How to choose crosses for laying tiles - useful tips. What size cross for tiles is needed Crosses for tiles how to choose the size

This time we will be discussing ways to achieve good tile alignment when laying. Do they really work and justify themselves automatic systems leveling or is it better to learn from the very beginning to level the tiles by hand and thus fully comprehend the craft of the tiler?

What are the requirements for tiling

In construction practice, tolerances for leveling ceramic tiles are a very relative concept. Indeed, the visual assessment of the alignment of the tiles is much more important than the parametric one: if the irregularities are indistinguishable to the naked eye, then the result can be considered satisfactory.

There are, however, quite specific standards and tolerances for the surface of tiled cladding, established building codes 31.04.01. In short, the departure of the seams and the plane from the vertical should not exceed 1.5 mm / mp, and the run-up along the width of the seam and the mismatch in the plane between adjacent elements should not exceed 0.5 mm. The curvature of the plane - pits and bumps - should not exceed 1 mm / mp.

The situation is much stricter with maintaining the correct geometry of the room. All fine plumbing and installations have negligible deviations of angles and linear dimensions, which means that their adjunction to the walls will make all the existing distortions visible. Therefore, the turn angle between the walls should not differ from the design one by more than 0.5°, and the visually determined leveling tolerances turn out to be very close to the normative ones.

In fact, such strict compliance with the regulatory parameters is far from always possible, and in particular this applies to compliance with the thickness of the seam. Nevertheless, this is not a reason to relax: the alignment of the tiles must be approached as responsibly and scrupulously as possible under the existing conditions.

The traditional alignment

If you do not take into account the very ancient tile leveling techniques, then the most common method is as follows:

The flatness and verticality of the tiled cladding is set by a layer of preparatory plaster over the beacons, the same requirements apply to it as for the final coating.
Thanks to the application of the adhesive with a comb trowel with a constant tooth height, the initial parameters of the base are kept as accurately as possible with the possibility of more precise adjustment.
The horizontal layout is determined by the base row, the second in a row from the floor. It is with him that all the work begins, a strictly horizontal rail is pre-screwed for emphasis. It also helps move the trim row down, making it less visible.
The constant width of the seams is ensured by inserting plastic crosses into them. Their thickness is determined by the tile format as approximately 1/150 of the widest side.
Periodically, it is necessary to check the horizontality and verticality of the seams, as well as the absence of blockage of the facing plane. At present, the plumb line and rack level have been replaced by laser marking tools.
The coincidence of the plane of adjacent elements is checked by an even bar, which is carried out along the seam in different directions.

What is the difficulty of laying on crosses and wedges

Aligning with crosses would be ideal if the dimensions of the tile exactly matched the declared format. In reality, the deviation from the dimensions indicated on the packaging can reach 0.5%, that is, more than 1.5 mm for the most popular 200x300 mm format. The situation is aggravated by the curvature of the plane of the tile.

That is why every self-respecting master begins work with careful sorting. The tiles are stacked between each other in turn, the gap between them is estimated for clearance. We also measure the length and width of each element.

The tiles of the highest quality and corresponding to the format are subsequently laid in the most prominent places - in front of the door, around the washbasin and mirror, in a belt of 1-1.8 meters in height. Tiles with less correct sizes and shapes are laid above doors, behind installations, along the lower belt and in all those places with which the eye intersects most rarely.

Usually tiles for cladding are purchased with a margin of 3-7% for cutting and trimming. It is in this stock that the elements recognized by the results of sorting as the least suitable are deposited. Of these, afterward, extensions and undercuts will be made, although it is recommended to set aside 2-3 high-quality tiles separately in case of real damage.

And, nevertheless, even the perfect tile sins with a deviation in size, despite the fact that each row must be aligned along the top edge. When typing the starting row, this is ensured by a lining between the tile and the rail of wedges, they are also used when laying out the lowest row in order to press its elements up to seal the seam along the crosses.

In the upper rows, the discrepancy between length and width is compensated by adjusting the seams, for which you always have to keep crosses on hand that are larger and smaller than those used, or undermine the existing ones with a mounting knife.

And yet, the main difficulty in laying tiles in crosses is the impossibility of adjusting the plane in both directions. When leveling, the tile is easy to press down, this allows you to apply glue under the comb. But moving the tile towards you without tearing it off completely is much more difficult, here you have to use suction cup holders, which do not work very well with corrugated, textured and small-sized tiles.

