Laying ceramic tiles diagonally on the floor. Laying porcelain stoneware on the floor according to the classical scheme and diagonally
One of the ways to diversify the type of cladding is to lay the tiles diagonally (see also the article about). In this article, I will show you how to style at 45 degrees using a small bathroom as an example. Since the size of the room is small, we will not draw the markings.
Previously, we poured a screed onto the floor. The height of the floor was adjusted to fit the wall tiles, leaving a gap for laying the floor with a layer of adhesive.
Before starting work, we sort the tiles by size into 2-3 groups. We put the defective tiles aside - we will use them under the furniture.
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Pruning
We start by trimming the first two tiles. Let's cut each of them in half diagonally to make a preliminary layout.
We apply tiles and combine the drawing.
Draw diagonal lines and make a shallow (3 mm) cut with a grinder with a disc on the tile. We break off the tile along the incisions. 
We do not use a tile cutter because the tile does not fit diagonally. But they can do trimming of small corners. Because of this, diagonal laying is more expensive for tilers.
Measure each cut in place to avoid mistakes, and consider the width of the seam.
Pre-layout
We will start laying from the most prominent wall. In this place, there should be even half-cut cuts. The opposite wall will be closed, so it doesn't matter to us how wide the triangles are.
If you want to get the same trim on both sides, you need to align the center of the first tile with the center of the room.
We lay out the first 1.5 rows of tiles on the floor without glue in order to see all the irregularities, and, if necessary, also cut it under the walls. If all is well, apply glue to this area of the base.
Styling
The adhesive is applied to the floor with an even trowel or trowel. I use Lux Plus cement glue. The consistency of the mortar is liquid: this ensures better adhesion and adjustment.
We put the tile on the mixture and tap it. Align the plane and seams. Since the floor is perfectly flat, there is almost no need to look at the general laying plane, you can focus on the adjacent tiles.
We start the floor tiles under the wall tiles. There should be a gap between them.
We insert crosses to avoid displacement of the seams. I use thin crosses with a thickness of 1.5 mm, as I am confident in the evenness of the tile and the base.
We immediately clean the front part and ends from excess glue.
In the last row, there is a complex pruning. In addition, the walls in the room have an irregular geometric shape. To cut it off accurately, take a triangular half of the tile and use it to measure all the indents, taking into account the thickness of the seams and the overlap of the wall tile. We make a cardboard template according to measurements. If everything fits together, transfer the dimensions to the tile, cut it off and lay it down.
There are only two ways to lay out tiles, and the most difficult is to lay the tiles diagonally. But even taking into account the complexity of the implementation, such a laying option has become widespread. In particular, the method reached its peak of popularity due to its unique ability to increase space. But in order to correctly lay the floor diagonally, you need to know all the features, starting with the marking, and ending with the elimination of excess grout.
Base marking and preparation for laying
The main mistake that novice specialists make, as well as those who decided to carry out repairs on their own, is the wrong choice of a landmark. In particular, to determine the direction, the diagonal is bounced off, but we note that it is not always accurate, and also is not an indicator of the direction, which is necessarily necessary. This approach, of course, will not spoil the quality of the coating itself, but it will in no way affect the appearance. Upon completion of the work, entering the room, you can see the unevenly laid rhombuses of the tiles.
Of course, in some cases this is not noticeable. But it still greatly affects the appearance. And the culprit is the wrong laying angle. As you know, tiles must be laid out at an angle of 45 degrees. But do not forget that such an angle can be diagonal only when it comes to a square room. In other cases, the angle will be either larger or smaller, which causes irregularities.
Floor markings in a rectangular room In order for the tile to be correctly laid, it is necessary to beat off not the diagonal, but the bisector of the corner. Or, build an isosceles triangle on the floor. In order to perform such a construction, segments of the same distance should be set aside from the corner to each side of the wall, preferably in accordance with the size of the diagonal of the tile. This will allow you to start laying out the surface in solid tiles, rather than in pieces. 
