Listed here are the options you will have to choose from.

Tilе Grid

The mоѕt соmmоn of аll tilе раttеrnѕ, thе grid method lооkѕ еxасtlу likе it ѕоundѕ. Square tilеѕ аrе аrrаngеd one a top the оthеr аnd ѕidе by side ѕо thаt it has thе appearance оf a grid. This iѕ аlѕо vеrу boring. Trу tо аvоid thiѕ mеthоdѕ. It аddѕ vеrу little tо a room’s арреаl. One оf the (only) аdvаntаgеѕ of thiѕ look iѕ that it mаkеѕ tilе сlеаning easier because the grоut runs in simple сhаnnеlѕ and not in аnу kind оf соmрlеx раttеrn.

Diаmоnd

An act аѕ ѕimрlе аѕ rotating thе tilе forty-five dеgrееѕ аnd then lауing thеm out in a grid pattern саn have a trеmеndоuѕ effect оn the lооk оf a room. Whеrеаѕ thе bаѕiс grid lооkѕ dull, thе diamond раttеrn iѕ mоrе аеѕthеtiсаllу рlеаѕing аnd rеԛuirеѕ nо mоrе work than thе оthеr design. If уоu want a ѕimрlе, chic lооk, diаmоnd iѕ thе wау tо gо.

Tilе Bаѕkеt

If уоu аrе opting fоr rесtаngulаr tile, the bаѕkеt раttеrn саn аdd a соmрlеx lеvеl оf сhаrm tо a rооm. Take twо or three tilеѕ and lау thеm vertically; the combination оf аll three ѕidе bу ѕidе ѕhоuld bе in thе ѕhаре оf a square. Bеѕidе that, lay the same number оf tilеѕ hоrizоntаllу and repeat thе раttеrn. Eѕѕеntiаllу thiѕ replicates grid tile раttеrnѕ, but iѕ mоrе viѕuаllу intеrеѕting bесаuѕе thе “squares” within уоur grid аrе divided intо three рiесеѕ.

Road

You саn сrеаtе a раttеrn thаt rеѕеmblеѕ a rоаd wеаving through a сitу blосk bу аltеrnаting square аnd rесtаngulаr ѕhареd tilеѕ. Stаrt bу рlасing a rоw оf ѕquаrе tilеѕ in a row, аѕ if уоu were creating a grid pattern. On tор оf thоѕе, hоrizоntаllу run a rоw оf the rectangular tilеѕ, and thеn аnоthеr rоw оn tор of thаt. Finаllу, start thе раttеrn аgаin, by placing your ѕquаrеѕ аtор thе two rесtаngulаr rows.

Pinwhееl

This iѕ оnе оf the more соmрlеx tilе раttеrnѕ, but сrеаtеѕ a vеrу intеrеѕting lооk tо your flооr. Start in thе middlе оf the flооr аnd place a ѕquаrе dоwn. Next, рut a rесtаnglе рiесе оn tор of thаt, squaring up thе еnd оf thе rectangle with the tор lеft соrnеr of your square. There ѕhоuld bе a good роrtiоn оf уоur rесtаnglе hаnging оvеr thе top right оf thе square. Tаkе аnоthеr rесtаnglе and place it with thе right ѕidе uр аgаinѕt this оvеrhаng. Repeat this around the perimeter. Onсе this iѕ complete thе раttеrn саn bе rерliсаtеd over thе rеmаindеr of thе floor.

Manual Tile Cutters

The benefits of using a manual tile cutter:

• Excellent fast cuts with minimal effort
• Many size options
• Easy To Use
• Power options for different materials
• Fixed or single point breaker or mobile or multi-point breaker
• Low maintenance

The disadvantages of manual tile cutter:

• Limited cut options
• Prone to less accurate cuts (depending on the user)

Once you’ve determined which is the best tile cutter to use for you, you’ll have plenty of options to choose. In this article, we’ll focus on five different brands of manual tile cutters.

• RUBI
• RTC
• Batipav
• Sigma
• Tomecanic

Rubi Manual Tile Cutters

For speed and convenience, RUBI manual tile cutters are used more often than electric cutters. The variety of manual RUBI tile cutters gives you the option of matching the right cutter with the material you are cutting. A good match will result in cleaner cuts. Thicknesses between 6 and 10 mm tiles are more fragile and will need a cutter that provides for gentle treatment. RUBI offers the widest variety in purchasing options, and therefore allow for a greater variety of cuts.

There are quite a variety of options to choose from within the RUBI brand. We’ve listed five of those options here with descriptions to give you the information you need to make the best choice.

