Rectangular diagonal tiles. Laying ceramic tiles diagonally

Interior design is a rapidly growing industry, in no small part due to the abundance of finishing materials and accessories. Tiled or ceramic tiles are one of the most popular items on the list of cladding essentials.

One of the unusual ways is laying tiles on the floor diagonally. What do you need to know about it?

There is a popular opinion that even a novice decorator can lay out a kitchen “apron”, subject to straight walls. Therefore, in addition to choosing and acquiring tiles, the issue of skill in work is important. Consider how to choose the right tile depending on the functional purpose, what to look for and what positions you can choose in the budget option. We will analyze the known laying methods, their advantages and disadvantages. Let's stop on the choice of the necessary consumables. This will help you decide whether to proceed with the project on your own or make a choice in favor of a specialist.

Let's deal with the terminology. Ceramic tiles - a product designed for interior and exterior decoration. A mixture of quartz, clay and other natural ingredients is pressed and fired in special kilns. A tile is one of the types of finishing material, for the manufacture of which clay of light grades is used.

Ceramic tiles are included in the list of materials suitable for use in finishing rooms in which there are people. And of course, its properties are strictly regulated by GOST. For example, a standard that contains requirements for the manufacture of ceramic floor tiles. It applies to products that can be used in the decoration of residential and public buildings, including domestic areas in production.

Important! This GOST does not apply to rooms in which tiles are exposed to concentrated acids and alkalis.

Choosing a tile, it is necessary to pay attention not only to its decorative component. It is necessary to use information about its resistance to external aggressive factors, to abrasion, loss of color. Savings on quality may lead to the need for additional investments.

It was said above that it is worth considering the functional properties of the product - in which room it will be used, on which surface the finishing material is intended.

Let's start in order. When choosing a finishing material, you need to pay attention to the following factors.

1. The reputation of the outlet where you intend to purchase the product. Even without special knowledge, you can pre-check the quality of products. Pay attention to the edges so that there are no chips or damage. Poor-quality enamel is given out by cracks, defects in the coating. Comparison of several samples should convince you that they are the same in size (there are requirements for grade), shade, pattern.
2. Functional purpose of the room. For example, if you need material for decorating exterior walls or floors, you should pay attention to frost-resistant products. These, without a doubt, include porcelain stoneware.

Clinker tiles are distinguished by their strength and durability, which is a consequence of the manufacturing process. High-quality clay is fired in special kilns at a temperature of more than a thousand degrees Celsius. The tile withstands low temperatures, direct sunlight, high humidity.

Important! Even in harsh winters, hot summers and long rainy seasons, the material does not crack or fade.

If you are going to finish the kitchen, bathroom, bathroom, it is better to choose a matte satin glaze. In these rooms, the elimination of pollution is constantly required. These tiles are easier to care for. Its smooth surface is cleaned faster and better than a rough one.

Thus, when choosing a ceramic tile, be prepared to evaluate its qualities: the strength of the base and glaze, shades of the same color, resistance to wear, chemicals, humidity, size, possible color solutions.

Materials and tools

Previously, a rather time-consuming step was laying tiles on cement mortar. Now adhesive mixtures are used for fixing. The range of products is quite wide and in order to understand it, you need to pay attention to the following.

The choice of tiles and glue is huge. The best option is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for choosing an adhesive base. But there are general principles for selecting composition for various jobs.

The composition of the cement-based adhesive has not lost its relevance. But it is recommended to use it when fixing small tiles. Most often on sale it is represented by dry mixes, which must be prepared independently. This position of goods is distinguished by a modest price.

Epoxy adhesive is purchased for laying large tiles, in rooms with maximum load: industrial workshops, metro, airport. The connection is durable, which does not depend on weather conditions and abrasive action. For domestic use, the downside is the rather high price.

Important! If the composition does not correspond to the chosen purpose, its base is deformed, cracks appear, chips and the tile flies off.

The choice of adhesive greatly depends on the substrate on which it will be applied. For example, when laying tiles on a wooden floor, it is recommended to use polyurethane adhesive, which is highly plastic. This is especially important when finishing underfloor heating.

For interior work, cement-based glue is suitable. For exterior finishes, a special composition is offered that does not crack and does not lose its properties in frost, heat, and high humidity.

What else needs to be prepared for work?

Work clothes should protect against dirt, dust, glue. If necessary, use a respirator, protective gloves. Comfortable overalls with pockets.

The required set of tools includes:

• container for 10-15 liters under the solution;
• electric tools (drill, tile cutter), extension cord, drill bits;
• spatula, mallet, hammer, chisel, chisel, wire cutters, pliers, knife, tape measure, square, level, building syringe;
• nails, self-tapping screws, plastic dowels;
• crosses and spacers;
• grout;
• glue;
• clean damp cloths.

Sequence of work

Features of diagonal laying do not affect the sequence of work. But with this method of finishing, a larger amount of consumables is required. When laying diagonally, the percentage of use of threaded parts increases. To calculate the number of tiles, you need to draw a layout with details to scale.

The easiest way is to count the number of tiles that will be laid as a whole. Then the parts that will be cut in half or more. When counting, each of them is taken as a whole. Depending on the overall pattern, the pattern of each tile, count the trim parts. The number of required tiles will be 10-15% more than the amount received. Such an allowance will avoid the lack of material, even taking into account possible marriage and mistakes made during cutting.

All work is carried out in the following sequence:

• sketching to scale;
• marking on the working surface;
• soil application;
• application of the adhesive base;
• directly laying ceramic tiles according to the sketch;
• creating a frame, if it is included in the sketch;
• grouting.

There are various ways of laying ceramic tiles. The basic method is more accessible even for inexperienced workers. It consists in laying out individual elements in even rows. There are ways of brickwork, "herringbone", "carpet" pattern.

Today we will consider the features of diagonal laying technology.

Mandatory stage - leveling the surface (wall, floor) with special tools. If this is not done, the result of long work may be lost after a short time. The tile will lie unevenly, a defect will be visible, with a significant load it may peel off.