The next thing to note is surface preparation. Everything is simple here, observe the minimum requirements, in particular the absence of moisture and debris, leveling the surface, and this will allow you to get the highest quality coating. 
Work technology
We briefly mentioned the main thing, and now we will consider directly how the tiles are laid diagonally on the floor. In particular, we will analyze it in the form of a visual instruction that can be used right now. We note right away that the instruction is suitable for both.
Markup
As mentioned earlier, the first step is to mark the floor surface. It is performed by marking equal segments from the corner, which will further determine the direction of laying. At the end point of each segment, it is advisable to drive in a dowel, and then pull on a thread that will serve as a guide. 
Primer
The next, mandatory stage of work becomes. If this process is overlooked, then you run the risk of ultimately ruining the result altogether, respectively, of the tile itself, as well as transferring building materials, which will entail unnecessary financial costs.
The primer is applied with a brush, roller or spray, depending on the type. Upon completion, the surface should be allowed to dry for at least a few hours.
After you have primed the surface with a standard primer. In case of unevenness of the subfloor, it is necessary to carry out the pre-leveling procedure with glue. Since laying tiles diagonally on the floor is done for more than one year, additional measures are needed to increase the quality of work.
To carry out this type of work, the tile adhesive should be diluted, while it must be made rare. Then we putty the floor surface with it. Such a process is provided for the complete elimination of pores, pits, cracks and other defects on the surface. In this case, immediately after applying it, you can start working. It is advisable only to wait until the glue mixture sets (but not necessarily).
Laying tiles
Now it's time to lay the tiles directly. First of all, you need to follow the instructions to dilute the glue mixture, after which we arm ourselves with a notched trowel and forward:
- Apply glue to the base ( also, to improve the quality, it can be additionally applied to the tiles). Most of the mixture is applied only to the base, which reduces the adhesion area. This will distribute the mixture on the floor and allow full contact with the surface.
- The next step is to lay the tiles and start leveling them. It is necessary to orient the tile strictly along the stretched thread or. Having arranged it in the correct position, we slightly tap it with a rubber mallet in order to put it well on the glue. Then we check the horizontalness with the help of the building level, if necessary, we also level it.
- Now you can proceed with the further laying of the next tile. We settle, and we check the position on the level, moreover, one should check both separately one tile, and two together. In this case, in no case should gaps appear between the tile and the applied level. In addition, the tiles must be horizontal in any direction of the level.
- After checking, you can proceed with further installation. Subsequent tiles are laid out in the same way, checking by level.
- Upon completion of installation, the coating is left for several days until the adhesive mixture dries. Note that we do not touch the remaining sections of the floor, where it is necessary to lay the cut tiles.
- And finally, before laying the tiles diagonally, we lay the carved tiles. After a few days, it is necessary to complete the installation by arranging the cut tiles. Cutting is done using a tile cutter, or a grinder.
Grout
And finally, after drying out the cl 
her grouting is carried out. The process itself is simple but responsible:
- We take.
- We breed following the instructions.
- Press the mixture into the seams using a rubber spatula
It is important to do the work carefully and slowly, since the grout dries quickly, after which it is impossible to eliminate any errors. It is also important to remove excess material from the surface of the tile upon completion of work on every 2 square meters of tile, which is done with a dry cloth.
Interior design is an actively developing industry, in no small part due to the abundance of finishing materials and accessories. Tiled or ceramic tiles are one of the most popular items in the list of items required for tiling.
One unusual way is to lay the tiles diagonally on the floor. What do you need to know about this?
There is a popular opinion that even a novice decorator can lay out a kitchen "apron" on condition of straight walls. Therefore, in addition to choosing and purchasing tiles, the issue of skill in work is important. Let's consider how to correctly approach the choice of tiles, depending on the functional purpose, what to look for and what positions can be chosen in the budget option. Let us examine the known methods of laying, their advantages and disadvantages. Let's dwell on the selection of the necessary consumables. This will help you to resolve the issue - to start the project on your own or to make a choice in favor of a specialist.