How leveling systems work

All the described tricks and subtleties lose their relevance when using systems (SVP, DLS) of "automatic" alignment. In short, their principle of operation is to clamp the joints with the back and front side special clips.

The lower or consumable part of the clip is a wide area with a leg, laid under each tile 20-50 mm from each corner as the elements are laid on the glue. The upper, spacer part can have a different form factor, but it is due to it that the tiles are pressed to the site with a sufficiently large force.

After the glue dries, the clips are knocked down with a mallet, which is facilitated by a weakened groove at the base of the leg of the consumable part. Thus, the platform remains hidden under the tile, but the seam is completely free, and nothing interferes with the grout. A separate minus is the requirement special tool, although this does not apply to all alignment systems.

With the use of SVP, the problem of ensuring the flatness of the lining is not as such, but the task remains to control the thickness of the seam, if it more thickness legs. It is also necessary to compare the position of the tiles at the intersections of the seams - in both cases, the same plastic crosses come to the rescue. In this case, the plane of the tile will in any case remain ideal, and it will not be affected by the shrinkage of the adhesive. And in the case of floor cladding, the coating will be able to take the through load in the shortest possible time even before the final drying of the glue.

We summarize: how is it better to lay tiles

The optimal way of laying and leveling ceramic tiles should be determined by its quality, i.e. grade. On the one hand, SVP elements are more expensive than crosses and wedges; their use is not always justified. For tiles of particularly low quality, it is unlikely to achieve the ideal quality of the veneer in any case. However, we can unequivocally recommend the use of leveling systems on floors with a high throughput load: this significantly reduces the risk of injury to the coating.

On the other hand, even very high-quality tiles from exclusive collections can have dimensional distortions, such are the costs of their production method. However, in this case, the cost of the SVP cannot be compared with the cost of the tile itself, and the result will be much better, with an additional guarantee and the exclusion of the influence of uncontrollable factors such as glue shrinkage or simple human carelessness.

In order for the laying of tiles to be of high quality, it is necessary to use crosses for tiles. Despite the simplicity of the product, it must be chosen correctly and be able to use it correctly.

Assigning crosses for tiles

Crosses for laying tiles are used to obtain an even seam. Thanks to these leveling elements, it is possible to maintain a uniform distance between the cladding. It looks more aesthetically pleasing than when the gaps between the tiles different widths. Depending on the size of the tiles used different thickness crosses. This allows you to compensate for the discrepancy in size when the need arises. Also, maintaining one distance avoids errors in the geometric arrangement of elements on the wall or floor.

The use of standard crosses or other spacing elements is necessary not only to create aesthetic beauty.

Due to temperature change ceramic tile expands. In the case of butt-to-butt laying, the lining will collapse. This is especially important for floor tiles when installing heating elements under it.

If the installation of tiles takes place in the bathroom or other rooms with high humidity, the joints of the fragments are sealed with a special grout. This prevents water from getting under the tiles. End and back side are not protected by glaze, so the material tends to absorb moisture and swell. This leads to deformation and destruction of the tile, significantly reducing the life of the material.

Product types

All spacers are made of plastic. Because it consumable, this raw material can reduce the cost of the product. Plastic elements soft, it does not allow damage to the tile.

In form, there are such spacer elements:

Cross-shaped with four beams, which are used for simple styling.
T-shaped, used during laying apart.
Wedges. Used in cases where it is necessary to create a seam of different widths, or the tile has a beveled end surface.
Tile leveling system or 3D crosses. Allows you to form the exact distance between ceramic elements with a thickness of 1.5-1.8 mm.

T-shaped products are practically never found on sale, so they are made independently, separating one beam from a simple cross with the help of wire cutters.

Spacer elements differ in size. The minimum thickness of the product is 1 mm, and the step of increasing the distance is 0.5-1 mm. Crosses, which are used in everyday life, are 1.5-6 mm thick. Sometimes there are large sizes. Products can be hollow and solid. The first type is used more often, since when installed in the seam, the spacer element does not displace the adhesive.