The markup also has features. On the sketch, which is made in advance, pay attention to the coincidence of the overall pattern. To prevent its distortion, it is imperative to use a level.

Important! Depending on the possibilities, this can be a simple thread or a laser device.

The diagonal markings are based on a geometric figure - an isosceles triangle with 45° angles. To determine the first row from the selected starting point, draw lines horizontally and vertically. According to them, a given size is set aside.

The first row can be any row according to the sketch. The choice of envy depends on the complexity of the drawing. Most often they are guided by rows of different colors or shades.

The next rows are up and down from the first.

When finishing work on the wall, the bottom row is supported with a plank so that the drawing does not subsequently “slide” down.

A feature of diagonal masonry is that the pattern must be observed on all four sides of the tile. This leads to an increase in costs.

The next step is applying a primer. The composition is designed to improve the contact between the adhesive and the tile surface. Before applying it, it is necessary to carefully prepare the surface: clean it of debris, wet cleaning, followed by drying. If the surface contains traces of grease, a degreasing agent is required. Depending on the absorbent properties of the wall, the primer is applied once or twice. The exposure time is indicated in the instructions for the primer mixture.

Important! In any case, it is at least an hour after the application of the last layer.

Sometimes the primer is replaced with an adhesive composition. There are a number of conditions for this. The wall or floor is pre-puttied. The concentration of glue is increased. The drying step is skipped. The tile is immediately laid on the adhesive.

Laying technology

Diagonal laying requires practical experience.

Diamonds are laid not from the center, but from the wall. It can be framed or not. The method requires careful preliminary calculation, reconciliation according to the sketch. Therefore, this method can only be entrusted to a specialist.

Laying with a common contour involves the alternation of different elements (by color, texture). Along the perimeter, the pattern is decorated with rectangular elements. The marking begins with a perpendicular line, which is drawn from one wall to another. To do this, use a thick thread or cord. This is the basis for laying out the tiles of the first row. The job also requires skill and practice.

Important! Variety in laying makes the use of tiles of different colors and patterns. The basis should be a sketch made by a specialist.

So, when the markings, leveling the surface and the primer are already behind, you can proceed directly to laying the tiles. Let's look at the table for a detailed process.

Although diagonal tile laying is considered a difficult process, following the technology, you can cope with such a task.

Which way to choose?

Diagonal laying has features at all stages of work with tiles, from the selection of materials, cost calculation and ending directly with laying. An important detail is that this method is best left to a professional. The work requires experience, accuracy, accuracy when marking and installing tiles. In order to decide whether diagonal styling is needed, consider the advantages and disadvantages of the method.

Advantages of the diagonal layout:

• visual increase in space, due to its "stretching" diagonally;
• the expansion effect can be increased by correctly distributing the color over the entire area;
• a pattern oriented diagonally looks more attractive, artistic;
• a less clear pattern allows you to hide defects, irregularities of the decorated surface, especially in small rooms.

Disadvantages of diagonal layout:

• practical experience is needed, the risk of error, unforeseen damage to the material is high;
• fitting the pattern on all four sides of the tile requires an increase in costs;
• the sketch includes a lot of threaded parts;
• requires a special skill and tool for cutting tiles.

Features of work on the wall and on the floor

The working surface can be a wall or a floor. What features may arise when laying tiles on a vertical surface:

• the wall is pre-aligned with a level or a conventional cord with a load at the end (when the cord is released from the ceiling to the floor, it should be parallel to the wall, without deviating);
• the direction of applying the glue is important - for this, special spatulas with teeth are used;
• adhesive grooves are applied perpendicular to each other;
• for a perfect seam, 3-4 mm crosses made of flexible material are used.

When decorating with floor tiles, you should pay attention to the following features:

• when choosing tiles for the floor, it is necessary to take into account its wear resistance;
• the ideal surface preparation is a screed;
• do not lay a fresh layer of tiles on top of the old one;
• for seams, 2 mm crosses are optimal;
• after laying, the tiles are tapped with a wooden mallet from the center to the edge (glue is better distributed);
• to improve the quality, PVA is added to the glue;
• when a gap is formed in the wall area, it can be eliminated with a plinth.

Important! When installing wall and floor tiles, they also pay attention to the selection of consumables.

What should you know about tiles?

Tile as a creation of human hands was known in ancient Egypt. Fragments made of clay were richly decorated with intricate drawings and patterns. Therefore, the first purpose of this building element is decorative. This direction remains the leading one in modern design solutions.

There is a huge selection of products in colors, patterns, shapes, sizes. Modern tiles can imitate marble, wood, and other popular materials in texture. The originality of the composition is given by the author's reading - a combination of tiles of different configurations, patterns. Using fantasy, you can create a unique interior that reflects the individual tastes of the owners, their preferences.

Research by psychologists on the impact of color or even its various shades on the human condition no longer surprises anyone. When creating an interior, an experienced designer must use favorable color schemes.

Important! Thanks to a huge selection of ceramic tiles, you can decorate rooms in which its users will feel comfortable, quickly recuperate, work efficiently, and communicate fruitfully.

It should be noted that modern solutions make it possible to expand the list of rooms that can be decorated with this facing material. As often happens, at the beginning of the use of the material, the external side attracts. Later, numerous benefits are revealed. Such is the history of the use of ceramic glazed tiles for facing fireplaces. The attractive decorative material has proven to be beneficial in terms of physical properties. Stove tiles accumulate thermal radiation well, and slowly release it into the surrounding space. A significant position in the assortment of today's manufacturers of facing ceramics is occupied by stove tiles.

Even the ancient builders noticed more utilitarian properties of clay tiles - their strength, the ability to protect buildings from the adverse effects of temperature and humidity. The most traditional use of tiles - bathroom, kitchen, toilet. This choice is explained by the durability of the product in rooms where the temperature often changes, high humidity is created, and there is a high risk of damage to facing materials. Laying tiles creates a waterproof protection for the walls, even in the absence of special waterproofing. Fired clay can withstand the load in the form of external exposure for decades.