Let's figure out the terminology. Ceramic tiles are a product intended for interior and exterior decoration of premises. A mixture of quartz, clay, and other natural ingredients is pressed and fired in special ovens. Tile is one of the varieties of finishing material, for the manufacture of which they use light-colored clay.
Ceramic tiles are included in the list of materials suitable for use in the decoration of premises in which people are. And of course, its properties are strictly regulated by GOST. For example, a standard that contains requirements for the manufacture of ceramic floor tiles. It applies to products that can be used in the decoration of residential and public buildings, including household areas in production.
Important! This GOST does not apply to rooms in which tiles are exposed to concentrated acids and alkalis.
When choosing a tile, you need to pay attention not only to its decorative component. It is necessary to use information about its resistance to external aggressive factors, to abrasion, loss of color. Savings on quality can lead to the need for additional investment.
It was said above that it is worth considering the functional properties of the product - in which room it will be used, on which surface the finishing material is intended.
ceramic tiles
Let's start in order. When choosing a finishing material, you need to pay attention to the following factors.
- The reputation of the retailer from which you intend to purchase the product. Even without special knowledge, you can first check the quality of products. Pay attention to the edges so that there are no chips, damage. Cracks, coating defects give out poor-quality enamel. Comparison of several samples should convince you that they match in size (there are requirements for grade), shade, pattern.
- The functional purpose of the room. For example, if you need material for decorating external walls or floors, you should pay attention to frost-resistant products. These undoubtedly include porcelain stoneware.
Clinker tiles are distinguished by their strength and durability, which is a consequence of the manufacturing process. High-quality clay is fired in special ovens at temperatures over a thousand degrees Celsius. The tile can withstand low temperatures, direct sunlight, high humidity.
Important! Even in severe winters, hot summers and long rainy seasons, the material does not crack or fade.
If you are going to decorate the kitchen, bathroom, bathroom, it is better to choose a matte satin glaze. In these rooms, the elimination of contamination is constantly required. Such tiles are easier to care for. Its smooth surface cleans faster and better than a rough one.
Thus, when choosing ceramic tiles, be prepared to evaluate their qualities: the strength of the base and glaze, shades of the same color, resistance to wear and tear, exposure to chemicals, moisture, size, possible color solutions.
Materials and tools
Previously, laying the tiles on a cement mortar was a rather laborious step. Nowadays, adhesive mixtures are used for fixing. The assortment of goods is quite wide and in order to understand it, you need to pay attention to the following.
The choice of tiles and adhesives is huge. The best option is to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for choosing an adhesive base. But there are general principles for the selection of the composition for various jobs.
The composition of cement-based glue has not lost its relevance. But it is recommended to use it when fixing small tiles. Most often on sale, it is represented by dry mixtures, which must be prepared on their own. This position of goods is distinguished by a modest price.
Epoxy glue is purchased for laying large tiles in rooms with a maximum load: industrial workshops, metro, airport. The connection is durable, which is not affected by weather conditions and abrasion. For domestic use, the disadvantage is the rather high price.
Important! If the composition does not correspond to the chosen purpose, its base is deformed, cracks, chips appear and the tile flies off.
The choice of glue depends greatly on the base on which it will be applied. For example, when laying tiles on a wooden floor, it is recommended to use polyurethane glue, which is highly plastic. This is especially important when finishing heated floors.
For interior work, cement-based glue is suitable. For exterior finishes, they offer a special composition that does not crack and does not lose its properties in frost, heat and high humidity.
tile adhesive
What else needs to be prepared for work?
Work clothes should protect from dirt, dust, glue. If necessary, use a respirator, protective gloves. Overalls with pockets are comfortable.
The required set of tools includes:
- capacity for 10-15 liters for solution;
- electric tools (drill, tile cutter), extension cord, winder drills;
- spatula, mallet, hammer, chisel, chisel, pliers, pliers, knife, tape measure, square, level, construction syringe;
- nails, screws, plastic dowels;
- crosses and spacers;
- grout;
- glue;
- clean damp rags.