Plastic crosses

There is a wide range of products of this type on the market today. You can choose a budget option or a high-quality professional one. Simple crosses do not have jumpers between the knees, which greatly impairs fixation. Products of this type cannot fully provide uniform gaps. As a result, the seams between clinker tiles or any other turn out curves.

Jumpers on the crosses do not allow the edges to bend, thereby maintaining a single geometry between the tiles and one distance. Products called Rubi or Rubi Twin Flex are distinguished by high quality and reliability.

They sell products in packages of 50, 100, 150 pieces, etc. This number is associated with the average consumption of spacers per 1 m2, which is 30-100 pieces. The exact calculation depends on the parameters of the tile. Minimum size product is 1 mm.

Plastic wedges

Wedges are used instead of crosses in cases where you have to work with curved tiles or decorative stone. If the parameters of the facing material differ from each other, it is necessary to adjust each joint separately. This is the only way to create an even geometry. This method is not very convenient and can take a lot of time, especially for an inexperienced master. However, it is considered a budget option to compensate for uneven tiles.

Tile Leveling System

The tile leveling system is suitable for laying tiles or porcelain stoneware with a thickness of 3-20mm. The main advantage of the SVP lies in its ability to automatically align two adjacent elements at the same level so that there is no height difference between them. Thanks to this adjustment, you can get a flat horizontal plane. The distance is maintained even after shrinkage of the adhesive. Such a system reduces the time of laying tiles and allows you to get an accurate result.

SVP allows you to evenly distribute the adhesive, which is especially important for uneven tile surfaces. All voids can be completely filled with an adhesive mixture, which is difficult to do manually. The system protects facing material from sagging. And the fixation of each element allows you to prevent differences in the plane or displacement. Such a system allows you to perform laying without crosses.

The following are noted as disadvantages:

time is spent installing and removing wedges;
the process of cleaning the seams is complicated;
high cost compared to simple crosses;
when installing large-sized tiles, a double layer of glue is applied so that the SVP can perform its functions.

On the domestic market, SVP is presented in the form of wedges and clamps. The first are a reusable product, and the clips are consumables, because after use, part of them remains inside the seam. For the installation of Western products, you will need special tongs. Clamps can be made wedge-shaped or in the form of flexible petals.

SVP with wedge-shaped elements is used in cases where the surface does not have significant irregularities. A device with a concave shape allows you to achieve self-leveling tiles. This system allows you to adjust to existing conditions and create flat surface thanks to the even distribution of the adhesive.

Which ones to choose?

To make the right choice of spacer elements, it is necessary to take into account the following factors:

The cheapest products break quickly and are easily deformed. This leads to inaccuracies in work. Parts of the crosses remain inside the seam, making it difficult to clean up the space. Sometimes fallen elements have to be removed with pliers, which can lead to damage to the tile. Before starting work, you need to check the product for strength.
Determine the correct width. If you are not sure what the thickness of the seam should be, you should give preference to SVP. It allows you to create a different distance between the elements of the cladding.
Flatness of the tile surface. The manufacturer allows errors in the production of tiles up to 1.5-2 mm. AT budget options products can be very curved. Standard crosses in such cases should not be used. To correctly and beautifully lay out the facing elements, it is better to use the tile leveling system. They compensate for curvature and create a flat surface.
When using a seamless connection, the thickness of the gap can be 1 mm. Note that this can only be done with quality tiles. In this case, it is necessary to select the smallest high-quality crosses.

How to choose the size of the crosses and the width of the seam

The size of the crosses for tiles directly depends on the thickness of the seam. The parameters of the tile affect: the larger the dimensions of the plates, the wider the seam is used. There is a rule according to which the thickness is calculated: the width of the tile joint must be equal to the length of the longest side of the tile, divided by 100.

Thus, if the plate size is 300x300 mm, then the seam should be 300/100=3 mm. For a large tile 600x600 mm, the seam will be 600/100 = 6 mm, etc. For laying medium format tiles, it is better to use a gap of 2.5-3 mm for wall and 3.5-4 mm for floor cladding.

Calculation of the amount of materials

Up to 100 pieces of crosses are consumed per 1 m². The exact amount depends on the size of the plates. To calculate the number of crosses, you need to determine how many cladding elements are used in 1 m², then multiply by 4 or 8 and add 10-15% of the stock. The stock must be taken into account, because the spacers are quite fragile and break easily.