Important! For example, it not only protects the coating from moisture, but also does not absorb it itself, even with unlimited immersion in water.

The next property that supports the popularity of tiles is its high hygiene. This finish does not create problems for maintenance. It can be easily cleaned from grease, dust and other contaminants. There are no stains on glazed tiles. This quality is especially important when decorating rooms that require compliance with hygiene standards. Processing with simple care products allows you to remove fungus, mold. It is also important that the coating of the material is resistant to chemical attack.

This also applies to color retention. The tile is not exposed to ultraviolet radiation for a long time.

The reliability of the properties of the tile allows it to be used in rooms that are subject to strict sterility requirements (dressing rooms, treatment rooms, operating room rooms).

Important! A significant role is played by the safety of using the tile, as it is fire resistant and does not deform from high temperatures. This is important for using the material next to the hob.

The degree of fire resistance of tiles in case of fire is more significant. Experts believe that the material exhibits inertness at high temperatures, fires. Surfaces finished with the product do not spread fire, do not emit toxic substances. There is evidence that the degree of collapse is reduced by reducing the thermal impact on the structure of the room, finished with ceramic tiles.

Another important aspect of the safety of the premises is that the tile is a dielectric, in other words, it does not conduct, does not accumulate electric current.

The attractive side of the finishing material is its cost-effectiveness, relative to other materials. A wide range of products allows you to choose the position that is economically available. In other words, everyone will find for themselves a product that suits the price - from budget proposals to tiles made by the author's order. The tile is durable, resistant to external influences. This should also be attributed to the pluses - even a solid investment will be long-term.

Important! If necessary, it is possible to restore part of the laying fragments (considered individually).

The disadvantages of ceramic tiles experts include its relative fragility during transportation, poor sound insulation. When compared with other flooring materials, slipperiness and a cold surface are noted.

Conclusion

Diagonal laying of ceramic tiles is a worthy element of decor for a room of any purpose and area. The key to quality work is the right choice of tiles. To draw up a sketch, choose the perfect color solution, you should use the services of a designer. The next step is the installation of ceramic tiles. The technology presupposes the presence of practical skill, accuracy in calculations, accuracy, and the ability to work with special tools.

The quality of the material and the skill of the performer will allow you to enjoy the result of finishing work for a long time.

Video - How to lay tiles on the floor diagonally

Laying tiles diagonally is one way to bring a sense of originality to a living space. Tiles laid in this way will visually expand any space, making your home larger.

Before laying tiles diagonally, you need to remember a few simple rules:

• with this method of laying, the tile consumption will be greater than if it is done in the usual way.
• Do not lay tiles on uneven floors. Flaws on the surface will not allow you to create a diagonal pattern of good quality.
• you need to buy a quality tile cutter. In extreme cases, you can use the "grinder".
• you have to be patient. Laying tiles diagonally is a more time-consuming process than horizontal-vertical laying.

Floor preparation

Preparing the floor - A new floor that has never been leveled is likely to be flawed. In order to fix this, first of all, it is necessary to remove large protrusions and fill the cracks with cement mortar. Next, you need to assess the degree of surface roughness and determine the amount of work required. If the height differences do not exceed 30 mm, then it will be possible to get by with a self-leveling screed. With differences of up to 100 mm, it will be necessary to fill with a cement-sand mixture, and more than 100 mm, expanded clay must be used so as not to load the floors.

You can proceed to the next stage of preparation after the cement screed is completely dry. Its degree of drying can be checked using a plastic film, which must be covered with a floor surface overnight. If in the morning, on the side of the film that lay on the screed, moisture came out, then the cement has not yet dried and you have to wait.

Laying

The next preparation step may be waterproofing, but this is not necessary.

Marking and laying tiles - After the floor has become smooth, clean, and the screed is completely dry, you can start marking. To do this, you need a marking cord, which can be purchased at any hardware or hardware store. If you want to save a little, then such a cord can be made independently at home. To do this, you need to take a strong elastic rope and carefully rub it with a piece of chalk, after which the marking cord can be considered ready. For the purpose of marking, the cord must be stretched along the floor between the two diagonal corners of the room. Having fixed the ends, it is pulled up and sharply released. Hitting the floor, the cord will leave a colored line. The same must be done with the two remaining corners. The resulting lines intersecting in the center of the room will serve as markings for laying tiles diagonally on the floor.

The next step, after marking, should be the preparatory layout of the tiles diagonally across the entire surface of the floor. This is done in order to establish the order in which it will need to be laid out to create a diagonal pattern. The diagonal layout of the tiles starts from the center of the room, where the marking lines intersect. One of the corners is selected where the first tile should be laid, after which we continue to lay out the entire diagonal to the wall. In the same way, you need to lay out the second diagonal. After that, lay out the entire tile on the floor, filling the remaining space between the diagonals. The tile that will be against the wall will need to be cut to the required shape and size. The laid out tile, before removing it, must be numbered for convenience in further work.

Diagonal laying of tiles on glue is the most crucial moment, which, in case of an error, will be impossible to correct without losing the tile.

How to put tiles on glue to avoid mistakes? To do this, the tile adhesive solution is prepared in the volume necessary for work. For gluing tiles on the floor diagonally, you can use various types of adhesives, their choice depends on the intensity of use of the future ceramic coating and personal material capabilities. Glue for tiles can be divided into three types: cement-sand mixture, adhesive mastics and dispersed adhesives. They differ in price, drying speed, consumption, composition, pretreatment method and other indicators that can be found by reading the product characteristics on the package or consulting with the seller. Laying tiles diagonally is done in the same order in which it was laid out when marking. It is best to use a notched trowel to apply the adhesive solution. The solution must be applied both to the back of the tile and to the floor surface, which will provide better adhesion. It is necessary to ensure that the tiles are laid on the same level and do not protrude one above the other. If suddenly there is a need to adjust the height, then this can be done with gentle tapping with a rubber mallet. Laying ceramic tiles on the floor requires some experience, and if you are not sure that the laying of tiles on the floor diagonally will go without errors, then it is better to resort to the help of a specialist.

