When you are deciding on a tile layout, it’s a good idea to check with ANSI 108.02 section 4.3 “Tile Layout, A General Statement.” This document basically says we are to center and balance the area to be tiled, while both minimizing the amount of cuts and maximiz- ing their size. Fundamentally these are the rules we follow, but in their definition and execution it can get quite subjective. Having spent the vast majority of my career in the high-end residential market, some of my opinions may differ from someone in the commercial side of the busi- ness. That being said I feel pretty fortunate to have had a mentor who took extreme pride in lay- out and instilled the same in me. While maybe only other crafts- people and design professionals will truly appreciate all the thought and effort put into a great layout, I think everyone can feel the dif- ference between a chopped up space and one that flows. If you don’t take the time to really think it through and begin with a clear vision of the finished project, you will make mistakes and have some uncomfortable conversations with your clients. Besides being able to share my philosophies on layout, writing this article gave me an excuse to reach out and discuss the subject with someone I’ve watched on social media, the NTCA’s Oregon State Ambassador, Jason McDaniel. Jason has a really cool and unique approach to laying out some of his installs, but first I’ll walk you through my process and then share a bit from our conversation. Getting started with tile layout – square, plumb and level My first course of action is to familiarize or re-familiarize myself with any detailed drawings for the project and identify what the architect or designer’s vision for the space is. Next, I’d square up the space and locate any problem areas that will need to be discussed or fixed prior to install, such as an out-of-square room, or my wall tile tying into an out-of-plumb or level surface. Putting up perfectly plumb and level grids really accentuates these problems, and the smaller TECHNICAL FEATURE ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Tile layout tips and tricks Templates, story poles help match the tile to the needs and flow of the space By Ryan Willoughby, Hawthorne Tile 84 TileLetter | March 2018