Most often, 4 crosses are installed on each tile, less often more are used. The latter is due to the complexity of installation, since it is sometimes difficult to achieve an even seam and clean the joint from excess glue. When using SVP, the consumption is 6-8 pieces per 1 element.

Rules of use and rookie mistakes

The main mistake of beginners is laying crosses with the entire plane at the intersection. This should not be done for the following reasons:

The parameters of the tiles cannot be completely accurate, sometimes the error reaches 2 mm. Laying the crosses flat will lead to a violation of the geometry of the pattern. The tile will lie unevenly, and the thickness of the seam will be different even within the same gap.
Spacer elements (especially cheap ones) are not always of the same thickness, they may have some errors. This leads to asymmetrical seams and deformation of the pattern.

You need to install crosses only vertically. Installation is carried out in this way:

glue is applied to the tile and the surface of the wall or floor with a comb;
the second element is laid;
the tile is pressed with a metal level;
after fixing the plates, crosses are installed;
they are installed at a distance of about 5 cm from the edge of the ceramics;
2-3 parts are needed on each side;
after about a day, the adhesive mixture dries up, and the crosses can be removed;
at the end, the seams are filled with a special grout.

Installation of SVP is carried out in the following way:

a solution is applied to the surface to be glued and the tile, the element is fixed;
2 clamps are placed under it on each side at a distance of about 5 cm from the edge;
lay the next plate;
between tiles and top clamps, insert the wedge and fix it so that the lower part fits snugly against the surface, and the edges ceramic elements aligned.

Proper dismantling and reuse

Crosses can be reused. To do this, you need to properly dismantle. Crosses are removed with pliers after solidification adhesive mixture. Damaged specimens are thrown away, and whole ones are set aside for reuse.

SVP is slightly different from crosses. In this case, only the wedge lock can be used again. Dismantling is carried out as follows:

after the adhesive has completely dried, to remove the clamps, hit the top of the clamp along the tile seam;
the lower part breaks off and remains, and the wedge is reused.

How to replace crosses for tiles

There are situations when it is not possible to use crosses or you need to lay several plates. It is not advisable to buy a pack of spacers for the sake of mounting several ceramic elements. In this case, it is necessary to replace the crosses. Some use matches for this purpose, but these products are not suitable. They have too much variation in thickness, which does not allow you to level the tiles.

Sometimes a dense cable or wire of the required diameter is used. They are laid in a seam, and after the glue has hardened, they are removed.

If you need to fix only a few plates, use solid objects as spacers the right sizes. It can be:

plastic container, cut into pieces;
washers;
pieces of ceramics;
drywall, etc.

Is it possible to lay tiles without crosses?

It is not worth using masonry without a gap, as this will lead to deformation of the tile. However, crosses are not always used to maintain the width of the seam. In some Western countries, a special cord is used for this purpose. It allows you to compensate for the difference in tile parameters. And accuracy geometric pattern can be observed with laser level or by eye.

There are also C-shaped inserts. This is an analogue of crosses, but they are easier to dismantle and install due to the shape features. Sometimes adjustment of the seam thickness is not needed at all. In such cases, it is enough to lay the tile on the eye. If used original idea design, some kind of insert can serve as a guide.

Now I will tell you why I choose the size of crosses for wall and floor tiles.

To do this, I first check the dimensions of the wall tiles. It is done like this: I take 6-8 tiles from different boxes and I make such a panel out of them, that is, I put them tightly to each other.

In this case, the edges of the tile in the center should converge clearly. And now I look and feel with my fingers the convergence of the edges of the tiles on the other side. My task is to determine the average error in the size of the tiles. For example, there is a small protrusion here, about half a millimeter.

Even lower, I also observe a small ledge. But for other sides, the tile converges normally, without protrusions. I do the same check for the other side.

After that, I must conclude for myself how many millimeters I will have to adjust the seams of the tiles on the wall. This tile has an error of up to a millimeter, so in this situation you can choose the size of the crosses of 1.5 - 2 millimeters.

Here I have two-millimeter crosses, which are standard, and one-and-a-half-millimeter crosses, which are used for good tiles.

Most often, it is these two sizes that allow you to get best result. To finally decide, I will insert one and a half millimeter crosses between the tiles and see how beautiful the seam will be.