Grouting - after the laying of the tiles on the floor is completed and it is securely stuck, it is necessary to start grouting. For this, special dry mixes are used, which can be purchased at any hardware store. The method of preparing the grout for use will be indicated in the instructions on the package. Grout mixtures can be divided into two types. The first includes those that are used for seams with a width of not more than 5 mm. The second type includes grouts used for joints with a width of more than 5 mm. Their difference lies in the fact that in grouts of the second type, sand is additionally added to the mixture of cement and additives, which is necessary to reduce shrinkage and prevent cracking. In stores, you can see grouts based on synthetic resins, but their price will be higher than cement ones. Before starting work on grouting, it is necessary to clean the tile joints from glue. To do this, you can use a regular kitchen knife or spatula. The resulting solution is rubbed into all joints between the tiles with a rubber spatula. Before rubbing, it is recommended to moisten the seams with water to prevent shrinkage and cracking of the drying grout. The color of the grout must be chosen according to the color of the tile. If the solution gets on an already laid ceramic floor, it must be removed immediately before it dries.

On this, the laying of floor tiles diagonally is considered complete.

There are two ways to lay tiles - along one of the walls of the room and diagonally. The most difficult is the laying of tiles diagonally.

But, despite this, this method has become widespread ...

Laying tiles diagonally: marking, technology and subtleties of work

Laying tiles diagonally: preparing the base and marking

How to lay tiles diagonally: the sequence of work

There are two ways to lay tiles - along one of the walls of the room and diagonally. The most difficult is the laying of tiles diagonally. But, despite this, this method has become widespread due to its unique property to visually expand the space. It will be discussed in this article, in which, together with the site stroisovety.org, we will study this tile laying technology from start to finish - from marking the room to grouting.

How to lay tiles diagonally photo

Laying tiles diagonally: preparing the base and marking

One of the mistakes of novice tilers who first encounter a diagonal way of laying tiles is the wrong approach to choosing a landmark. In most cases, to determine the laying direction, they beat off the diagonal, which may not always be the necessary guide. In principle, this is not scary, just when you enter the room, unevenly oriented diamonds will lie in front of your eyes. Although in some cases it is almost imperceptible. This happens because the diagonal of the room has an angle of 45˚ with respect to the wall only when it comes to an equilateral room - in all other cases it is more or less.

Laying tiles diagonally with your own hands photo

In order for the tiles to be laid diagonally correctly, it is necessary to build on the floor or wall not a diagonal, but an isosceles triangle. To do this, from a convenient corner (to start laying) along the two walls adjacent to it, it is necessary to set aside equal segments and connect their ends, thus obtaining a guideline for laying the first tile. In principle, the segments can be chosen of arbitrary length, but it would be most correct to use the diagonal of the tile to build - in this way, the laying will begin with a solid tile, and not with pieces that can immediately lay a gap or convergence of seams.

Now a few words about the preparation of the foundation. Everything is simple here - you want the tile to lay down qualitatively and accurately, the surface to be lined will have to be leveled. In this case, you will be dealing with a comb (a notched trowel that sets an even layer of glue), with which, even with all the desire, it will not work to lay the tiles crookedly.

Laying floor tiles diagonally photo

How to lay tiles diagonally: the sequence of work

For greater clarity, we will present the entire process of laying floor tiles diagonally in the form of a small instruction. We will make a reservation right away so that there are no unnecessary questions, this instruction remains true for wall cladding, with the exception of one point - you need to create a support for the tile on the wall (so that it does not slide down). So, let's begin.

1. Markup. As mentioned above, using equal segments, we determine the direction of laying. If we are talking about facing an uneven surface, then at this stage it is not superfluous to set the plane for laying tiles. At the end points of the segments, you will need to hammer in one dowel and pull the thread tightly between them. This must be done subject to two conditions - firstly, the thread must indicate the height of the laid tile and, secondly, it must be at the horizon level. Such a guideline will allow you to correctly resolve the issue of how to lay the first tile diagonally.
2. Surface priming is a mandatory stage of work. By ignoring it, you run the risk of re-tiling almost immediately after the glue dries. The primer deeply penetrating composition holds the top layer of the base and increases the ability of the surface to adhere to the adhesive. After applying the primer, the base should dry thoroughly - at least an hour.

   

   How to lay tiles diagonally with your own hands photo

3. Glue primer. Laying tiles diagonally is done for a long time, so additional measures that increase the quality of work will not be superfluous. We breed glue for tiles a little less often than necessary and putty the surface of the floor and walls with a thin layer. The essence of this operation is to fill all the pores, cracks, pits and other surface roughness invisible to the eye with glue - in this way the surface area to which the glue will adhere increases. You do not need to wait until this layer of glue dries.
4. Now you can deal with the direct solution of the question of how to lay the tiles diagonally. We arm ourselves with a notched trowel (tooth depth 10 mm) and apply glue with it, first to the base of the surface, and then to the tile itself. By the way, in the same way as with the base, you will need to do with the tile - before applying glue to it with a notched trowel, on the back of the tile, you first need to fill the corrugated surface with glue. This step is also designed to improve the quality of styling. For the most part, masters ignore half of these nuances; at best, glue is applied only to the base of the surface. As a result, the service life of such cladding does not exceed 5 years. If everything is done as it should be, then even after 20 years the tile will not be torn off the surface.

