Marking Layout Lines

Intro

Perhaps no other task requires more precision than marking reference and layout lines. These lines keep your tile square to the room and evenly spaced.

Mark reference lines perpendicular to each other. Save time setting tiles by locating these lines where a grout joint will fall when you install the tile. You can use your layout sketch to find this point, but it's better to dry-lay and space at least one row of the actual tiles in both directions. Mark the edge of the tile, then snap the lines.

Next mark layout lines to establish grids for laying tiles in sections. How many you use depends on how complicated your layout is, how quickly the adhesive sets up (its working time), your skill level (if you're less skilled, use more lines), and the size of the tile (large tile will generally mean fewer lines). Establish a grid with which you feel comfortable (about 2-foot squares are a good size to start). Measure from the reference lines in both directions by an amount that equals several tiles (plus grout joints) and snap lines at these points.

Checklist

Time
About five minutes to measure and snap each line, more if dry-laying tile to establish lines

Tools
Laying out floors: tape measure, chalk line Laying out walls: tape measure, 4-foot level, chalk line

Skills
Reading a level, measuring accurately

Prep
Surface preparation, installation of backerboard

Materials
Layout sketch, loose tile, spacers

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Where to Start?

Snapping layout lines in grids will help you lay the room in manageable sections and keep each section straight. Although there is no rule that governs how many grids to snap, one rule will keep you from tiling yourself into a corner: Always start your project at a location away from a doorway.

You may be able to get by in a small room with only one pair of lines, although grids are recommended. Lay the field tiles in the corner first, then proceed toward the doorway. Let the mortar dry for a day, then come back and lay the cut tile on the edges.

Large rooms require more grids than small rooms. They also tend to lend themselves to quadrant installations. Set out the tile and lay it in the quadrant most removed from the doorway. Then go back and set the adjacent quadrant, the corner quadrant, and finally the section that exits to the door.

Marking Layout Lines on Floors: Step 1

Using your layout sketch, mark the floor several feet from one wall where a grout joint will fall. To double-check your layout, dry-lay and space the tiles along each axis. Mark the ends of this line at both walls.

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Layout Is Complicated: Snap Additional Layout Lines

Layout becomes more complicated with decorative tiles and borders. Although you can lay such decorative items by eye, the job will go more quickly and the result will be much more attractive if you snap additional layout lines.

Once you have snapped the major layout grids on the floor or wall, measure and mark the position of decorative tiles or borders. Snap a line on both axes at each point the pattern or the tile size changes.

Marking Layout Lines on Floors: Step 2

Snap a chalk line at the points you have marked. Repeat the process between the other walls. Use the 3-4-5 triangle method to square the lines. Measure from each of these reference lines distances equal to an even number of tiles and joints, and snap layout lines at these points.

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Protect Layout Lines on the Floor

Chalk layout lines on the floor easily become erased or blurred as you walk and work in the room. To protect them, spray each of the lines with an inexpensive hair spray. Purchase a spray with a heavy hold. Apply a fairly thick coat, but not enough to obscure the lines. The spray dries almost immediately, will not wear off, and won't interfere with the adhesive bond.

Marking Layout Lines on Walls: Step 1

Hold a 4-foot carpenter's level vertically on the wall and at least 2 feet from a corner, preferably on a plane where a grout line will fall. Adjust the level until the bubble indicates it is straight up and down. Taking care not to disturb the level, trace a penciled line down its edge. Extend the line to the floor and ceiling by snapping a chalk line over the one you have marked.

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Marking Layout Lines on Walls: Step 2

Position the level horizontally on the chalk line, about midway up the wall and preferably on a plane where a grout joint will fall. Adjust the level until the bubble is centered in the glass and scribe a line along the level. Extend this line with a chalk line. You don't have to check the intersection for square with the 3-4-5 triangle method.

From each line, mark the wall at intervals that correspond to an equal number of tiles (include the grout joints) and snap layout lines.

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