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Any inlaid pattern adds depth and appeal to a floor or wall but increases the labor exponentially. If planning an inlaid design it is best to install the entire wall first leaving an opening for your design. Failure to do this could leave your remaining tile running out of level or looking wavy.
The best solution for a square inlay is to build a frame out of firing strips and screw it to the wall where you want your design and tile around it.
For round or unusual designs use a piece of plywood. Decide what overall size your design will be and cut the plywood in a square/rectangular pattern that will just hold your design. Next screw this pattern on the wall level and square, screwing it to the wall in an area that will still be there after you cut out your design, using at least 3 screws.
Now take this pattern off the wall and cut the design out of the same piece of plywood. Use the same screw holes you originally made to attach the plywood to the wall before cutting your pattern and screw the pattern back in the same holes. Your design is now on the wall level and square, ready to tile around.
Once the tile is installed and setup around your design use a knife to gently remove any adhesive touching the design template and remove the template. Draw a line the same distance from the edge as your grout lines are going to be and layout your tiles inside the line, on the template, exactly as you want them on the wall.
Apply your adhesive where the template was removed and transfer the tiles one by one from the template to the wall. This is the long way to designing a special look but it will ensure that your wall looks perfect. The added hours spent here will give that wow factor to your new tile and make it look like you had an artist design your wall. Be creative and use colors that contrast your wall tile but blend in with your room, earth tones are the safest and the best to use if you are planning to sell your house in the future.
Avoid your name or initials, or any personal design that may turn off a future buyer. Abstract designs are always best and keep your design in perspective to the size of the wall. Too small and your design gets lost, too large and your design can’t be distinguished from the rest of the tile. You should be able to take in the design and the surrounding tile with one glance. If you have to look for the edges of the design it’s too big, if you have to stare at the design to make out what it is than it’s too small.
We can install your tile with your design or create a design for you.
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Ceramic Tile Inlays