   

   How to lay tiles diagonally with your own hands

5. We lay the tile on the floor, orient it clearly in the direction of the outlined line and the stretched thread, and evenly tap it with a rubber mallet until the glue starts to come out from under the tile. When surpluses appear, this means that there are no voids under the tile. This is good, and you can proceed to laying the next tile. When it is laid, we take the level and check the plane of the finished floor. There are two points to pay attention to: firstly, the level bubble should show the horizon in any direction and, secondly, there should be no gap between the level and the tile. If that's the case, then you can move on.
6. All other tiles are laid in the same way. The main thing to remember is about level control of the plane. You can not be distracted by cutting at this stage of work - the tile is laid along the edges of the room after the entire bulk of the tile has dried thoroughly. In about a couple of days, you will need to arm yourself with a tile cutter, possibly a grinder with a diamond wheel, and bring the work you have started to the end.

   

   Laying tiles diagonally photo

7. The final stage of work, which involves laying tiles diagonally, is grouting. Everything is extremely simple here - the dry mixture is diluted in water to the consistency of thick sour cream, after which it is pressed into the seams with a rubber spatula. Do not do this work too quickly, otherwise the grout will dry out, and it will be impossible to correct some flaws. After wiping 1.5-2 square meters of tiles, excess grout is removed from the seams with a finger, and from the floor surface with a dry rag.

In conclusion, a few words about how to correctly calculate the tiles diagonally. There is nothing complicated here - we measure the dimensions of the surface to be lined and calculate its area. We add 10% to the result and get the right amount of tiles.

The nuances of laying tiles diagonally on the floor

That, in principle, is all you need to know about how the tiles are laid diagonally. As you can see, there are not so many differences with standard technology - in fact, they are distinguished only by the direction of installation and the amount of tiles used.

Alexander Kulikov

How to choose the layout of tiles and strips of laminate / plank according to the shape, brightness and style of the room

The choice of flooring type is essential to give the right style to the house and improve the perception of the appearance of the flooring in accordance with the lighting and proportions of the space. You can choose from a number of different geometric combinations, but the main question remains: should you tile diagonally or straight? Let's look at the pros and cons of these options using the example of square and rectangular tiles.

Which tile pattern should I choose?

With direct laying - the tiles are parallel to the walls of the perimeter of the room, and with a diagonal at an angle of 45 ° to the walls. In both, tile laying can be performed in various layouts (patterns) - basic (mesh), spaced (like brickwork)

Basic pattern with square tiles

The basic tiling pattern (mesh) works well with the linear elements of modern style and visually enlarges large squares or rectangles, as the simple layout of the floor draws attention to the tile itself, emphasizing the material and color.

Diagonal square tiles

Much used in the eighties and nineties, the diagonal laying of square tiles is well suited for stone floors where large tiles are needed and in the restoration of historic buildings.

Straightening with stripes

Aligned rectangular stripes allow you to add momentum to one of the dimensions of the room, especially if the tiles are located along from a source of natural light. Therefore, in a large space, if the tiles are located in the same direction as the sun's rays, they visually, by the direction of the lines, emphasize the streams of light from the window, and in a small space, if they are located along a smaller room, they expand the space.

Laying rectangular tiles diagonally

Rectangular tiles can also be laid diagonally, in which case the effect of expanding the space is reduced. The use of diagonal stripes is very versatile as it suits both modern and classic interior design.

Diagonal tile laying - pros and cons

Ideal for historical interiors, spacious rooms, exterior walls.

Advantages of the diagonal tile laying pattern

• is elegant and classic
• minimizes geometric imperfections in the expanded space of the room in both directions
• versatile and adapted to modern interiors

Disadvantages of Diagonal Tile Laying Patterns

• more cuts are required, so there is more tile waste with this scheme

Longitudinal tile laying pattern - pros and cons

Ideal for modern environments to expand narrow spaces to enhance natural light

Advantages of a longitudinal tile laying pattern

• is important and modern
• improves natural light
• fewer cuts with less waste
• expands space in one direction

Cons of a longitudinal tile laying pattern

• emphasizes the geometric imperfections of the room

Other types of tiling

From these two basic types of straight, rectangular paving, you can get more complex designs. To create a more creative and colorful environment, pay attention to the pros and cons of straight and diagonal tiling, mix different formats or materials, and play with colors.

More of our related articles

Often ceramic tiles are used for flooring. It is durable, reliable, resistant to various influences. You can significantly decorate the room, if you not only choose the right color, texture and shape, but also lay it in a special way.

Laying tiles at an angle is possible only on a well-made concrete screed.

One of the most common and beautiful installation methods is laying tiles diagonally.

Laying tiles on the floor diagonally is not suitable for all rooms. It is recommended to use this installation method for spacious rooms. Visually, the decoration expands them even more, but in rooms with a small area, this effect does not work. Diagonal arrangement smooths out uneven corners and floor-to-wall joints. Another advantage of this method is a beautiful appearance. Often, diagonal styling looks much more impressive compared to the straight seam method or in a run.

Diagonal tiling.

Has laying at an angle and disadvantages. In this case, the consumption of the tile increases, since it needs to be trimmed. Therefore, the method is not as economical when compared with direct finishing options. It is impossible to lay tiles at an angle if a concrete screed is not made under the base. It will not work to get a normal diagonal pattern, no matter how hard you try.

And one more nuance is the installation process itself. Laying tiles has always been distinguished by its complexity, so it is necessary to exert maximum care and effort in order to obtain a quality cladding. When using mounting at an angle, the process is even more complicated. Therefore, sometimes it is better to turn to professional workers than to correct your imperfections later.

First you need to prepare the base. To do this, remove the old coating, all dirt and dust. If the base is uneven, it should be leveled. The ideal option is a concrete screed device. Laying ceramic tiles on a flat surface is much easier and better. If the floor in the bathroom is to be tiled, it is recommended to provide waterproofing, which will ensure greater reliability and durability of the coating and base. Before starting work, the base must be dry, which should be checked.

It is necessary to prepare tools and materials. To do this, you will need the tile itself and the adhesive composition, a container for mixing the glue, a regular and notched trowel for applying it, a level for checking the levelness of the masonry, a bucket of clean water and a sponge for cleaning contaminated tiles.

