To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.
The golden rule is, try as much as possible to avoid small pieces of tile, or, try to keep them hidden. The same basic idea applies to the vertical lines of your job. Try to minimise any small cuts. It is best to start with a centre line and mark along your wall where each vertical joint will occur.
Starting at one point on the baseline, measure and mark 3 feet (or another unit) along it. From that same starting point, measure 4 feet perpendicular to the baseline and mark this point as well. Measure between the two points you just marked. If the distance is 5 feet, your lines form a perfect 90-degree angle.
How to mix tile mortar starts with balancing the proportions between cement, sand, and water. For most standard tile mortar mixes, a 4:1 (four parts sand to one part cement) ratio is optimal. This mix ratio provides a strong foundation without sacrificing flexibility.
Keep in mind that most of the time, tiles should begin from the center of the room. This rule doesn't apply to every situation, but it's a good starting point. When it comes to floor tiles, starting from the center of the room will make your job easier, and the tiling pattern will be symmetrical.
One trick is to install your tile diagonally or sometimes called “on point”. This helps break up the room a little and also will make your tiles look bigger in addition to your room feel larger. This technique can be performed in small bathrooms or utility rooms on up to entry/foyers and great rooms.
The use of thin set mortars has met the challenge of properly installing ceramic and porcelain tile for years at a minimum thickness of 3/32” to a maximum of about ¼” (depending on the manufacturer's recommendations) after the tile is embedded.
It's just math
Basically, the golden ratio is 1.618 to 1. For tile purposes, this doesn't have to be exact so we can round it to 60/40. If A=60 and B=40 then C=100. The ratio of A to B is the same as C to A.
Using rectangle tiles in a straight grid installation gives one of the easiest installation patterns pizzazz without complexity. Keep in mind that if you go this route, you have the choice between a horizontal or vertical grid. Laying your tiles horizontally visually widens your space.
Measure the four walls in the room with a tape measure to find the midpoint. Snap a chalk line between the marks from two opposite walls. From the center point, use a carpenter square to establish a second perpendicular chalk line. Snap a second chalk line perpendicular to the first.
The picture of the tile figures may also be described by an equation in y = mx + b form, where x and y are variables and m represents the growth rate and b represents the starting value of the pattern.
Blanks: The two blank tiles may be used as any letters. When playing a blank, you must state which letter it represents. It remains that letter for the rest of the game.
Whether you're tiling a floor, shower, or fireplace, not preparing the surface is one of the quickest ways to doom the final product. You could end up with crooked tiles, cracks, and lippage. Always make sure that the surface is level and smooth. If necessary, fill in any gaps and sand down bumps or ridges.
The term 'Fibonacci sequence' usually refers to such symbolic sequences, made of two letters, where the term 'Fibonacci tiling' refers to the tiling of the line by two kinds of intervals.
A vertical strip of accent tiles is one of the most common and striking ways to incorporate them into a shower. This design: Placement: Runs from floor to ceiling, often placed on one of the main shower walls. Effect: Adds height to the shower and draws the eye upward, creating a sense of spaciousness.
Using sand, cement and water, prepare cement mortar of appropriate ratio; 1:3 cement-sand mix is usually recommended for tiling (vitrified, ceramic or Italian marble) .
Putting it as simply as we can (eek!), the Golden Ratio (also known as the Golden Section, Golden Mean, Divine Proportion or Greek letter Phi) exists when a line is divided into two parts and the longer part (a) divided by the smaller part (b) is equal to the sum of (a) + (b) divided by (a), which both equal 1.618.
Mistake: Applying too much adhesive can cause tiles to slip or ooze adhesive through the joints. Too little adhesive can lead to weak spots and failed adhesion.
Back butter is defined as the spreading of a bond coat to the backs of ceramic tile just before the tile is placed. Bond is defined as the adherence of one material to another. Coverage is defined as a measure of the amount of material required to cover a given surface.
As a general rule, you should give it a minimum of 24 hours before proceeding to grout your tiles, but it could take as long as 48 hours to dry completely. Even then, there's no harm in waiting a bit longer to ensure everything has dried and cured completely.
When tiles are installed, the edge of one tile can sometimes be slightly higher or lower than the edge of the adjacent tile. This height difference is know as tile lippage and it's not particularly desirable, as you might expect. It doesn't look attractive and in the case of floor tiling, it can create a trip hazard.
Use Light Coloured Tiles Throughout
Have you ever noticed that a bathroom which has lighter-coloured tiles throughout appears to be larger than one with darker coloured tiles? If not, you'd be surprised just how much larger a room can feel by simply opting for light-coloured tiles.
The staggered floor tile vs. straight can vary based on the professional installation, personal preference, and even the location. The staggered tile can make a space look more traditional and even a nice homage to European cultures, while the straight pattern can be ideal if you want something more modern.