Can Anyone Help Get Me Started With Setting Out For Half-bond?

[Buzz365]

I think I chose the worst flipping size tile I could have done… or is there a way? Darned if I can see it…

Tiles for the walls are 400mm L x 150 H to be laid horizontal, half-bond. Thought I would start by centring the window width and height and see how things would work. First issue, 3 tiles wide with 2mm spacers leaves slivers up each side of the window. Window size is 1190w x 1400h. The window is offset slightly. Window wall is 760w to the left, window 1190w, 730 to the right. I am I right in thinking you would normally centre the window? Or, will I have to settle with centring the wall? Will it look ok?

 

[Andy Allen]

First off check the tiles aren't bowed or half bond will look rubbish..

 

[Buzz365]

First off check the tiles aren't bowed or half bond will look rubbish..

Cheers Andy, least of my worries at the moment! I have been through three boxes and all seems well, but like you say it is a worry.

 

[philrab66]

I think I chose the worst flipping size tile I could have done… or is there a way? Darned if I can see it…

Tiles for the walls are 400mm L x 150 H to be laid horizontal, half-bond. Thought I would start by centring the window width and height and see how things would work. First issue, 3 tiles wide with 2mm spacers leaves slivers up each side of the window. Window size is 1190w x 1400h. The window is offset slightly. Window wall is 760w to the left, window 1190w, 730 to the right. I am I right in thinking you would normally centre the window? Or, will I have to settle with centring the wall? Will it look ok?

In reality you have to go with what looks best. Go over all your options even if you have to draw them all on the wall or you could make a story stick.

 

[StevieBoy]

I think I chose the worst flipping size tile I could have done… or is there a way? Darned if I can see it…

Tiles for the walls are 400mm L x 150 H to be laid horizontal, half-bond. Thought I would start by centring the window width and height and see how things would work. First issue, 3 tiles wide with 2mm spacers leaves slivers up each side of the window. Window size is 1190w x 1400h. The window is offset slightly. Window wall is 760w to the left, window 1190w, 730 to the right. I am I right in thinking you would normally centre the window? Or, will I have to settle with centring the wall? Will it look ok?

Yes in theory you should always try to centre a window when setting out, however this is not always possible - especially if you have two windows on the same wall, like I had yesterday.

Some situations dictate the eventual set out, and I think in your situation you can only really split the wall. Then on the next wall, try to continue with a similar size off cut for each row so that it looks like you have continued that size of tile around the wall if you see what I mean.
Try and finish on the wall behind the door, and it will look fine.

 

[Buzz365]

Yes in theory you should always try to centre a window when setting out, however this is not always possible - especially if you have two windows on the same wall, like I had yesterday.

Some situations dictate the eventual set out, and I think in your situation you can only really split the wall. Then on the next wall, try to continue with a similar size off cut for each row so that it looks like you have continued that size of tile around the wall if you see what I mean.
Try and finish on the wall behind the door, and it will look fine.

I do see what you mean, but on the second wall if wrapping leaves a different width cut at the other end of the wall do you adjust for it (ie, centre the second wall) or stick to the tile length and continue running it round?

 

[StevieBoy]

As long as again it doesn't leave slithers, I would wrap around the next wall and so on because if you centred the second wall successfully without slithers, you wouldn't want say a 3/4 tile next to half tile or nearly a full tile next to a half etc.

Others may disagree, but that's how I'd do it.

 

[Old Mod]

It generally wraps around or thereabouts as long as it doesn't leave a ridiculous cut. Bit of a judgement call really.
But always start at window if the window is opposite the door.
Are these tiles ceramic?
Depending on your skill level you could introduce a method know as closers, effectively eliminating your 'slithers' around the window.
But it can be a difficult task depending on material!

 

[Buzz365]

Good point!... there's more to this half bond than I realized. Back to me number crunching.......

 

[StevieBoy]

Yes what material are they btw?