Tile laying tool: 1. Plastic tank; 2. Grater with a sponge; 3-4. Grater metal; 5-6. notched trowel; 7. Rubber grater; 8. Brush.

The next step is marking. Diagonals are marked first. For this, a special marking thread is used, which leaves a mark when it comes into sharp contact with the floor. The intersection of straight lines will become the center of the room, which is guided by when installing the coating. From here you should start laying out the tiles.

Before starting work, you should also lay the tiles in the way they should be located after gluing. You need to start from one of the corners at the intersection of the diagonals. Then all the diagonals are laid out in turn, all free areas are filled. When laying out, do not step on the tile, as it may burst. It is recommended to number the tiles, which will facilitate the installation in the future and will not get confused.

After all the preparatory work, they proceed directly to laying the tiles diagonally. This is done similarly to all other methods, the only difference is in the sequence of calculations.

First you need to stir the tile adhesive. It is made according to the instructions on the package. The composition must be prepared in an amount that will be used in one day. For mixing, it is best to use a drill with a special mixer nozzle. You should get a homogeneous mixture, without lumps and not too liquid.

Can be used for fastening and cement mortar. However, in the future it will be difficult to dismantle such a coating, and it will no longer be possible to reuse the tile itself.

The scheme of laying tiles diagonally inside a rectangle of tiles.

Lay the tiles on the floor diagonally in the same way as during its preliminary layout on the floor. An ordinary spatula is used to apply the adhesive composition, and a notched trowel is used to distribute it over the entire surface. It is worth remembering that the choice of spatula teeth depends on the size of the tile itself. If the base is dry, then it must be slightly moistened before installation.

The glue is applied to the floor, then combs are made evenly with a notched trowel. If the compound is too thin, the combs will spread, and if it is too thick, the adhesive will pick up with the tool. If necessary, a dry mixture or water is added to the composition. The solution is applied to a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe base so that the glue does not dry out.

A tile is laid on the plastered place. Tiles are laid one at a time. First, it fits into the marked place and is strongly pressed. After that, the tile should be moved back and forth a little, as if rubbing it into the adhesive, and then installed in the prepared place. All tiles are laid in the same way. Initially, you should lay out all the whole tiles.

After the whole tile is laid, proceed with the installation of the tile cut diagonally. It is better to cut it immediately before starting work. It is recommended to make a template out of cardboard, make marks on the remaining tile and then cut it with a tile cutter or grinder.

For an even arrangement of tiles during cladding, you should constantly check the horizontalness of the rows with a building level. Between the tiles it is necessary to lay special plastic crosses.

After the tile dries, the seams are treated with grout.

The result is a beautiful finish.

Tiles laid on the floor diagonally can make an excellent pattern, which is one of the very beautiful and common. Unlike direct laying, you will need a little more materials and the process itself is more difficult, but it has specific advantages in hiding wall irregularities.

Tiling the floor tiles along the diagonal will make it possible to visually enlarge the room and hide wall irregularities

Advantages of diagonal styling

Before you start laying tiles along the diagonal, you need to understand the specifics of this method. First of all, it is necessary to note the advantages and disadvantages of the diagonal orientation of the tiles.

Attention! Diagonal masonry can be made with both square and rectangular tiles.

So what's so great about the diagonal way? Pros:

• Visual increase in space. With a rotary arrangement, the room visually becomes wider. In this case, it is necessary to carefully choose the design and color of the coating.
• Decorative. The effect of diagonal styling is more interesting, as it looks original. In order to increase the effect, combine different colors.
• Hides wall irregularities. In case the walls are not completely parallel, masonry floor tiles along the diagonal makes it possible to hide this.

A laid surface in a diagonal way can be called more interesting and also costly than a direct way.

However, there are also disadvantages of this method, which are associated with the installation:

• Difficulty. Making styling is much more problematic, since it is necessary to correctly maintain the parallel of an inconspicuous diagonal.
• High consumption of tiles. Tiles will be cut diagonally, which increases consumption by 5-10 percent compared to straight laying.
• Tile cutting. It will take a lot of effort to cut the plates.

Necessary materials and tools

To lay tiles at 45 degrees, you need a tool that makes it possible to cut halves along the diagonal

In order for the overall process of diagonal laying to be of high quality, you need to prepare complex tools and stock up on the necessary amount of material. The difficulty will be that a considerable number of cut slabs unsuitable for subsequent use appear. That's why you have to make accurate calculations.

To determine the required number of tiles, it is much better to do this schematically by counting the smaller area from one wall to the other and multiplying by the partitioning index of the site. First of all, whole tiles are calculated, after that it is calculated how many pieces will have to be completed. If possible, try to make two pieces from one tile.

The resulting quantity must be multiplied by 10% by the situation of marriage, inaccuracies in the calculation, the appearance of flaws when cutting.

You will also need the following tools:

• container to prepare the solution;
• spatula (notched, flat);
• glue;
• grout fugue;
• bubble level;
• twine;
• felt-tip pen or chalk for marking;
• roulette;
• spacers and mounting seam crosses;
• rubber hammer;
• tile cutter.

Surface preparation and marking

Laying tiles with a plane builder will be more convenient

The difficulty level of laying is very often set by the quality of the substrate. That is why it is necessary to prepare it. In order for the final result to be achieved without problems, it is necessary to carry out surface alignment:

1. The protruding parts are polished.
2. The recesses in the base are sealed with cement mortar.

It would be much better to make a new layer of a mixture that levels itself, so that the installation process goes even better.

To do this, a specialized dry composition is mixed in a water mass. After reaching the desired consistency, it is applied to the base and evenly distributed with a roller with needles. It levels the composition itself, and the roller is needed to direct it in the required direction and save it from air bubbles that remain in the solution.

As soon as 3-4 days have passed and the screed has undergone a polymerization process, the surface is treated with primer compositions that will improve the bonding of the tile adhesive composition. Apply impregnation in a thin layer of 1 mm.