Sequence of work
The peculiarities of diagonal laying do not affect the sequence of work. But with this method of finishing, more consumables are required. When stacked diagonally, the percentage of use of threaded parts increases. To calculate the number of tiles, you need to draw a layout with details to scale.
It is easiest to count the number of tiles that will be installed as a whole. Then the parts to be cut in half or more. When counting, each of them is taken as a whole. Count the trim pieces depending on the overall pattern and pattern of each tile. The number of tiles required will be 10-15% more than the amount received. Such an allowance will allow avoiding a lack of material, even taking into account the possible marriage and mistakes made during cutting.
All work is carried out in the following sequence:
- creation of a sketch taking into account the scale;
- markings on the working surface;
- primer application;
- applying an adhesive base;
- directly laying ceramic tiles according to the sketch;
- creating a frame, if it is included in the sketch;
- grouting.
grout for tiles
There are various ways to install ceramic tiles. The basic method is more accessible even for inexperienced workers. It consists in laying out individual elements in even rows. There are ways of brickwork, "herringbone", pattern "carpet".
Today we will consider the features of the diagonal styling technology.
An obligatory step is leveling the surface (wall, floor) with special tools. If this is not done, the result of long labor may be lost after a short time. The tile will lie unevenly, a defect will be visible, and under significant load it can come off.
The markup has its own peculiarities too. On the sketch, which is made in advance, pay attention to the coincidence of the general drawing. To prevent its distortion, it is imperative to use a level.
Important! Depending on the capabilities, this can be a simple thread or a laser device.
laser level
The diagonal markings are based on a geometric figure - an isosceles triangle with angles of 45 °. To determine the first row from the selected starting point, lines are drawn horizontally and vertically. A given size is laid on them.
The first can be any row in the sketch. The choice depends on the complexity of the drawing. Most often, they are guided by rows of different colors or shades.
The next rows are directed up and down from the first.
When finishing work on the wall, the bottom row is supported with a bar so that the drawing does not subsequently "slide" down.
The peculiarity of the diagonal masonry is that the pattern must be observed on all four sides of the tile. This leads to increased costs.
The next step is to apply a primer. The composition is designed to improve the contact between the adhesive and the tile surface. Before applying it, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare the surface: clean it of debris, make wet cleaning followed by drying. If the surface contains traces of fat, a degreasing agent is required. Depending on the absorbency of the wall, the primer is applied once or twice. The exposure time is indicated in the instructions for the primer mixture.
Important! In any case, it is not less than an hour after the application of the last layer.
Sometimes the primer is replaced with an adhesive. There are a number of conditions for this. The wall or floor is pre-plastered. The concentration of the glue increases. The drying step is skipped. The tile is immediately laid on the glue.
primer
Laying technology
Laying diagonally requires practical experience.
Laying with rhombuses is done not from the center, but from the wall. It can be framed or not. The method requires a careful preliminary calculation, verification according to the sketch. Therefore, this method can only be entrusted to a specialist.
Laying with a general contour involves the alternation of different elements (in color, texture). Along the perimeter, the drawing is decorated with rectangular elements. The markup begins with a perpendicular line that is drawn from one wall to another. To do this, use a thick thread or cord. This is the basis for laying out the first row of tiles. The job also requires skill and practical skill.
Important! The use of tiles of different colors and patterns introduces a variety of styling. It should be based on a sketch made by a specialist.
So, when the marking, surface leveling and priming are already behind, you can proceed directly to laying the tiles. Let's look at the detailed process in the table.
