Installing Slate Floor Tile

[trekkor]

If the structure is "moving around", you have bigger problems than cracked tiles.
The floor Randy is installing will "move" with the entire subfloor as a unit.
Movement should be minimal if any.


KT

[djmcmath]

What an awesome thread -- Randy, you and your pictures are inspiring.

I just wish I had read all of this 2 weeks ago, before I started laying tile in my house. I guess the good news is that I'm less than halfway done, so I have lots of tile left to use the lessons learned on. The bad news, of course, is that I'm less than halfway done, so my back and legs and knees are pretty unhappy about the plan for the next few weekends...

One particular struggle that I've had is coping with the fact that my rooms aren't shaped exactly like I'd like. Optimally, I'd set a border around the outside and lay a pattern across the middle. Except that, without miraculous intervention, either the pattern or the border has to be "cut funny" to make it match with the walls. Example:

The "filler tiles" are a little awkward, but it seemed worth it to me to ensure that it was exactly 4 tiles across. Comparing Randy's work to mine makes me reconsider -- those filler tiles look awkward next to cutting the diagonals so they look right.

[rcecale]

Dan, you floor is look pretty sharp! I love the diamond pattern...it just seems to add a little something to the whole feel of the project.

Originally posted by djmcmath
The bad news, of course, is that I'm less than halfway done, so my back and legs and knees are pretty unhappy about the plan for the next few weekends...

I feel ya, brother! Are you using kneepads? I picked up a pair for less than $10 at Home Depot and they really make a difference. I also learned that an old pair of sweat pants are way better than your most comfy pair of jeans when your constantly having to stand up and kneel. And besides, using sweatpants won't cause you to mess up your favorite jeans!!!

One particular struggle that I've had is coping with the fact that my rooms aren't shaped exactly like I'd like. Optimally, I'd set a border around the outside and lay a pattern across the middle. Except that, without miraculous intervention, either the pattern or the border has to be "cut funny" to make it match with the walls.

No kidding! I'm not a builder, but for cryin' out loud, how hard can it be to measure and build out a 90 degree angle? And "wavey" walls? WTF???

Example:

The "filler tiles" are a little awkward, but it seemed worth it to me to ensure that it was exactly 4 tiles across. Comparing Randy's work to mine makes me reconsider -- those filler tiles look awkward next to cutting the diagonals so they look right.

Using a bit of "strategery" when placing your filler tiles can add a nice "personal" touch to the job. Or, if you've got something to hide them behind, most people will fail to even notice them...

I've got a porcelain pedestal sink that will be positioned right in front of this one...


And I'll get to hold court on the throne placed directly in front of this one...


Keep up the good work, Dan!

Randy

[djmcmath]

Good tips, Randy -- I like your placement of filler tiles. I strategically placed mine in such a way that I had a whole (uncut) tile marking the center-line, such that it exactly lined up with the center-line of the adjacent diagonal tile. It made sense from the perspective of a mathematician, if not a tile-layer.

Knee pads? You know, I might consider those -- I had thought they were only for old men and pansies, but after doing a few hundred square feet of this, I'm beginning to reconsider.

[rcecale]

Your knees will love and adore you! I promise!

(Besides, I'm secure enough in my "pansy-ness" to admit I wear them. )

Randy

[trekkor]

Everything holding up nice?



KT