Freaking out about about setting out

[Jimmy Boy]

DHCeramics, I did read a post in another thread by NETT Darren some weeks ago that was a similar or the same and regarding tiling down from mid reference line. In 3rd paragraph you say to tile downwards of the horizontal reference line you've established. Can you tell me what the purpose is of you guys using this method?
Thanx

 

[tiler tom]

DH is as usual bang on with his approach to setting out yet ultimatley we all seem to find our own method and with time modify it until it suits us.

Personally when it come to bathrooms I start with a full tile around the bath (bath being level that is) and as it is usual for a border to be included i measure up to the underside or above the border and draw a datum. I then measure from this border to all obstacles, floor, ceiling, window, door and so on. Any small cuts are then done away with by lowering the datum only (as if you raise it it will then give small cuts around the bath) when I am satisfied that I have no longer any small cuts I re draw the datum and re check.

Vertically I either start with a grout line or full tile in the centre of the window depending on the window width and measure out around the room working out finishing cuts in the corners. The point that the measurements meet should be at the corner of the room that has the shortest distance horizontally that way the flow of the tile is not as noticable (ie between door frame and ceiling). Again any small cuts are done away with by moving this start point in the relevant direction and re checking.

Experience goes along way if you remember and note your mistakes as you go along. On one occasion I forgot to include the border when setting out started with a full tile above the bath and only when I got to the window did I find what should have been a 35mm grout line below the top edge ended up being a 15mm grout line above it. Also remember walls do run out so what could be a trim of 10mm of a tile at waist height ends up being a 10mm gap at the ceiling if the wall runs out 20mm.