| Sequencing | Description |
|---|---|
| To apply the adhesive properly, use a notched trowel (10 mm tooth). They apply glue first to the floor, and then to the tile itself. This procedure will ensure the quality of the styling, its durability. | |
| When laying tiles on the floor, you need to focus on the outlined lines (the same sides of the isosceles triangle, which we talked about earlier). When the tile is laid, you need to tap it well evenly with a rubber hammer - so that excess glue crawls out from under it. This is a guarantee that there are no voids left under it. After that, you can move on to laying the next tile and so on. Periodically it is necessary to check whether the diagonal laying is taking place correctly by means of a level. In which case, now you can correct the irregularities. | |
| The rest of the tiles are laid according to the same principle, and the process should already be easier, since you can focus on the previously laid tiles. Still, do not forget about using a level to check the result. Some masters recommend laying tiles around the edges of the room immediately, some - after a day. Here the decision is yours. | |
| After a day or two, you can start grouting (the period depends on what is recommended by the manufacturer of the tile adhesive). The dry grout mixture is diluted in water and, using a rubber spatula, the seams are closed. It is recommended not to do all the work at once - it is better to grind 1.5-2 square meters of tiles, remove excess grout, and then continue. |
Although diagonal tiling is considered a difficult process, observing the technology, you can cope with such a task.
Which way to choose?
Diagonal laying has features at all stages of work with tiles, from the selection of materials, calculation of costs and ending with the installation itself. An important detail - it is better to entrust this method to a professional. The work requires experience, accuracy, accuracy when marking and installing tiles. In order to decide whether you need a diagonal styling, consider the advantages and disadvantages of the method.
Advantages of the diagonal layout:
- visual increase in space, due to its "stretching" along the diagonal;
- the expansion effect can be increased by correctly distributing the color over the entire area;
- a drawing oriented diagonally looks more attractive, artistic;
- a less clear pattern allows you to hide defects, unevenness of the decorated surface, especially in small rooms.
Disadvantages of a diagonal layout:
- practical experience is required, there is a high risk of error, unexpected damage to the material;
- fitting the pattern on all four sides of the tile requires an increase in costs;
- the sketch includes a lot of threaded parts;
- special skill and a tile cutting tool is required.
Features of work on the wall and on the floor
The work surface can be a wall or floor. What features can arise when laying tiles on a vertical surface:
- preliminary alignment of the wall is carried out according to the level or an ordinary cord with a load at the end (when the cord is released from the ceiling to the floor, it should be parallel to the wall, without deviating);
- the direction of application of the glue is important - for this, special spatulas with teeth are used;
- glue grooves are applied perpendicular to each other;
- for a perfect seam, use 3-4 mm crosses made of flexible material.
When decorating with floor tiles, you should pay attention to the following features:
- when picking up tiles on the floor, it is necessary to take into account its durability;
- the screed is an ideal surface preparation;
- do not lay a fresh layer of tiles on top of the old one;
- for seams, crosses of 2 mm are optimal;
- after laying, the tiles are tapped with a wooden hammer from the center to the edge (the glue is better distributed);
- to improve the quality, PVA is added to the glue;
- if a gap forms in the area of the wall, it can be eliminated with a skirting board.
Important! When installing wall and floor tiles, they also pay attention to the selection of consumables.
tile cutter
What is worth knowing about tiles?
Tile as the creation of human hands was known in ancient Egypt. Fragments made of clay were abundantly decorated with intricate designs and patterns. Therefore, the first purpose of this building element is decorative. This direction remains the leading one in modern design solutions.
There is a huge selection of products in terms of color, pattern, shape, size. Modern tiles can imitate marble, wood and other popular materials in texture. The originality of the composition is given by the author's reading - a combination of tiles of different configurations and patterns. Using imagination, you can create a unique interior that reflects the individual tastes of the owners, their preferences.
Psychologists' studies on the effect of color or even its various shades on a person's condition are no longer surprising. When creating an interior, an experienced designer always uses favorable colors.
Important! Thanks to a huge selection of ceramic tiles, it is possible to decorate rooms in which its users will feel comfortable, quickly recuperate, work effectively, and communicate fruitfully.
It should be noted that modern solutions make it possible to expand the list of rooms that can be decorated with this facing material. As is often the case, at the beginning of use, the material is attracted by the outside. Numerous benefits are later revealed. This is the history of the use of glazed ceramic tiles for facing fireplaces. The attractive decorative material has proven to be beneficial in terms of physical properties. Stove tiles accumulate heat radiation well and slowly release it into the surrounding space. Stove tiles occupy a significant position in the range of today's manufacturers of facing ceramics.
