Installing tiles on an angle creates lines that draw the eye out to the corners of the room, visually widening the space. It also creates a situation where the tiles around the perimeter of the room must be cut on an angle to complete the pattern. Because it rarely works out that the tiles must be cut perfectly in half, each tile must be measured and marked precisely to ensure an accurate cut each time.
Install the ceramic tiles on the floor or wall up to the area where tiles will need to be cut to fit.
Take a loose tile and measure it from point to point on the diagonal. Add the width of the grout joint to this measurement, as well as 1/8 inch for the expansion joint. Cut a piece of cardboard into a square where each of the sides has this measurement.
Lay loose tiles down right on top of the tiles that are installed next to the area waiting for cut tiles.
Place one side of the cardboard against the wall so it bridges the empty area and crosses over to the loose tiles laid on top of the installed tiles. Where the other side of the cardboard parallel to the wall touches the loose tiles is where those tiles need to be cut to fit into the empty space in front of them. Draw a pencil line on the loose tiles using the cardboard as a straightedge.
Slide the cardboard down the wall, measuring and marking each of the tiles in the row. Number the marked tiles and the spaces they are going to be installed in so you are sure of where they will lie when you return from cutting them.
Things You Will Need
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