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Flooring IdeasSUPPLIES
- Chalk line
- Measuring tape
- Carpenters square
- Laser level
- Adhesive
- Trowel
- Tile
- Tile saw
- Grout
- Floor molding
Overview
Installing ceramic tile on the diagonal begins with finding the correct orientation. You can install your tile in a diagonal pattern by first creating an X pattern and then filling in the remaining sections. Laying the tiles parallel to your initial pattern and at right angles to each other creates the diagonal aesthetic. Other than the orientation of the tiles, the process is the same as if you were laying tile parallel to the walls.
Step 1
Prep your floor. After removing existing flooring, clean the sub floor. Remove debris and vacuum. Remove any dried adhesives with a floor scraper. Use acetone if necessary and then rinse the floor thoroughly and let dry. Vacuum the surface.
Step 2
Run a chalk line from one corner to the corner opposite on the diagonal. Measure the length of the chalk line and locate the center point.
Step 3
Install the first tile. Use a notched trowel to apply a small amount of adhesive, the width of one tile, along one side of the chalk line starting at the center point. Lay the tile on the adhesive with the tip of the tile at the center point and one side of the tile lined up with the chalk line.
Step 4
Continue laying tile along the chalk line, working from the center point to the corner until you cannot lay a full piece. Repeat to reach the opposite corner. Use spacers between each tile to ensure even spacing throughout the project. You should now have one continuous line of tile running diagonally across the room.
Step 5
Run a chalk line at a 90-degree angle from your first chalk line. Use a carpenter's square and a laser level. Lay the carpenter square with the 0-degree mark at the center point. Position the laser level at the center mark, aligned with the carpenter square, to create a straight line to the wall. Mark with a chalk line. Repeat to run a chalk line to the opposite wall.
Step 6
Do not expect the second chalk line to run exactly to the corners. Most rooms are not a perfect square so your diagonal is not going to align perfectly with each corner. That's okay. This will not affect the aesthetic of the diagonal design.
Step 7
Install full tiles along the second chalk line in the same way as you did along the first chalk line. This results in an "X" of tiles on your floor, effectively sectioning the room into quadrants.
Step 8
Starting at the center point, place your first tile in one of the quadrants. The tip of the tile should "fit into" the space created by the intersection of the two original rows of tiles. Continue to fill in the quadrants, running the tiles parallel to the diagonal and perpendicular to each other.
Step 9
Use a tile saw with an adjustable stop to cut the tiles for the border. Maintain the diagonal aesthetic for the border tiles by using the adjustable stop on the saw.
Step 10
Remove the spaces and grout. Add floor molding to give the project a finished appeal.