Even ancient builders noticed more utilitarian properties of clay tiles - their strength, the ability to protect buildings from the adverse effects of temperatures and humidity. The most traditional use of tiles is a bathroom, kitchen, toilet. This choice is explained by the durability of the product in rooms where the temperature often changes, high humidity is created, and there is a high risk of damage to the facing materials. Tile laying creates waterproof protection for walls even in the absence of special waterproofing. Fired clay can withstand stress in the form of external influences for tens of years.
Important! For example, it not only protects the coating from moisture, but does not absorb it by itself, even when immersed in water indefinitely.
The next property that maintains the popularity of the tile is its high hygiene. This finish does not pose any maintenance problems. It can be easily cleaned of grease, dust and other contaminants. No stains remain on glazed tiles. This quality is especially important when decorating rooms that require compliance with hygiene standards. Processing with simple care products allows you to remove fungus, mold. It is also important that the coating of the material is resistant to chemical attack.
This also applies to color retention. The tiles are not exposed to ultraviolet radiation for a long time.
The reliability of the properties of the tiles makes it possible to use them in rooms that are subject to strict sterility requirements (dressing rooms, treatment rooms, rooms of the operating unit).
Important! The safety of using tiles plays a significant role, since they are fire-resistant and do not deform from high temperatures. This is important for using the material near the hob.
The degree of fire resistance of the tiles is more significant. Experts believe that the material is inert at high temperatures and fires. Surfaces finished with the product do not spread fire, do not emit toxic substances. There is evidence that the degree of collapse is reduced by reducing the thermal effect on the structures of the premises, finished with ceramic tiles.
Another important aspect of the safety of premises is that tiles are dielectric, in other words, they do not conduct or accumulate electric current.
The attractive side of the finishing material is its cost-effectiveness relative to other materials. A wide range of products allows you to choose the position that is economically available. In other words, everyone will find for themselves a product that suits the price - from budget proposals to tiles made by the author's order. The tile is durable, resistant to external influences. This, too, should be attributed to the pluses - even a solid investment will be long-term.
Important! If necessary, you can restore part of the styling fragments (considered individually).
Experts attribute to the disadvantages of ceramic tiles its relative fragility during transportation, poor sound insulation. Slippery and cold surfaces are noted when compared with other floor finishes.
Conclusion
Diagonal laying of ceramic tiles is a worthy element of decor for premises of any purpose and area. The key to quality work is the correct choice of tiles. To draw up a sketch, choose the perfect color scheme, you should use the services of a designer. The next stage is the installation of ceramic tiles. The technology presupposes the presence of practical skills, accuracy in calculations, accuracy, and the ability to work with special tools.
The quality of the material and the skill of the performer will allow you to enjoy the result of finishing work for a long time.
Video - How to lay tiles diagonally on the floor
Laying tiles diagonally is one of the most difficult ways to work with tiles. There are a number of features for marking the room, cutting and laying tiles, if not observed, it will not be possible to achieve the desired proportions. Despite a number of difficulties, diagonal tile laying remains very popular due to the fact that it allows you to visually increase the space and embody a lot of design solutions.
Wall cladding, diagonal laying
Markup
One of the most common mistakes when laying diagonally on your own is the wrong choice of the main reference point. Most often, the role of a guide is assigned to a marked diagonal, which can be a good guide only in a square-shaped room with smooth walls. With slight deviations in the size of the diagonals, the disadvantages of diagonal laying of the tiles will be practically invisible, otherwise the direction of the rows can be significantly distorted. In general, such an error cannot be considered a serious drawback, since it will not affect the quality of the styling in any way, however, the orientation of the rows of rhombuses will be somewhat violated.
Layout for laying tiles diagonally
For the correct execution of the marking, one should abandon the orientation to the diagonal, and give preference to the construction of an isosceles triangle. To obtain a reference point, from any two corners adjacent to the same wall, set aside the same segments and connect them. This will provide an excellent guideline for laying the first tile. The segments can be selected in any size, however, it will be preferable to focus on the correspondence of the tile diagonal, which will allow you to start work from the whole tile. It is not recommended to start the work by laying the cut tiles, as this can cause the joints to come together or run apart later.