You need to insert crosses between at least four tiles. Then the overall picture is better seen.

As you understand, the same operations must be carried out with floor tiles.

After installing the cross on a dry one, we should visually try to evaluate the beauty of the seam.

For example, this result suits me. I am not a supporter thick tile joints and try to make them as thin as possible.

And here is another trick that you need to know when choosing the size of a cross - this is the technological gap between the tiles. I again made tiles without crosses. Technologically, the shape of the edges of the tile is most often beveled. Because of this, a small groove forms at the tight junction of the tiles, which must also be taken into account.

That is, when I take a one and a half millimeter cross, I must understand that after jointing my final seam between the tiles will be 2 - 2.5 mm, so know that the size of the crosses and what you see on the wall are different things.

And as a conclusion, I will say that in my work I often use the following sizes of crosses:

For wall tiles - 1.5 - 2 mm
For floor tiles - 2 - 2.5 mm

And the last thing I would like to add on crosses. When choosing, also look at their quality. Here are two samples of the same size, but from different manufacturers.

The cross on the right has obvious errors in manufacturing, and the cross on the left has beautiful even edges, so I recommend not taking crosses that have artifacts.

All rights to the video belong to: DoHow

Repair work requires certain skills from the performer, it is applied special equipment and tools. Laying tiles is no exception, because the seams must be perfectly even. When there is no behind years of experience a professional tiler cannot do without the use of plastic crosses for tiles, the dimensions of which determine the width and thickness of the seam.

Varieties of plastic crosses for tiles

AT modern construction ceramic tile is used to cover different surfaces. She is lined with floors, walls, stairs. This is a comfortable practical cover with excellent appearance that is easy to clean.

The use of crosses for tiles in the work allows you to achieve a fixed width of the joints and a uniform laying height. The coating, laid using a simple tool, looks neat.

Due to the crosses, the seam width is uniform

First you need to carefully study what tools and materials you will need. Going to the store, you should know that crosses are of the following types:

Standard;
T-shaped for facing with an offset (laying "bricks");
Wedges that go deep into the seam, make it possible to adjust to the required width;
SVP - multi tool, a system for aligning tiles in width and length, evenly presses the tiles to the surface, and prevents sagging when dried.

Standard tile crosses

T-crosses for tiles

Plastic wedges for tiles

SVP wedges and clips

Crosses are divided into hollow and solid ones, the first masters use them much more often, since they are easily inserted into a seam filled with glue without squeezing it out. It is important to determine the size of the cross that is necessary for the job. Thickness can be from 1 to 8 mm, width up to 12 mm, which directly depends on the selected tile. The minimum thickness is chosen only if it is planned seamless laying Or is it implied by the design intent.

SVP consumption (pcs / sq m) depends on the size of the tile

If the choice of tiles is made, then count the number necessary crosses will be easy. To do this, you need to determine the number of tiles per 1 sq m, and then multiply by 4 or 8, depending on how many crosses are used for each tile, plus a margin of about 15% is made. The package contains 100 pieces, the cost is not more than 50 rubles.

Products domestic production do not have jumpers between the constituent elements, so the distance between the tiles is uneven, the seams are of different widths. Crosses are used only as spacers; they do not perform the main function of creating an even seam.

Application area

If a standard crosses are used to create high-quality and even masonry when facing surfaces such as walls and floors, then we will dwell on the use of other types in more detail.

Pay attention to the cladding of the lower part of the facade of the house? In this case, the so-called masonry "bricks" is used. An ordinary cross with 4 equal ends will not work, you must use the T-shaped version, which, unfortunately, is almost impossible to buy in a store.

Wedges are used much less often in work, they are convenient when laying is not carried out in a straight line. Most often they are used when facing with decorative stone, the dimensions of which differ up to 5 mm. Wedges are also used when finishing steps, laying the bottom row of an apron, where work is carried out with “curved” tiles.

Particular attention should be paid to the tile leveling system, consisting of a clamp and a wedge, which is used to work both on the floor and on the walls when laying on the adhesive. With an indent of 5-10 cm from the edges of each tile, clamps are inserted under it. Then a wedge is installed in the clip, which will evenly rest on 2 adjacent tiles, and they will stand on the same level. After the glue has completely dried, the wedges are removed, the leg of the clamp breaks off, the cap remains inside. Wedges for SVP can be used repeatedly, you will have to buy new clips.

