Space between feature wall tile and flooring
#1
03-14-23, 08:54 PM
Space between feature wall tile and flooring
I am using 24"x48" porcelain to build a small feature wall in front of our exercise equipment. The tile will come to the floor which is luxruy vinyl on tapcon secured dricore. What do you recommend as a space between the floor surface and the 1st row of tile? I was thinking 1/8". Is that too large? Note, the tile is black/gray and the grout is the same color giving the appearance of no grout lines.
#3
03-14-23, 09:54 PM
Group Moderator
I'd say at least 1/8" but no more than 1/4", and you should probably caulk that intersection with a color matched grout caulk. Grout is not flexible so it would crack at the floor and I'm assuming your LVT is a floating floor so it's going to need to move a little.
#4
03-14-23, 10:59 PM
Thanks!! On a side note, I've had no luck finding a rental tile cutter in my area large enough for 48" cuts. So I am forced to use an angle grinder with a diamond blade. Any suggestions on how to cut 48" straight? I was thinking of placing the tile onto a 2" foamboard to do the cuts. Can some form of clamped guide/rail be used as well? Or just steady freehand? I do have a couple 48" scraps to practice on.
#5
03-14-23, 11:42 PM
Member
That large of tile requires a bridge saw, I've seen them but probably not terribly common. Hopefully you don't need any 48" cuts. Trouble with die grinder and free hand cuts, they aren't going to be super straight, I've never worked with tile anywhere near that large, has to be heavy. Personally I'd consider something a little more insatall friendly.
#6
03-15-23, 03:03 AM
Group Moderator
If you can't find a bridge saw to rent, a skilsaw and diamond blade would be far better than a grinder. Your guide can simply be a straight board or piece of plywood and a couple clamps, provided you can follow it without wandering away from it. Have someone squirt water as you cut and be sure to plug the saw or extension cord into a gfci.
#7
03-15-23, 09:53 AM
Yeah, there are 4 x 48" cuts. A 61" sigma manual cutter would be perfect, simple, and fast. Alas, no rentals available over 30" anywhere. Luckily all the cuts I am doing will butt up against a wall/ceiling and won't have the contrasting straight edge of another tile to deal with.. I'll look into the skilsaw idea. Thanks!!
#8
03-15-23, 11:28 AM
I have cut large format tiles using a circular saw and a diamond blade. I use a level for a fence and it was a piece of cake - expect lots of dust. I cut the tiles outside. In the past I have rented wet saws from tile stores.
#10
03-18-23, 07:45 PM
Ended up using a small hand grinder with 4.5" diamond blade for the long cuts and a 3-3/8" blade for the outlets.. I constructed a rail guide using plywood for the blade, and a 4 foot level for the guard, all clamped onto 2" foam board. Worked flawless with 4 foot cuts as good as a wet saw or snap cutter.. Problem is it takes about 5-10 minutes per cut.
I ended up going with a 1/8" gap at the bottom and it looks great.
I ended up going with a 1/8" gap at the bottom and it looks great.
