your way up is the most effective way. You may choose to use a furring strip to keep tiles secure and straight.
The importance of planning your layout before tiling cannot be overstated. Not only will it make the installation process smoother and more efficient, it will also provide the opportunity to visualize the completed result, so that you can make any adjustments now instead of later. It will also help to avoid any costly mistakes that may be difficult to correct with the tiles already in place. Proper pre-planning and preparation are key to making sure that your tiled wall looks beautiful and professional.