On the prepared base, marked lines are to be made, along which it will be possible to lay parallel to the diagonal. It is done like this:

The main thing! In order to carry out accurate marking, it is worth removing all interfering details. It is removed from the perimeter of the walls and the door jamb is removed. However, this process must be done before the surface preparation of the base begins.

• If the room has the shape of a square, then the reference line will be diagonal, which is carried out with the help of twine. You can use more advanced tools, such as a plane builder, but they are not cheap and not everyone has it, so you will need to get by with a primitive rope and chalk.
• Since rooms with directly oriented corners and straight wall surfaces are very rare, it will be necessary to apply the method with the construction of an isosceles triangle. To do this, from the corner of the beginning of the installation of the tile, lines equal in length are laid and connected by a line. This line (the base of the isosceles triangle) will serve as the side of the tiled laying.

Material calculation

Another essential stage of the installation is the calculation. It depends on the qualitative properties of the implementation of this stage whether there are enough materials or not. Purchasing too much material is a waste of cash, and large savings usually result in material shortages that may later be difficult to find on sale.

We put a not very large section to determine the approximate consumption

In order to carry out the calculation, you can use the following methods:

• Online calculators.
• Highly professional programs for tilers: "Tile", " Tile 3D".
• manual method.

Trusting just like that, without checking the calculations, is not worth it to an unknown program: “trust, but verify!”. Moreover, there are two options for manual calculation:

• The area of ​​​​the room is divided into the area of ​​\u200b\u200bone tile. The resulting amount must be expanded by 10%. If a masonry tiles on the floor with their own hands will be made in a rhombus, then the stock must be taken at least 15%.
• A calculation is made for one row of the surface to be lined, after which the resulting quantity is multiplied by the number of rows. You also need to remember about the margin of 15% if masonry rhombus tiles will be implemented.

To calculate the required quantity adhesive composition influenced by the following factors:

• base material;
• surface evenness;
• plate sizes;
• quality adhesive composition.

You can use the average value of the adhesive mixture. To calculate the flow, they work like this. The package indicates the consumption per square meter, which is multiplied by the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, thus obtaining an average consumption value adhesive composition.

Laying technique

Diagonal masonry thinks the beginning is from the center of the room

There are two options for laying ceramic tiles along the diagonal:

• Starting from the center of the room. This method is used if the open laid floor area is located in the center of the room. Put the modules in sectors. The starting main point is set by the intersection of the diagonal lines. The lines divide the entire laying area into 4 sectors. The corner of the first tile should be at the center point.
• Starting from the corner of the room. The first elements will be cut tiles with a triangle shape. To do this, use a tile cutter or angle grinder, which tile cut in the shape of an isosceles triangle.

In general, the general process of applying tiles to a surface is actually no different from laying in a direct way. So it should go in this order:

• The adhesive composition is applied to a small area of ​​​​the floor and on the other side of the tile.
• Tiles are laid in compliance with the gap between adjacent tiles. In this case, it is necessary to fulfill the parallelism of the line marked earlier.
• Tile slightly pressed onto the composition of the adhesive, the general horizontal level is examined. If necessary, tap with a rubber-based mallet.
• Next comes the next tile, which must be the same horizontal level with others.

The first step of the installation takes place using solid tiles, and trimming and finishing the contour will be done in a few days, when the adhesive dries enough to walk on the tile covering.

The last step will be grouting the tile joints, while it is necessary to choose a grout mixture that will focus on the diagonal arrangement of the modules.

Pay attention to the video on how to lay tiles on the floor with a diagonal orientation:

How to lay curved tiles on the floor when renovating a bathroom with your own hands

adhesive diagonal initial definition tile laying

Of all the existing schemes, laying tiles on the floor diagonally is the most difficult way. The main problematic nuances are related to markup. You also need to correctly determine the place from where you need to lay the first tile, and in which direction to move. Despite all the difficulties, diagonal styling allows you to realize many design ideas.

Which tile to choose for the floor, and how to glue it

To consider a step-by-step guide to laying diamond tiles, you must begin with the choice of material. This is what determines the quality of the end result.

The floor in the room is usually laid out with tiles or ceramic tiles. And what is their difference? Virtually nothing. The basis is clay, and only additives differ. A tile is a type of ceramic tile. Both materials are great for any room in a living space. GOST 6787-2001 applies to ceramic floor tiles. According to the standard, tiles with an unglazed surface are intended for balconies and loggias. Glazed tiles are laid in all other rooms.

Attention! GOST 6787-2001 does not apply to tiles used in rooms with a high concentration of alkalis and acids.

You can not save on the quality of the tile. Its surface must be resistant to abrasion, aggressive cleaning agents, as well as mild impacts. Tile suffers the most in the kitchen and bathroom. Permanent moisture, grease, objects that have fallen on the floor should not harm the floor covering.

Now for the glue. Laying tiles on cement mortar is the last century. There are a huge number of adhesive mixtures, but they need to be chosen correctly:

• For small tiles, a cement-based adhesive mixture is usually used. It is sold in the form of a dry powder, and is inexpensive.
• Larger slabs are best laid using epoxy adhesive. It is sold ready to use.
• A floor with a wooden base is deformed while walking by a person. To prevent the tile from flying off, it is better to give preference to polyurethane adhesive because of its elasticity.

Incorrectly selected glue for certain operating conditions will begin to crumble over time. Large cracks will appear under the tile, and it will simply peel off the floor.

We calculate the materials and prepare the tool for work

Do-it-yourself tile laying begins with the preparation of materials and tools. First of all, you need to calculate the required amount of tiles on the floor. The complexity of the calculation arises in the fact that laying tiles diagonally requires a lot of trimming. This results in a lot of waste being left behind.

The calculation of the amount of tiles begins with determining the floor area by multiplying the length of two adjacent walls of the room. The result is divided by the size of the tile.

Attention! When using the diamond laying pattern, only square tiles will do. Another form of tile will distort the diagonal arrangement of rows.