1. RUBI Slim System Thin Tile Professional Cutter – 122″ Cut

• Provides straight cuts without inconsistencies Offers high-quality performance.
• Cutting capacity of up to 310cm. (extendable)
• Built for cutting large format porcelain, between 3mm and 8mm thick Silicone cords and fixed suction pads
• Tungsten carbide roller w/titanium treatment bearing of Ø22mm
• Gradual separation and adjustable pincers to reduce tile breakage

Price: $595

2. RUBITR Series Tile Cutter – 24″ to 28″

• Multipoint breaker gives precisediagonal cuts
• Perfect for both wall and floor tiles
• Central pivot swivel square
• Lateral stop for repetitive cuts
• Improved visibility with double guide for of the scoring and cutting
• Scoring wheels for every material (interchangeable)
• Guides are rectified steel and chromed with anti-rust treatment.
• Sturdy aluminum, 2-layer base supports large format tiles with shock absorption

Price: $409.95–$489.95

3. RUBI TS Plus Series Tile Cutters – 17″ to 29″

• Single point breaker
• Up to 800 Kg breaking pressure
• Reinforced base
• Perfect view of the scoring/cutting line with double guide
• Rectified and calibrated chrome steel guides and anti-rust treatment.
• Interchangeable scoring wheels (6 mm to 22 mm range)
• Transport case

Price: $325.00–$465.95

4. RUBI TS Series Manual Tile Cutters – 17″ to 26″

• TS Series built for precision cuts and breaking power

Price: $315.00–$389.95

5. RUBITX-N Series – 28″ to 49″

• TX series has added breaking for use on large format tile.
• Powerful cutter with detailed angular measurement system
• Optimal cutting of ceramic, porcelain, and pressed tiles
• 1000Kg power breaker
• Central pivot swivel square for precise angular cuts
• Adjustable scoring wheels
• Reinforced breaking
• Lateral stop
• Aluminum two-layer base with shock absorption
• Heavy duty case included

Price: $595.00–$1,050.00

Sigma Manual Tile Cutters; Options From Minute To Mammoth

For many decades, Sigma Italia has built some of the most elite manual tile cutters in the industry.  Ranging from the 14″ 2G Sigma Tile Cutter to the 3F3 60″ Sigma large format beast, Sigma’s variety is impressive.

Sigma Tile Cutters cut porcelain clean and fast. They have specialized in making equipment for tile installers since 1964.They offer a guarantee that all models meet the highest safety and strength standards, including the very high European standards.  Sigma sells Pull Cutters, Sigma Thin Panel Tile Tools, and Sigma Max Cutters.

Designed with a spring-loaded ball bearing mounted scoring wheel, The Sigma Max Push Handle cutters are custom-madeand manufactured for accurate and consistent scores on uneven surfaced tile. They are perfect for wood or stone looks on an ornate or textured tile. Their design eliminates difficult cutting of textured tile with a manual cutter. It alsoreduceswasted tile pieces and uneven breaks.

The pull handle action Sigma Tile Cutters set the bar high in design and durability. Sigma Italia has repeatedly produced this industry standard for several decades.  The Sigma Pull Handle Tile Cutters vary in size from 14″ to 36″.

Tomecanic Manual Tile Cutters; Four For The Floor

Tomecanic manual tile cutters are used widely by do-it-your-selfer’s and professionals alike. They cut reliably, quickly, and smoothly. Replacement cutting tools and blades are readily available and priced at a good value.

Tomecanic manual tile cutters are high-quality and dependable. All models are designed to help you preserve excess waste material resulting from bad cuts. Their reputation is highlighted by durability and high-performance. Below are the four most popular selling Tomecanic Manual Tile Cutters.

Tomecanic 24″ Supercut 2160 Tile Cutter

• Designed to score fired clay ceramic tiles with a glaze coating,this ceramic tile cuttercan cutfully vitrified porcelain tiles as well as some unglazed clay tiles.
• Able to withstand 2500 lbs. of pressure, the braking system comes with a robust multipoint separator.
• The single rail guide does not flex cutting in the center of porcelain tile
• Self-lubricating bearings help cutting head slides easily on
• Better shock absorption with breaking pads mounted on springs
• Cut-out under breaking pads allows for tile cuttings to fall for easy cleaning.
• Allows thick materials to be quickly cut
• Length of Cut – 24″. Diagonal Cut – 16″. Weight – 27 lbs.
• 9 ball bearing system cutting head allow for super accurate and easy scoring.
• Large breaker and spring loaded pads for easy snapping of tile.