Sequence of work
In order to get more detailed instructions on the diagonal laying of tiles, you should consider the step-by-step implementation of the work. When facing walls and laying tiles on the floor, the differences will only be that slats will have to be installed on the wall, which act as a support for the laid tiles.
Preparation of the base
The tile laying technology assumes carrying out work on cleaning and leveling the base, performing a primer. The latter type of work is mandatory when facing surfaces characterized by weakened and highly absorbent surfaces.
To apply the primer, dilute the tile adhesive to a liquid state and apply a thin layer on the surface with a spatula. With this treatment, not only filling all the pores and irregularities occurs, but also an increase in the adhesion area of the tile to be laid to the base is achieved.
More about markup
As already discussed above, the direction of laying the tiles is determined using equal segments, at the end points of which you need to install dowels and pull the cord. In this case, two prerequisites must be observed:
- The cord should be level with the horizon;
- The cord should orient the tiling in height.
Glue preparation and application
A solution for laying tiles can be prepared independently by mixing 4 parts of sand with 1 part of cement, but this composition does not provide reliable and durable operation. It is much better to use ready-made mixtures with better adhesive properties and higher plasticity. To prepare the solution, in accordance with the instructions, add the required amount of water to the dry glue and stir well using a mixer or a special attachment for an electric drill.
The glue should be applied with a notched trowel not only on the base, but also on the tile itself. To improve the laying, a thin layer of glue should be first applied to the grooved surface of the tile with a conventional trowel, and only then the remaining layer of glue should be applied using a notched tool. Compliance with the technology of applying glue will ensure the reliability and long-term operation of the laid tiles.
Tile orientation
When placing the tiles on the surface, you should orient their placement in accordance with the stretched cord. After proper installation of the ceramic tile, it is necessary to tap it evenly with a rubber hammer until excess glue appears, which will confirm the absence of voids. The position of the tile in the vertical plane must be consistent with the tensioned cord, check is carried out using a building level. It is important to correctly lay the first tile - when the level turns to any of the four sides, the level bubble should be in the same position.
Tile orientation
After that, you can start laying the next tile, all work is performed in the same way as described above. Further, the position check is carried out using the same building level of both laid tiles. The absence of a gap between the level surface and the tile will testify to the correct laying. Further tiling is carried out in a similar way with constant monitoring of compliance with the horizon. At this stage, only the whole tile is laid, so you can not be distracted by cutting.
Tile position control
When laying tiles diagonally, the rows are oriented not parallel to the walls, but at an angle of 45º. You can control the location of the tiles in the vertical plane using a long wide strip. The horizontal arrangement of the rows is carried out by controlling the intersection of the seams, which should form a right angle. To do this, you can use a special square, or any object, two planes of which intersect at an angle of 90º.
Trimming
Ideally, adjacent to the walls, floor and ceiling, the tiles should be intact, but in reality this is quite rare. In this regard, at the junction points, trimming should be performed using a tile cutter or a grinder with a stone disc. The latter option looks preferable, since it makes it possible to cut a strip of any width - from 1 mm to several centimeters. At the same time, when working with a tile cutter, it is almost impossible to cut a strip of ceramic tile less than 1 cm wide.
Working with a tile cutter
It will be possible to start filling the empty corners in 1-2 days, such a period of time is necessary for the glue to harden. Not only triangles of tiles cut in half will be used, but also quarters, and even any other scraps suitable for filling the frieze rows.
Grout
The final phase of laying the tiles diagonally will be grouting. To prepare the filler, the dry mixture must be mixed with water until the consistency of thick sour cream is obtained. Next, using a rubber spatula, the seams should be pressed in with the mixture. The work must be carried out on an area of 1.5-2 square meters, after which it is necessary to remove excess grout, if this is not done, then the grout will dry out and it will be impossible to fix the defects.