How to choose the right seam width?

Laying tiles on a floor or wall is a whole art, the master must choose the right material, calculate its quantity, and perform installation in such a way that the floor or wall is perfectly even. The selection of the joint width depends on what surfaces are planned to be covered and what size of tiles will be used.

When it comes to walls, experts recommend using crosses with a thickness of 1, 1.5 and 2 mm. The minimum joint can be used if the tiles are perfectly sized, which can significantly reduce the amount of grout. When covering the floor, the thickness of the gap is usually 2-3 mm.

The size of the joint affects the choice of grout. Some of them are designed for gaps up to 5 mm, and there are those that are used to work with seams from 4 mm and above.

The cross adjusts the width of the seam

Experts recommend being especially careful when working with domestically produced tiles. There are technological tolerances, the sizes of the tiles are somewhat different. When laying on the floor, due to the wider gaps, this may not be so noticeable. When mounted on a wall, each mismatched millimeter has great value. Wide seams do not look aesthetically pleasing, the amount of grout on them increases. When a brick-like tile with a chamfer is used, it is taken into account that the seam will visually look larger.

Before the final grout, the crosses are pulled out with pliers. It is undesirable to leave broken products, since the grout layer above them will be thin and crumble over time.

Advantages and disadvantages of tile crosses

Tiled works are used in the construction and reconstruction of residential and non-residential premises. Each specialist will confirm with confidence that it is much more convenient to work with the use of plastic crosses, their use makes it possible to:

Significantly speed up the process;
Improve the quality of masonry;
Reduce the amount of grout.

However, this little tool has its drawbacks. If the cross is made of low-quality plastic, then it breaks easily, and after completion of work it can be very difficult to remove it from the seam. When the broken part remains inside, it can deform the masonry, distorting the overall appearance.

If you purchased a material with an uneven profile, you must carefully ensure that you insert them only with the same end between the plates, otherwise you will not speed up the process, but will be forced to additionally align the seams.

Often when installing decorative facade tiles or installation on the floor, laying in a run is used. What kind of crosses are used in this case, if the option with 4 ends is not suitable here? Masters themselves have to "improve" this plastic tool. Usually they manually remove an unnecessary element, and get a product that is easy to use.

Beginners try to do without crosses, replacing them with washers, matches and other improvised material. The seams are uneven, the desire to save money leads to the opposite result. The low cost of crosses will not affect the cost of work in any way. Installation of tiles using crosses is faster and better, so you should not save on their purchase.

With modular laying, crosses are indispensable

Video

Tile crosses will provide perfect and even seams between tiles Despite the fact that plastic crosses are elementary in design, one should approach their choice as it should. This is especially true for those people who have been laying tiles not so long ago.

How to choose the right cross size for tiles

When facing with tiles, the choice of the size of the cross is essential; crosses should be used based on the size of the tile, its thickness, as well as the brand and quality of the tile. Many people believe that the thinner the cross, the thinner the seam, the more beautiful the tile will look. However, this is not entirely true, especially for cheap tiles, and certain rules should be followed.

Crosses are selected based on the largest length of the tile, while the latter must be divided by 10.

Many manufacturers complete boxes with tiles with instructions that indicate how wide the crosses should be used and how thick the joints should be.

So, for example, if the length of the tile is 20x30 cm, this length should be divided by 10 and it turns out that for this tile the thickness of the seam should be 3 mm. Despite such calculations, professional tilers recommend using crosses with a thickness of 2.5 mm to 3 mm, if this wall tiles. Provided that the tiles are laid out on the floor, the thickness of the crosses should be from 3.5 mm to 4 mm.

Crosses are also selected based on:

Evenness of tiles;
The presence of a chamfer;
The presence of chips;
Tile thickness;
The quality of the material.

With any design ideas, you can choose crosses with a thickness of 1-2 mm. But at the same time, it is not possible to correct the seams between the tiles and, in the event of a lining error, all defects will be noticeable.

Plastic crosses for laying tiles

When installing tiles, every master knows how difficult it is to keep the same distance between the tiles, and to maintain it between them, some use matches. But the matches let in by the industry often do not have the same thickness, and instead of them it is better to use special plastic crosses. Such crosses for tiles perform important functions.

