One of the most demanding steps of laying bathroom herringbone tiles is knowing how to achieve the pattern. Without careful consideration, herringbone tiles laying can be very tricky because of many associated factors. Depending on the surface area and the room’s shape, the tiler must identify which side from where to start laying. After that, he must know which tiles should be marked for cutting and which can be modified for necessary use.
Another critical aspect of tile laying is the preparation and planning process. Note that the herringbone tiles pattern is suitable for the home, including the kitchen and bathroom herringbone tiles. The first prerequisite for the design is the need for a rectangular-shaped tile. The next step will be to conceive the pattern in a mental picture. Then you start laying the tiles while stacking one end of a tile perpendicular to the first time, at 450 to the horizontal.
Materials and Tools you need to lay Herringbone Tiles
The required tools for laying herringbone tiles include
- Hack or miter saw
- Tile cutter
- Notched trowel
- Combination square
- Tile file
- Tile scorer
- Grout float
- Measuring tape
- Bucket and sponge
- Popsicle stick
- Pencil
- Safety goggles
- Spray bottle containing soapy water
- Spirit level
- Dust mask
- Masking tape
The needed tools for installing herringbone tiles pattern
- Metro wall tiles
- Tile trim
- Silicone sealant
- Cardboard
- Ready-mixed grout
- Wall tile adhesive
- Tile spacers
Tile calculations
Your initial calculation of the area will determine the size of the tile you choose if there is an electrical outlet with all the appliances that require special arrangements to avoid. By implication, you will have first to measure the area on the wall and work out the required quantity of tiles to fill the space. However, when calculating the number of tiles you need, remember to add an extra 10% to provide for wastage that occurs while laying and cutting. You can read about Buying Guide for Herringbone Tiles in 2022 by visiting http://bathladirect.com/buying-guide-for-herringbone-tiles-in-2022/
Essential Steps in laying Herringbone tiles
- Go through DIY Safety Tiles
If you have to install your herringbone tiles yourself, you need a DIY safety guide. This guide contains helpful tips that can help you achieve the desired pattern. In addition, you should also ensure that your power tool manual is in place to offer maximum protection. More so, you should further inspect the area where to lay the tiles if any cracks and holes need to be filled. Conduct a careful repair on a site that needs it. If you have any problematic situation, you may consult a professional on the job for help.
- Find a starting position
Before laying herringbone tiles on a surface, you must identify where the starting position will be. Usually, the midpoint of the wall or floor is the place to begin the work. And to find the middle, you should measure the width of the surface with a measuring tape and mark out the center with a pencil. When you find the midpoint, you should draw a straight vertical line to the top of the wall from that midpoint.
- Make a dry run
It is time to use your piece of cardboard and paper. You have to cut it to the exact tile size you demand to use and then include a vertical line to the midpoint. If you don’t have a center at your disposal, you can use any protective sheet to cover the wall or floor. On the other hand, you can use masking tape to create a border.
- Visualize the tile pattern
It would help if you tried first your first tile dry while using the combination square to place it correctly. Also, maintain a 450 angle from the midpoint of the line you drew at the center. When you lay this tile successfully, you can continue to apply the rest of the herringbone tiles perpendicular to the next one. When you reach the edge of the side of the dry run, you can need to cut the last tiles on the end to achieve a perfect fit.
However, before you cut the tiles, you should first mark them in the direction of the cut using masking tape. Then number them in the correct order of the amount to remember the proper order. Laying the first herringbone tile correctly is an excellent way to visualize the pattern while showing you the right angle and place to cut the tiles.
- Mark the required Angles
Before you cut the tiles, you must factor in the gaps and overhangs that the tiles may need in-between them. When using triangular holes, you should use the combination square to measure the angle of 45-degrees from one corner of the tile to the line of the curve. You can also use masking tape to achieve these markings before cutting along the marked lines.
- Now, cut the tiles
Cutting of herringbone tiles requires using the tile cutter right on the marked lines on the tiles. At the same time, you may also need some tile scorer to set up the entire place that you need to work on. In addition, you may also have to add some measure of pressure to the cutting line. In addition, don’t ignore the content of the instruction manual for the tile cutter before you begin to cut. If you notice that the cut edges are rough, you should use a tile file to smoothen things out cleanly.
- Use the adhesives
It is time to apply the wall adhesives ready-mixed on the wall or floor using a hand trowel. When applying the adhesives, you should hold your trowel at an angle of 45-degrees as you spread the glue evenly on the surface. In addition, you should be applying sealants to the surface in small portions and sections of the larger area. Ensure that the team is not bigger than a meter square in the site rather than working on the entire piece. You may find out that the surface will dry up too soon if you do. You can also read about 7 Simple Tips to Keep Tiles Clean and Glossy by clicking here.
- Lay your herringbone tiles and trim off the sides
When laying the tiles, you should first place the center triangle on the target surface. You can begin to work out your laying wide and long on the surface. At the same time, you should not leave the tile spacers in between the tiles while also fixing the grout portions in their rightful place. As you do, wipe away any excess grout or adhesive that finds its way to the work surface using a damp cloth.