Features of diagonal tiling in large rooms
The above procedure is suitable for diagonal tiling in small spaces. When facing large rooms, a more sophisticated technology is used. In this case, the installation does not start from the center, but from the edge of the wall. The first row should be laid in a straight line, the tiles should be positioned at an angle of 45º to the floor when facing the walls, and at an angle of 45º to the walls when laying tiles on the floor. The cut out triangles will be a good guide for the next row.
Diagonal laying of rectangular tiles on the floor
For laying on the floor, it is customary to use standard square tiles, but rectangular tiles are also allowed. In relation to the walls, it is, as a rule, turned at an angle of 45º, which allows maintaining the proportionality of the flooring. With the help of rectangular tiles, it is possible to make good use of the elements of room modeling:
Laying rectangular tiles diagonally with a run
- Expand the space by directing the long side of the tile towards the narrow side of the room;
- To make the room lighter when laying in the direction of the source of natural light, however, the proportions of the room will be somewhat elongated;
- Hide defects and irregularities and change the layout of the room by changing the slope of the tiles.
Calculation of the required number of tiles
When laying tiles diagonally, the consumption of tiles is significantly increased. When performing standard calculations based on the area of the surface to be finished, the number of tiles should be increased not by 10%, but by 15%.
conclusions
In general, we can say that diagonal laying of tiles practically does not differ from the standard technology of tiling. The only difference is that the laying direction is not parallel to the walls and the floor, but at an angle of 45º. In addition, the work is complicated by the need to cut ceramic tiles, therefore, for high-quality work, it is necessary to purchase a good tile cutter.
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Correct laying of tiles diagonally allows you to visually expand the space of the room, give it an aesthetic appeal. This method is suitable for large and small rooms. When laying diagonally, you can create an unusual flooring pattern using only two different shades of tiles.
Preparing for diagonal tiling on the floor
The cleaning of the floor to be installed must be done with great care. Removing dust and debris will avoid poor distribution of the leveling layer.
After cleaning the surface, it is coated with a primer. Its complete solidification time is 24 hours. A day later, you can proceed to further preparation.
To understand how to lay tiles diagonally on the floor and create a perfectly even pattern, additional marking of the center of the room will allow. To do this, you will need to measure the room, mark the central strip (longitudinal), relative to which the drawing will be laid out.
A stretched and well-fixed thread at a distance of about 5 cm from the floor surface will help in this.
Step-by-step instruction
A trial (dry) installation will help to make sure that the selected center is correct and to choose the desired pattern. With its help, you can create the most suitable pattern.
In the above photos, you can see that the created flooring will have a frame of dark tiles along the walls. Therefore, in addition, you need to trim the light tile, which will allow you to stylize the coating.
The installation work itself is carried out according to the following scheme:
1. Along the thread stretched across the room, lay the central strip of tiles on tile adhesive. Their diagonals must match exactly with the center line of the room. Plastic crosses are placed between the tiles.
2. The pattern is laid out in the central part of the room.
3. The remaining tiles are laid. The edges of the masonry should be perfectly straight - not zigzag.
4. Measurement of the distance from the edge of the tile masonry to the wall. The dark tiles are trimmed to be used as framing.
5. The framing is being laid.
6. Then the grouting of the tiles is carried out. After the grout dries, the tiles are cleaned of the mixture residues.
7. The tiles are wiped off with a soft cloth to make them stylistically attractive.
The above instructions for laying floor tiles diagonally are quite simple and every owner can do it. But before starting work, it is recommended to additionally study the thematic video and understand the details of the selection of high-quality mixtures for leveling the floor and gluing the tiles.
When choosing a quality glue and self-leveling coating, you need to take into account the place of installation. For example, for balconies or unheated corridors, you should buy compounds with increased frost resistance. You need to know in advance about the features of their application and the curing time from the instructions on the package.
High-quality diagonal laying of ceramic tiles looks good in any room, but the correct choice of the tiles used is important. It must be of the same size and quality. Otherwise, a part of the tile with a lower wear resistance may quickly deteriorate and crack. And although this technology presupposes a careful selection of materials and careful work, it will not be difficult to achieve a positive result if all requirements and recommendations are followed.