Crosses define required thickness between the tiles, allowing you to achieve the same distance between the tiles.

Also, thanks to the crosses, which have jumpers, you can achieve a certain height of the tile. Due to the presence of jumpers, the crosses will be securely held. Only quality crosses should be purchased, they are called Rubi or Rubi Twin Flex, which differ high quality and reliability. And you can even use them several times. Of course, such crosses are more expensive, but their quality is on top.

Plastic crosses have the same thickness, which allows you to lay out tiles with an equal gap from each other

If a tiler tries to save on consumables and buys cheap consumables, this often leads to:

uneven seams;
Ugly tiling;
The one that forces many to redo all the work again.

The standard size of the joints is mainly 3 mm, based on this, it is necessary to purchase crosses for tiles right size. Professionals in their field usually install either 8 crosses per tile, 2 on each side, or 4 closer to the center of the intersection of the tiles. Both methods are widely used when laying tiles on the wall.

The choice of crosses for tiles

Before choosing crosses for laying tiles, you need to familiarize yourself with their main characteristics and types. Crosses are also selected based on the size of the tile - the most long side tiles (in mm), you need to divide by 100, and in this way you can get the width of the seam and, accordingly, you can purchase crosses of the desired width.

And further:

The dimensions of these products intended for laying tiles can vary in width from 2–3 mm to 10 mm.
Crosses are made of plastic, and they are sold in packages at any hardware store.
Usually in each package there are from 50 pcs. up to 500 pcs., medium package, provided the dimensions of the tiles are 300x300 mm, enough for 8 m2.

Hollow plastic crosses for tiles perfectly fix the same width of the seams

Crosses are solid and hollow, most craftsmen prefer to use hollow crosses, as they fit into the seams as evenly as possible, and at the same time the solution is not squeezed out, unlike solid ones. Crosses can also be traditional cruciform, or they can be T-shape, they are usually used for laying the top, bottom and side rows of tiles. With a stretch, systems for leveling tiles can be attributed to crosses, but such a system is not used so often, and is intended mainly for laying floor tiles. large sizes. Sometimes such a system is used by beginners for laying wall tiles.

Before using the crosses, you should check a few pieces for a break, if the crosses break easily, then it is better not to use them, since then it will be difficult to remove them from the tile joints.

It is better to use more reliable types of crosses, albeit more expensive ones. If domestically produced tiles are being laid, the width of the seam should be made a little larger, since domestically produced tiles, even from the same batch, may have different sizes.

What crosses are needed for laying tiles on the floor

Before choosing crosses for tiles, you must first level the floor, for this it is possible to use self-leveling mixtures (self-leveling). When the surface is prepared, you can proceed with the installation of tiles or porcelain tiles on the floor.

Mounting:

An adhesive or cement composition is applied to the prepared surface;
Tiles are laid on it;
Lightly tapped with a wooden or rubber mallet;
After laying the second tile, a cross is installed so that the seam between the tiles is even.

3D crosses do their job perfectly, as they align the tiles not only in length and width, but also evenly press them, do not allow them to sag during the drying of the glue

If porcelain stoneware is mounted on the floor, then it is best to install crosses between the plates, 2 on each side. At the same time, their consumption is 8 crosses per slab, in order to save costs, some craftsmen reuse crosses. But still, it is better to put new ones for more quality styling tiles. Each master tiler tries to choose those crosses that are most convenient to use in work and at the same time, which have good quality and relatively low price.

When using them, the seams are even, and the plastic does not damage the tiles during the work.

The crosses serve not only to lay the tiles evenly, but also to create seams that are subsequently rubbed. If there are no seams, then in this case moisture can penetrate between the tightly laid tiles and, as a result, after a while, its destruction, swelling and swelling will begin. So, it would seem that the quality of the entire installation depends on such an insignificant detail as a tile cross. The crosses are usually removed 2-3 days after laying, if the cross cannot be removed in any way, it is necessary to cut it and take it out in parts.

How to choose crosses for tiles (video)

What crosses are needed, and how to pick them up, each person can find out by reading the material written above. And how to put them correctly, will also tell given material, which will be of interest primarily to beginners.