Laying tile can be a tricky business. Even when all appears straight and level, there may be unexpected obstacles that interfere with your plans and cause you to make errors in placement.
One example is skinny tiles that stand out. Symmetry pleases both eyes and brains alike, even subconsciously. To achieve it in your design, start your layout by snapping another perpendicular to the first, centered in the doorway.
1. Plan Your Layout
Finding the ideal bathroom layout is essential to creating a relaxing retreat and can make or break its effectiveness. Working out in advance your ideas for bathroom layout will allow you to select fittings, fixtures, and finishes that best meet the needs and space constraints of your space.
Regulations may also need to be met, as well as considerations for future changes that you might want to make such as changing from tub to shower, or vice versa. Relocating plumbing hookups can be expensive so it is wise to plan your layout carefully within these constraints.
Even simple elements, like where your towel rack is placed, can have an enormous effect on its look and functionality. For maximum ease when drying off after showering or bathing, a corner towel rail may be more practical than one placed closer to toilet – you need easy access!
Consider how the door position affects usable space available for other features, like your toilet. Ideally, doors should open away from fixtures like this to facilitate easy slinking in and out without hitting your legs against them or having to awkwardly maneuver around them.
2. Decide on a Color Palette
When selecting the colors for your bathroom’s color palette, it is crucial that they will complement and don’t clash with fixtures and tiles. You might try selecting neutral hues such as gray, blue or green as these versatile tones will fit with various styles and decor schemes.
Or you could experiment with brighter hues to bring vibrancy into the room. If this is your choice, be sure that they complement both the fixtures in your bathroom (such as vanity and cabinets) as well as its overall design scheme.
Color theory can also assist in choosing and coordinating tiles and colors, for instance if you opt for white subway tiles try pairing it with darker grout shades to create dramatic contrast or opt for sage green subway tiles pair it with natural elements for an organic vibe.
Whenever in doubt, the color wheel provides quick and straightforward solutions to your color queries. Directly opposite each other on the color wheel – like yellow and purple – tend to balance each other out while colors that sit next to one another such as green and blue can blend easily together.
To quickly test out your tile layout, try dry-laying on clean ground with spacers between each tile. Or snap a chalk line across your doorway and mark half-way under; that way you can start your first full tile there. Once you get used to this process, laying actual tiles will become much simpler once your bathroom renovation project begins.
3. Decide on a Pattern
Homeowners often don’t realize they have a variety of tile patterns to select when designing their bathroom interior. From subtle to bold, patterns can dramatically transform a room’s aesthetic; but like any home improvement project, laying out patterns on floors and walls requires professional assistance to achieve.
If you want your floor tile layout to create the illusion of more space in your bathroom, a diagonal pattern could be ideal. However, due to its intricate nature, achieving this type of layout requires more precise measuring and cutting – thus it may be beneficial to consult a professional to handle this part of the installation process.
A symmetrical tile pattern is another popular and effective choice that can enhance the colors in your bathroom’s color palette. This type of layout stimulates both eyes and brains in an effort to promote feelings of balance and harmony within your bathroom space.
To create this look, start by marking a cross with chalk lines at the center point of your room. Next, lay out a row of tile on the floor using spacers between each tile for an accurate measurement of how much tile will be necessary and allow you to see how they will look once they are all fully laid out. Furthermore, this method ensures an even distance between two dominant walls as well as no small cuts on either end that could compromise its professional appearance when complete.
4. Decide on a Tile Style
Choose tiles carefully when it comes to designing your bathroom space – choosing classic white tiles can create a traditional and timeless aesthetic, or go bold and modern by opting for glass iridescent or vibrant colored options. Plus, there will be many shapes, sizes and patterns from which to choose!
Once you’ve decided on your color palette and layout, the next step should be selecting your tile style. Some popular choices include running bond and herringbone patterns – each offering distinct advantages depending on tile shape or size. Running bond is a tried and true solution that works particularly well with larger 12″x24″ tiles while herringbone offers something special when applied to smaller more detailed tiles.
One additional factor is to decide on the thickness of your grout lines. Thicker grout lines can make tile patterns stand out more, but are more difficult to install. If unsure which look suits you best, take some samples home before making a commitment.
One of the greatest mistakes when laying out tile can be starting without a plan in mind, which could result in unlevel tiles and misalignment between grout lines. A better way is to attach a straight board along the level line and stack tiles on it before beginning tiling.
As with anything, be sure to buy more tile than necessary – mistakes and miscalculations do happen, so having extra on hand just in case is always helpful. When beginning tile installation, work in 2-by-3-foot sections using spacers between rows; after every row is laid out check with an A-square to ensure even rows.
5. Decide on a Finish
Few rooms produce as much moisture or mold growth as bathrooms do, making selecting durable yet easy-to-clean finishes essential. While experts tend to suggest satin and semi-gloss paint as being among the best choices for bathrooms, many homeowners are overwhelmed by all their choices when making this decision. It is essential to take into account your style of home, any current or potential future decor when making this choice.
Finishes have an impactful influence on how a bathroom appears; from matching your color palette and tile pattern, to reflecting light for easier cleaning, hiding fingerprints or watermarks better, and more. A glossy sheen reflects light while being easier to keep tidy; on the other hand, flat finishes conceal fingerprints better and are easier to keep tidy.
Your choice of grout color and type can have an enormous effect on the aesthetics of your bathroom. While white is considered traditional, other colors are available to add visual interest and reduce cleaning requirements. Also important when choosing grout is how well it matches other finishes like faucets, toilet paper holders and shower rods in your space.
Once your tiles have been set and dried, it’s time to install grout. Begin laying one row at a time across the room; be sure to place tile spacers at both ends of each row to maintain even gaps between tiles.
When you are ready to grout, mix your grout and spread it with a rubber grout float, working into each tile’s joints. After about 20-30 minutes have passed (which you can use in playing slot games on sites as per yoakimbridge.com), use a damp sponge to wipe away any haze remaining on the surface; make sure that you frequently rinse out your sponge so as to avoid too much moisture accumulating on it.