DIY Network

Den: Laying a Circular Design for the Couch and Grouting From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-103

	In this episode of DIY's Tiling Techniques workshop, host Paul Wilson will update the worn-out carpet in this den with ...
	new tile in the entryway, ...
	companion tile in front of the fireplace ...
	and even created a tiled circular area for the couch.

In this segment, host Paul Wilson will create a circular tile design for the couch and grout.

Materials:

Carpenter's pencils
Razor knife
Steel tape measure
Grout float
Notched trowel
Margin trowel
Hydra sponges
Two five-gal. buckets
Tile cutter
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Dust mask
Knee pads
1/2" drill motor
Rod thin-set mixer
Chalk line and chalk
Clear lacquer
Broom
Floor scraper
Tile saw
4-1/2" masonry jamb cutter
Shop vacuum
Sealant gun

Specialty Materials:

See Resources (below)

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Laying a Circular Tile Design for the Couch

We're ready for some basic tile laying that is basically the same as we've done before, but there's one difference: This area has a circular design for the couch. Wilson wanted to follow the design and layout (figure A) of the curved couch and create a circular tile effect around it. To do this he had to curve the tile design and the carpet as well (figure B).

1. To help create this curve, install a transition strip to the floor as before.

2. In order to cut radius tiles that will be needed for this curve, you can utilize a template (figure C) that's cut to the same size as the tile.

3. Lay out the tiles dry, place the template in the space where the tiles goes. Hold it firmly in place and use a razor knife to cut around the radius, and follow the metal transition strip in this case around to the other side.

4. Pick up the template, place it on the tile (making sure the edges fit and are aligned), take a pencil or china marker and trace a "cutting" mark on the tile on the same radius. Lastly, use a wet saw to cut the tile.

   Note: Wet saws can be rented from your local hardware store for approximately $45 a day, and make sure you wear safety goggles. And take your time and be careful.

5. Thin set and place the tiles as you did before with the entryway.

   Figure A

   Figure B

   Figure C

   
   

   	Figure D
   	Figure E

   Grouting the Tile

6. Mix the grout per the manufacturer's instructions. Note as with the previous episodes of DIY's Tiling Techniques workshop, you want the mix to have the consistency of a milkshake.

7. Apply the grout with a laminated grout float, and push the grout into the joints with the flat edge of the float (figure D).

8. Push the grout over the face of the tiles diagonally with the flat edge of float to cut off excess grout.

   Tip: Work in small manageable areas.

9. Continue the process over the entire floor until all the joints have been grouted.

10. Allow the grout to set and haze over.

11. With a nearly dry sponge, tool the grout to eliminate pinholes, voids, highs and low spots.

12. Do a final wipe with a nearly dry sponge pulled diagonally over the face of the tile to remove any grout residue.

13. Once the grout has hazed over, polish the face of the tiles with a cheesecloth (figure E).

    Note: Grout should set for 24 hours before you can walk on it.

In the final segment, Wilson will build a platform for the couch.

RESOURCES :

Den Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

Artisan II Collection "Titan"
13x13
Model #: 384-058
Color: 300 olive sheen

Golden Brown
12x12
Model #: 640-490

Mosaic rock Sheet Tile
4x12
Model #: 277-862

Grout by Custom
Delorean Gray (sanded)
Model #: 123-852

Red Guard Waterproofing and Anti-fracture Membrane
Model #: 755-504

Modified Thin Set Mortar by Custom
Model #: 399-727

Where available: Home Depot

The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com