Laying Modular Tiles

The modular tile look is a great way to add more interest to any flooring than with regular, same-sized tiles laid in a strictly linear way. Tiles laid in a linear fashion generally lead the eye through a room which can make a room look either smaller or narrower than it is. By using modular tiles, the eye will rest on the surface and take in the overall size more easily. These tiles can be used in any room just as any other tiles and provide lovely backdrop to interiors of any style. They are pre-cut and usually come in packs with the varying sizes ready to use.

 

Whether it’s a natural and rustic look you’re after or an elegant and modern one, modular tiles work equally well in both. There are some points to consider when laying these though. First of all, you will need to plan the floor space more carefully than when planning for linear patterns which can be more difficult. You will need to determine where the first tile should go, mark a centre line and work from there. Since the tiles are designed to fit next to each other in a specific way, laying at least a part of them out before the work begins is a must. This will give you an idea of how large each section of the pattern is.

As it is more complicated to lay these tiles, using the help of an expert who will have done this kind of work before is highly advisable. He or she will know how much space to leave for grouting whilst ensuring that the pattern fits perfectly. As with any other tiling, you will need to ensure that the underlying surface is even and free from any heavy building dirt, oil spills (if chosen for a garage) etc.

If you are planning to do the work yourself, then you will need to pay careful attention to the layout in order to minimise wastage. You might have to re-arrange the pattern to avoid cutting off too many tiles at the edges. Generally speaking you should order 10% more tiles than you need for the area to account for cutoffs and waste.

Using a suitable adhesive, work module by module. That way, if there are any problems with the pattern, you won’t get stuck with lots of dried on adhesive. As with any other tiling job, make sure you leave room for grouting by using spacers. Using a contrasting grout is a great way to make the modular pattern really stand out. White grout with black tiles or black grout with white tiles creates a really interesting contrast.

Modular tiles are of course not only great for flooring, but also look fabulous on walls, particularly in a modern bathroom. Whilst it can be tricky to lay modular flooring, you will at least have gravity on your side which isn’t the case when it comes to walls. I would therefore definitely recommend the help of an expert with this one. The end result will absolutely be worth the money.