Have you ever wondered how professional tile setters create perfectly even grout lines when installing tile on floors, walls, or countertops? It’s simple. They use tile spacers, which provide professional tile setters and home do-it-yourselfers with an inexpensive way to ensure uniform tile spacing and alignment. At DeFusco Industrial Supply we carry a wide selection of plastic tile spacers in different sizes that are easy to use, find and remove during any tiling project.
When laying tile on any surface the most important thing to remember is that creating evenly spaced and straight lines between tiles is the only way to achieve professional looking results. When one or more tiles are out of alignment or have different spacing than the other tiles on a surface, they tend to stand out and become an uncomfortable distraction to an observer. By using tile spacers you’ll take the guesswork out of spacing your tiles and be able to create even spaces with easy. Depending on your project, tile spacers are available in many shapes, sizes and styles to suit you taste.
Before spreading any adhesive or laying tiles, there are a few other steps to take in order to achieve the best possible results. First of all, you must know the design you wish to achieve and test the layout. Complete a test run on a flat surface, without any adhesives. Lay your tiles out, including spacer to ensure that the final design is what you are trying to produce. Making adjustments to your pattern now, will save you a lot of work and frustration in the future.
When you’re happy with your design, it’s time to locate the center of your room, this is where you will begin laying you’re first tiles and then work out from there. Measure the walls of your room and make a mark in middle of each wall. Using a chalk line, create two lines that go from these marks all the way across your floor. You now have a bit plus sign or “X” on your floor. Your room’s center point is where these lines meet up. Use this center point to lay your first four tiles, without adhesive. With one corner of each tile at the center mark, insert two spacers on each side of each tile creating uniform spacing. Now place a row of tiles that span across your room from wall to wall on both chalk lines. If the space between the last whole tile and your wall is less than two inches, we suggest adjusting your center point to achieve a minimum of two inches of space. This will make things much easier when it comes time to cut your boarding tiles later.
Now you’re ready to lay your tiles. Starting at your center point, spread your adhesive using a notched trowel, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Place your tiles, one at a time, using your chalk lines as a guide. When placing a tile do not twist, gently push them down into place. Like before, insert your tile spacers, two per side, at the corners of your tiles. Work out towards your walls in small sections, continually checking to make sure your lines stay straight, until you finish the room. After the adhesive has full cured, simply pull out the spacers and fill the even joints with grout.