Tomecanic 35″ Supercut 2190 Tile Cutter

• 35″ length of cut and 24″ Diagonal cuts
• Breaking System Lever produces 2500 lbs of pressure when splitting tiles with a robust multipoint separator
• Cuts floor tile, mosaics, porcelain, and similar materials
• Easy and accurate scoring
• Big-size breaker with spring loaded pads for easy snapping of tile.
• The single Rail guide doesn’t flex when breaking porcelain tile in the center of the tile

Tomecanic 29″ Supercut 2175 Tile Cutter

• 29″ length of cut and 20″ Diagonal cuts
• Used for cuts on a variety of materials including porcelain, floor tile, and mosaics
• Big-size breaker with spring loaded pads for easy snapping of tile.
• Breaking System Lever produces 2500 lbs of pressure when splitting tiles
• No flex when breaking porcelain tile in the center of the tile (single rail guide)

Tomecanic Primo 16″ Tile Cutter

• Ideal for the do-it-your selfer
• Cuts tile straight and at a 45-degree angle; also cuts porcelain
• Length of Cut – 16 inch Diagonal Cut – 11 inch Weight – 6 lbs.
• Heavy-duty steel base
• Precision score and snap and replaceable wheel included

Price: $350 – $597

RUBI Tile Level Quick Leveling System

Method: RUBI Tile Level Quick comes in the format  of a kit making it a user-friendly purchase that won’t waste your time looking for material and tools separately. Nippers, quick strips, caps are all sold together in a bucket-type container.

This process of installing and leveling your new surface is about as easy as it gets. The overall method can be summarized in three easy steps.

1. Place the tiles using the grooved-based straps (the groove allows for a better grip). The straps allow for a minimum joint of 1/16” and unlike other leveling systems, there is no need to dip the straps in water before using them.
2. Slide the re-usable caps over the strips as they sit vertically sticking straight up from your tiles.
3. Use the plier tool to bend the straps over the caps, putting pressure on the caps and securing the tiles in place. This restrains the shifting of parts while the adhesive is setting, and prevents tile lippage that results in a finished flat surface. This tile leveling system can be used for the installing of both horizontal and vertical surfaces, meaning it’s usable for both floors and walls.
4. After the floor or wall is set (the double gluing technique is always used) the caps are removed by an impact. Simply by kicking them off a floor surface or removing them from a newly tiled wall, ready to use for the next job. (Note: Always remove the caps in the direction of the grout joint).

This system was developed to save time in installing large format ceramic tiles, particularly in rectified porcelain tiles, as well as to provide the perfect setting and leveling with virtually any material or dimension. Ideally,12” x 12” tiles or larger work great with this system. The RUBI Tile Level Quick System reduces installation time for both floors and walls, making it a more efficient use of your day. Of course, for a professional, that means increased savings and profit.

The kit comes ready to use in a practical bucket-style storage container with a well-placed handle for easy use and carrying. Here is what you comes with the kit:

• Tile Level Quick 1 pliers which can be utilized for both floor or wall tiling.
  (Note: The pliers are made of two types of metals allowing a height control system that is easy to use.)
• 100 strips
• 100 reusable cups

Material: Large format ceramic tiles (particularly in rectified porcelain tiles). Can also be used for leveling granite and marble tiles.

Thickness: Compatible with the tile of thickness levels between 1/8″ and 5/8.”

Price: Approximately $55 per kit

QEP

Method: QEP Tile Leveling Clips are plastic spacers used in combination with leveling wedges to form the LASH Tile Leveling System. This system is available in two sizes, original (for 3/16” to7/16”) or XL (for ½” to ¾” tile). The LASH system is quick to install and adjust and hold the height of the tiles evenly while the tiles cure. Made of durable nylon and colored a bright yellow for easy identification, QEP clips are used for installing stone, thin and rectified porcelain and marble tile. Learning to use the QEP system is relatively easy, and once you get the hang of it, installations go pretty fast. When used correctly, the result is a smooth tile surface with a professional finish.

Material: Marble, Stone, and Porcelain Tile

Thickness: Original (for 3/16” to7/16”) or XL (for ½” to ¾” tile)

Price:

• LASH Tile Leveling, Aligning and Spacer Clips ($10 per 96-pack)

Seam Clip

Method: The One-Piece Seam Clip system is enticing because it requires no special tools to install or remove tiles. The system works by sliding the base under the tile, closing the wings on the side, and removing t he top portion by tapping it with a rubber mallet after the tiles have cured. Whether installing granite, stone, marble, ceramic, and some larger tile formats (3/8″ to ½” in thickness) , seam clips are very easy to use.

There is a premium Seam Clip Leveling System produced in Australia that uses “Clip-iT” wedges. These wedges, made of polymer material for indoor or outdoor use, are durable and reusable and appropriate for use with natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, marble, or granite tiles. The wedges are specifically designed to reduce the stress and fatigue that often occur on an installer’s fingers. The wedges have round edges and a broader, soft thumbprint area.

