Great tool for diagonal tile floors! But what is wrong with this picture?
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If you have ever installed a diagonal tile floor, you know the challenge of getting perfect cuts. We won’t talk about how much waste it creates. So, it is great to see tools, like the one in this video, that can make the job easier. Personally, I still used a tape measure and a straight edge. That is based on years of experience. If you are attempting a diagonal floor for the first time, this tool might be perfect for you.
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However, there is one glaring mistake in the video. The installer didn’t remove the baseboard prior to installation. I know some people will say you don’t have to remove, and they would be correct – it isn’t mandatory. There are a coupe of reasons why you should.
1: You are covering up part of the base board, somewhere between one-half to three-quarters of an inch. This may not sound like a lot – but if the baseboard is only two and one-half inches to three and one-quarter inches, you have changed the profile dramatically.
2: Should it be necessary to repair or remove the baseboard , you made the job much more difficult. With the tile running up to the baseboard, instead of under it, you would need to remove the grout and take the risk of damaging the tiles.
3: There is one scenario where I would agree with leaving the baseboard in place. That would be a situation where the baseboard is taller (five to eight inches) with a base cap, and installed on a plaster wall. The risk of damaging the base and the plaster would likely outweigh installing the tile “correctly”.
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Naturally this is my opinion and you can choose whichever method appeals to you. Based on my experience, I would highly recommend removing the baseboard. It could save some headaches in the future!
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Photo: YouTube/TileRight
Great tips! I’ve been looking to install some new flooring into my old house, but I wasn’t sure where to start. Thanks for sharing!
I was just wondering whether I should leave my baseboard when installing my new tile, so it helps to know when I should do that. Checking if my baseboard is five to eight inches taller with a base cap and installed on a plaster wall seems like it will tell me if I should do that. I’ll check for that in case installing my tile correctly on it would be best. Thanks for the helpful advice!
Good catch in the video Tom. I’ve always been the type to follow the “Measure twice, cut once.” mantra. I think this concept applies in this case. Why take the chance of guessing when it takes an extra minute or two to remove the baseboard?
Thanks for the post!
Fantastic video!! I would like to install glass mosaic tile to my kitchen to dazzle up my place.
Installing tile can be tricky. Stone isn’t very flexible (obviously), so you have to make sure that your cuts and measurements are very accurate. Tile floors can be great because they last such a long time if you take good care of them.
Great video, Tom! Unlike my wife, I’m not very handy, but I’m hoping that I’ll be able to install some tile in my kitchen this summer. It provides an excellent flooring look! Do you think I’ll be able to convince her to teach me? I sure hope so! Thanks for your comprehensive guide, Tom!
I’ve been thinking about installing some tile in my home. The old tile we have right now is just looking worn. I had no idea that so much went into planning for tile, especially with the base board like you said. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind as I make plans.