When the total amount of material becomes known, you need to calculate how many whole tiles and pieces will be needed. Every effort must be made so that after cutting both pieces of tiles can be used. The final result obtained is multiplied by 10%. The reserve is needed in case of a fight, marriage and other unforeseen situations.

To work, you need a tool:

• bucket for mixing glue;
• two spatulas for applying the solution with a smooth and serrated blade;
• laser or regular level;
• building cord;
• pencil, tape measure, rubber mallet;
• crosses for leveling seams;
• grinder with a diamond disc or tile cutter.

Another material you will need is a grout paste for joints, but it can already be purchased after laying the tiles.

Work order from A to Z

So, now the instruction will be considered, including a step-by-step guide to the work performed.

Floor surface preparation

The tile must be laid on a clean, level and solid floor. This is the only way to achieve good results. Work begins with the removal of the old flooring. If there are painted areas on the concrete screed, bitumen residues, inserted wooden mortgages, then all this must also be removed. A completely cleaned surface is primed, and then checked by level. If the floor turned out to be perfectly flat, then you just need to putty the cracks, clean the protrusions and go through the primer again.

Most often, the surface of the old floor is uneven. The best way out is to pour a new screed from a self-leveling mixture. Dry powder is diluted with water, thoroughly mixing with a construction mixer to the consistency of sour cream. The solution is evenly applied to the floor, leveling with a spiked roller. After four days, the smooth surface is coated with a primer.

Two ways to mark the floor

In order for the tiles on the floor to look diagonally beautiful, you need to properly mark the floor. This is one of the most difficult processes and can be done in two ways.

In any case, in order to correctly lay the tiles on the floor with a rhombus, you need to choose the right landmark. The role of the guide line is played by a diagonal drawn between opposite corners of the room. If the walls are uneven, the two diagonals will differ in length. This will greatly disrupt the arrangement of the rows of diamonds.

The first marking method does not require you to stick to the diagonal. The landmark for the first tile is determined by an isosceles triangle. To build it, two lines of the same length are drawn on the floor from adjacent corners of one wall. The size of the same segments can be taken at your discretion, but it is better to choose so that the marking of the triangle coincides with the diagonal of the tile. This will allow you to start laying with a solid tile.

The second marking method is suitable for a square room. It requires orientation to the diagonal. First determine the center. To do this, find the middle on the four sides of the floor. Lines are drawn with a pencil, connecting opposite points. You should get two perpendicular segments intersecting at an angle of 90 o. This is the center. This is where the tiling begins. Two more lines are drawn through this point, connecting opposite corners. These will be the diagonals for orientation.

Correct application of glue and control of the position of the tile

Applying glue shouldn't be a problem. The finished mixture is evenly applied to the floor with an even spatula. Next, they take a tool with a serrated blade, apply it perpendicular to the floor surface, and, moving to the sides, make grooves on the glue.

Attention! When using a tile with a porous surface, it must also be lubricated with glue.

After applying the adhesive solution, the tiles are laid, gently tapping with a rubber mallet. Immediately you need to check the horizontalness of the tile with a level. When laying tiles diagonally, it is important to monitor its position. Diagonal rows should run at an angle of 45 degrees to the walls of the room. The evenness of the seams is regulated by plastic crosses. They additionally help to set the tiles horizontally.

Laying tiles from the center and corner of the room

You can lay out tiles with a rhombus from the center or corner of the room. It all depends on the features of the device of the room.

First way

So, from the center of the floor we lay tiles in the event that this part of the room will be on public display. That is, the place will not be filled with furniture or something else. Tiles must be laid in sectors. After marking, they get four pieces.

Taking a spatula in hand, we proceed to laying the tiles:

• The first tile must be laid from the center of the floor. One corner of the tile is placed at the central point where all lines intersect. The edge of the tile is combined with the diagonal.
• Next, you need to lay out the first row. Laying tiles with a rhombus occurs, adhering to the diagonal. The stacked row ends in the corner of the room. Now we need to return to the center again. From here, the second row is laid out in the same way in the opposite direction of the room. Upon completion of the second row, a straight diagonal of tiles will be obtained across the entire room.
• The same actions are performed with the third and fourth row to get the second diagonal of tiles. Now the floor is divided into four sectors. They need to be tiled one by one.

Laying tiles in the sectors begins after the glue has hardened on the diagonal rows. The last tiles near the walls will have to be cut into triangles. It is optimal to use a tile cutter, but in its absence, a grinder with a diamond wheel is suitable.

Second way

In a bedroom or kitchen, often the center of the room is crowded with furniture or other items. The most visible place here is the area near the front doors. Here it is reasonable to use the second method, which involves laying ceramic tiles diagonally from the corner. Moreover, the first lay tiles cut into triangles.

It is important to lay exactly the first row. It consists of two triangular tiles, and usually starts from the left corner of the entrance doors. Further, according to the scheme shown in the photo, the tiles are laid diagonally in the following rows.

With uneven walls, the geometric shape of the room is violated. Near the wall on the last row, it may be necessary to cut complex tiles in several places. In order not to be mistaken, a template is cut out of paper according to the size of the tile. Then it is shaped into a complex fragment, and the sketch is transferred to a solid tile. Now it remains to trim along the lines, and glue the piece into place.

Grouting

The mishandled floor with tiles is left for a day until the glue completely hardens. When it is already possible to walk on the tile, the mounting crosses are removed from the seams and proceed to grouting. Pasta is prepared from a dry mix. It is diluted to the consistency of non-liquid sour cream. The finished paste is pushed into the voids of the joints with a rubber spatula. After grouting the floor with a maximum area of ​​2 m 2, the remains of the mixture are removed. It is impossible to delay cleaning the floor from the paste, otherwise it will be almost impossible to wash it off after hardening.

Conclusion

The video tells about the rules for laying tiles diagonally:

This is the principle of laying floor tiles diagonally in any room. The process is complicated, but if you wish, you can do the work yourself at home.