DIY Network

Tiling a Foyer: Measuring and Chalking the Layout Grid Pattern and Laying the Tiles From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-102

	In this episode of DIY's Tiling Techniques workshop, this plain foyer is converted into ...
	a dazzling entryway by adding a tile medallion.
	And the medallion look is continued up the staircase!

In this segment, host Paul Wilson will measure and chalk the tile layout grid pattern and then lay the tiles in the foyer.

Materials:

Carpenter's pencils
Razor blade
Steel tape measure
Grout float
Notched trowel
Margin trowel
Hydra sponges
Rubber gloves
Two 5gal. buckets
Tile cutter
Power jamb cutter
Dry masonry saw
Hand backerboard cutter
1/2" drill motor
Rod type paddle mixer
3/8" drill
Rubber mallet with beating block
Chalk line and chalk
Flat pry bar
Hammer
Chisel
Floor scraper
Broom
Shop vac
Dust mask
Paintbrush
Safety glasses
Ear protection

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Measuring the Floor for Working Lines and Grid Pattern

1. Find the center of the foyer by measuring and chalking out two opposing walls. Make sure the lines are square by using the 3-4-5 triangle method (figure A) -- measure three feet down one of the lines to be checked for square and make a pencil mark. Then measure four feet down the other opposing line and make a second mark. The lines are square to one another if the measurement between those marks is then five feet.

2. Chalk out a 6'x6' box from those lines and then chalk corner to corner to establish the diagonal pattern.

   Note: Your grid box holds as many tiles as the setter can tile in 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Measure and chalk out 2'x2' boxes for 16 tiles each in the layout. The 6'x6' box from the main working lines established from the perimeter walls (figure B) allowed Wilson to chalk in the diagonal pattern.

4. Dry run the medallion and border around it (figure C), and chalk the position in the center of the floor.

5. Dry set tiles against the perimeter of the wall (figure D) to ensure that a 6" border would work without any tiny cuts.

6. Clear lacquer all the chalk lines so they won't fade or disappear later.

   Note: A chalked-in layout allows you to start anywhere you want, go around obstacles and corners and frees you from using spacers.
   

   	Figure E
   	Figure F
   	Figure G
   	Figure H

   Laying the Tile in the Foyer

   Note: When you're doing a diagonal layout such as this one, you want to make sure that you don't have any tiny cuts on the outside of the layout. Lay out a section of tiles so you can make any cuts necessary ahead of time.

7. Lay the tile out dry so you can mark for the border cuts in the diagonal layout. Simply pencil in the layout just like before with the chalk lines, extend the lines far enough so you can see them, line up the straightedge along the line (figure E) for the border and then pencil in the mark. Go to the other side and find the other borderline and mark for the cut. Be sure to mark the cut with a number so you'll know where the cut piece of tile will go later. Mark the wasted part of the tile with an "x" so you will know for sure what to keep and what to discard.

8. Now it's time to cut the tiles with a wet saw, which can be rented from any local hardware store for approximately $45 a day.

   Safety Alert: Be cautious when using a wet saw. Don't get the plug near any water that may come from the reservoir.

   Tip: To get a nice even cut with the wet saw, be sure to use a speed square (figure F).

9. Mix the thin set according to manufacturer's specifications with the 1/2" drill motor and the rod type mixer paddle at less than 600 rpm.

10. Apply thin set with the flat end of the trowel to key in the mortar on the backerboard, then use the notched side to create a uniform thickness. (Only lay as much thin set as you can tile in 15 minutes.)

11. Lay the tile on the thin set following the chalk lines, and make sure you keep the tiles aligned properly (figure G). Also, make sure there's no excess lippage on the laid tiles.

12. Tap the tiles lightly with a rubber mallet to ensure a good bond to the thin set. But be sure not to tap too vigorously or the tiles could break.

13. In the initial setting of tiles, pull up two to three tiles and check for a minimum of 80 percent coverage after tiles have been beaten in.

14. Continue until entire floor surface is covered.

    Tip: When setting in the medallion, be sure to keep the cardboard on the back of the medallion and ever so gently pull it away (figure H).

In the next segment, Wilson will lay tile on the stair risers.

RESOURCES :

Foyer Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

Westminster Tumbled Field Tile
Chiaro 6"x6"
Vendor: BananAppeal
Model #: 00606

Westminster Tumbled Field Tile
Noce 6"x6"
Vendor: BananAppeal
Model #: 00611

Westminster Tumbled Field Tile
Bottichino 6"x6"
Vendor: BananAppeal
Model #: 00612

Westminster Medallion
Basilicata 24"x24"
Vendor: BananAppeal
Model #: 00533

Grout by Custom
Color: Bone (sanded)
Model #: 123-852 (25 lb. bag)

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

Where available: Home Depot

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