Material: Granite, Stone, Marble, Ceramic, and some larger tile formats

Thickness: 3/8″ to ½” in thickness

Price:

• Tuscan Seam Clips Only (appx. $51 for 150-piece set)
• Tuscan Seam Clips Only (appx. $142 for 500-piece set)
• Tile Master (appx. $116 for 300 Spacers and 100 Wedges)

Bathroom remodeling in Los Angeles is all about the details; whether you are going to get professional help or it is a weekend DIY project, there are lots of things that you can do better and make a big difference in the ultimate outcome. Ceramic tiles are considered the easiest tiles to handle so feel free to experiment with those. Following are some tricks you can do with your bathroom space and make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Bathroom designing, kitchen remodeling and tile installation need your time and money so it is essential to put some efforts into the equation and get the best outcome. Renovating is all about moving one step further and making your bathroom, kitchen or other space look good. Of course there are some classic looks that are timeless yet most of the people opt for latest trends and designs. Latest designs also increase house value significantly that would be beneficial if you are planning to sell the house.

Following is a list of some latest bathroom, kitchen and tiling trends of 2017.

Horizontal and Vertical Lines

No doubt, using horizontal and vertical lines in kitchen, bathroom or other space is not the latest idea yet it could be used in a number of new ways thank to the more and more upcoming tile designs and patterns. Horizontal and vertical lines are not only used create a visual illusion of bigger or taller space but lines can add depth in a plain design. Using lines is considered one of the most effective and cost efficient way to beautify the space.

Grayscale

Gray has always been a popular color choice for bathrooms and other spaces. Tile manufacturing companies understand the popularity of grayscale tiles and in 2017 you would see even more patterns, styles and a wider range of grayscale tiles in the market. Adding an exotic color (via horizontal or vertical line) on a plain grayscale wall in your bathroom space can dramatically improve the look. Gray has proved the entire theory wrong that you need colors to make a bold impression.

Graphical Mosaic

Mosaic tiles have been around us for years and manufacturers have been working on new designs tirelessly. Expect to see a wide range of graphical mosaic in 2017 as many design elements are getting traction in the industry. Patterned mosaics could be used to form an asymmetrical layout or you can ditch the randomness and strategically place these tiles to form a modern symmetrical look.

3D Tiles

Thanks to the modern tile manufacturing process, now manufacturers can make tiles that can give a 3D appearance of texture. These 3D tiles might need an expert installation for the maximum effect but after installation, they give a whole new meaning to modern designs. As you can anticipate, manufacturers can make virtually unlimited designs of 3D tiles with ridges and other geometrical designs; so expects tons of new designs in upcoming months.

Creative Designs and Patterns

Of course patterned tiles are quite popular all over the globe but with the passage of time, patterned and geometric tiles have become a synonym of modernized bathroom or kitchen design. According to many industry experts and designers, the classic look and basic design elements would give an even bigger entry in near future. Brick tiles (which have thrice the length than width) would give a new meaning to modern designs by designers using them in more creative ways. Herringbone and other similar tile layouts can help create dramatic effects in the space.

The process of tile installation is not that difficult on its own as all you have to do is apply the thin set and place the tile at its predefined place but there are lots of other things for example selecting the best tile for the application and tile cutting process that might need professional help if you are not willing to do it yourself. There are many different ways to cut tiles and each of them has its own benefits (and flaws too). Even if you use the simplest possible tiling layout for easiness, you still have to cut tiles in corners and to fit smaller pieces in smaller spaces.

Lets talk about different tile cutting methods which tile installers in Los Angeles use.

Tile Nipper

Tile nipper is quite similar to pliers with thick edges so you can grab the tile and put force with other hand to cut it. Tile nipper is a common method among people who do DIY tile installation projects and need something effective and cost efficient. You can get a decent tile cutting pliers at a fraction of the cost of a wet saw. However, unlike other methods, tile nipper does not exactly cut the tile in two pieces but it breaks the other part.

For example, if you want to use ¾ of a tile then the other ¼ piece would be lost during the process. As you can handle the force, layout and everything manually while using tile nippers, they are mainly suitable for cutting edges or give tiles specific shapes.

Score Tile Cutter

Score tile cutter can cut tiles in two pieces and the method is fairly simple so you can learn it in few minutes. All you have to do is line up the mark on tiles using a scoring wheel, put the other end of the scoring wheel exactly under the tile where you marked it and snap. Do not mark the tile multiple times and try to do it in one try because marking the tile multiple times would damage the tile and scoring wheel itself.