DIY Network

Soft Contemporary (3 of 4): Laying Out the Tiles From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-112

	In this week 's episode of Kitchen Renovations, host Paul Ryan starts a four-part project that involves converting this old, outdated kitchen ...
	into this beautiful new soft contemporary kitchen ...
	that's a perfect place for a young couple to entertain!
	The "pink" countertops definitely had to go according to the homeowners.
	Here's the old layout, and when designer Lisa Loushin-Crocker was through working her magic ...
	she suggested this new light, spacious and airy layout!

In this segment host Paul Ryan and the homeowners make the grid for the tile layout, and the first tiles are pressed into place. Ryan shows how easy it is to fit pieces into smaller spaces.

Materials and Tools:

Glue Application for Cork Floor --

Respirator
Fan for ventilation
Rubber gloves
Adhesive
Paint tray and liners
Painter's tape
Brush
Roller with extension pole
Foam roller
Small bucket

Cork Tile Installation --

Cork tiles
Tape measure
Pencil
LG2 laser line generator
Painter's tape
Framing square
Utility knife

Application of Sealer to Cork Floor --

Respirator
Fan for ventilation
Gloves
Polyurethane sealer
Catalyst
Stir stick
Synthetic fleece applicator on swivel extension pole
Fine sanding pad

Trim and Shoe --

Base and shoe (plastic foam product) as much as needed
Toe kick (provided by cab manufacturer)
Safety glasses
Compound miter saw
Coping saw
Tape measure
Impulse finish nailer
1-1/2" nails

Veneering Toe Kick Edge --

Roll of wood veneer (self-adhesive/iron on)
Iron
Utility knife
Spray on clear poly

Lighting --

Selected new fixtures
Safety glasses
Ladder
Screwdriver
Wire cutter
Cordless drill
Appropriate screw bit
Wire nuts

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	In laying out the cork tiles, the object is to have as many full tiles as possible in the more visible areas of the floor, as this image illustrates.
	Figure A
	Figure B

Installing the Cork Flooring

1. Get a starting point, and the object is to have as many full tiles in a visible area as possible. Once the first tile is down, all the other tiles will fall into place accordingly.

   Note: Ryan and the homeowners used a tool with a laser beam (figure A -- see Resources, below, for more information on the Spectra Precision Laser) that makes laying cork tiles a work of precision since it shoots perfect 45-degree angles from the floor.

2. Set the laser beam at the starting point -- where the edge of the first full row of tiles should go. (We started one foot from the carpet and four feet from the wall.)

3. Check your work by measuring from the walls to the laser line. If the walls are off, make adjustments to your starting line.

4. Lay down the tiles.

   Tip: Be careful since adhesive is on the back of the tiles. It will be stuck for good once it's down on the adhesive and the floor.

5. Lay the first tile in the corner, gently pressing it into place.

6. Overlap the second piece at the seam of the first tile to stagger seams for more professional look (figure B).

7. You can move in a new direction by marking a tile at the midway point and setting the tile so it overlaps the seam evenly in both directions.
   

   Figure C

   Cutting Tile for Smaller Spaces

8. Take a measurement and transfer to the cork. Make the cut using a utility knife and straightedge (figure C). Don't worry about fitting tiles perfectly to the cabinets. A toekick under the cabinets will cover the edges as will the baseboard along the wall.

9. Continue until the cork flooring is down.

In the next segment, Ryan and the homeowners will seal the cork flooring.

RESOURCES :

Skil
Robert Bosch Tool Corp.
Website: www.skiltools.com

Stanley Tools Information
Stanley Tools/Works
Website: www.stanleyworks.com

Fiskars (Bucket Boss Division)
Fiskars Bucket Boss Division
Website: www.bucketboss.com

Makita Products
Makita USA Inc.
Website: www.makita.com

Paslode Nail Guns
Paslode
Website: www.paslode.com

Wolfcraft Products

Wolfcraft Inc.
Itasca, IL 60143
Phone: 630-773-4777
Fax: 630-773-4805
Website: www.wolfcraft.com

3M Painter's Masking Tape and Sanding Pad
The 3M Company
Website: www.3m.com

Cork Flooring (The Morales Group)

Brand name: Duro Design
Model #: Cleopatra Negra
Color: Natural
Where available: See manufacturer information, below

The Morales Group, Inc.
Website: www.durodesign.com

Laser (Trimble Navigation, LTD)

Brand name: Spectra Precision Laser
Model #: LG2
Type: Line generator
Where available: See manufacturer information, below

Trimble Navigation, LTD
Website: www.trimble.com

Low-Voltage Monorail and Accessories (LBL Lighting)

Dome S-II Coax Pendent
Brand name: Fusion
Model #: HS244BU1B35MRL
Color: Blue

Mini-Dome 1, Swivel 2 Rail Head
Brand name: Fusion
Model #: HB325BU011A35MRL
Color: Blue

Soft Curve Fusion Kit
Brand name: Fusion
Model #: FUSIONKIT8CV
Type: 2 rails, connector and transformer

Mini-Dome 1 Pendent
Brand name: Fusion
Model #: HS325BU1A35MPT
Color: Blue

Where available: See LBL Lighting information, below

LBL Lighting
We apologize no contact information is available.

GUESTS :

Dan Azar
Flooring Expert
CDM of Minnesota, Inc.
5304 Ayrshire Blvd.
Edina, MN 55436
Phone: 612-210-1502

Joan Clemens
Website: www.durodesign.com