What crosses are needed for a 45x45 tile. Everything you need to know about tile crosses. Consumption per square meter - how many packs to buy for repairs

Before making repairs, the most rational move is to purchase all the necessary materials with a margin in advance. Their set depends on the scope of the proposed work. If you plan to tile walls or floors, in addition to tiles and glue, you also need to purchase special beacons, so the question of how to choose crosses for tiles may seem interesting to many. From right purchase, in this case, depends on the quality of styling, its external attractiveness. Therefore, it makes sense to talk about the designated issue in some detail.

Why is it necessary to use crosses for laying tiles?
This consumable helps control the width of the seam that forms between two adjacent modules. After laying the tiles, they are simply inserted into the gap, and until the glue has set, the tiler can easily move the tiles, focusing on the space left by the crosses. After such an operation, the seams are smooth, and the lining itself looks neat and aesthetically pleasing.
But this is not the only function of crosses for tiles, they have different sizes, with the help of them you can form a space that allows you to maintain the integrity of the modules during the operation of the cladding. The fact is that the tile tends to expand with temperature exposure. The left seam allows you to compensate for it.

Another task of grout joints is to mask minor defects in the tile itself. Even in the same batch, tiles do not always have even, identical cuts or side lengths. With the ability to save optimal distance between the two fragments, this shortcoming can be easily eliminated. That is why it is considered mandatory to use crosses for tiles - how to choose the size of such elements? The answer is in the next section.

Existing sizes

On sale there are several varieties of crosses for tiles (2mm, 1mm) there are varieties, the thickness of the details of which can be different (from 1 to 8 mm), you need to select crosses taking into account the required thickness grout. There are no standard indicators in this matter, so you do not need to focus on the imaginary indicators of the professionalism of the tiler. Correctly choose the thickness of the seam according to the following criteria:

If there is no chamfer along the edges of the tile, it is necessary to form clearer boundaries of the space between two adjacent modules. Help to align the edges of the tiles 2 mm beacons. Crosses, one millimeter thick, are used only by those who already have extensive experience with tiled cladding.
It is useful to evaluate in advance the evenness of the sides of the tile, the presence or absence of cracks and chips along the edges of the tile, which then will need to be hidden with grout. To accomplish this task, it is enough to conduct a fairly simple test: you need to lay the tile in front of you from the wrong side so that a minimum gap forms between two adjacent tiles. Move away from the tile and look. Such an operation allows you to see what needs to be done in order to make the seam smooth and beautiful.
Professional craftsmen to calculate the thickness of the required space, they use a fairly simple formula: they take the length of the long side tiles and divide the resulting figure by 100. The result is taken as the basis for the future gap.

Note! How larger tiles, the wider the grout should be.

When determining the width of the space between two modules, one must be guided by the location of the cladding. If it fits on the walls, optimal width seam from 1 to 2 mm. Crosses with a thickness of 1.5 or 2 mm will eliminate the unevenness of the tile. If the tiles are laid on the floor, the thickness of the joints should be 2-3 mm. Beacons 2 mm wide are selected when high-quality European tiles are used for flooring. When working with domestic tiles, it is better to use crosses 3 mm thick. Thicker joints will not look very neat, and they will also increase the grout consumption.

Note! The size of the inter-tile space should be taken into account when buying grout mixtures. Some of them are suitable for processing a space of no more than 5 mm.

Summarizing all the above criteria helps to choose the right cross size.

Other structural features of the described elements

In order for the selected cross to allow you to perform quality styling it is necessary to pay attention to other characteristics of the described elements. There are several types of crosses on the market.

Standard cruciform elements, one millimeter in size - four-pointed elements. They can be used for normal masonry. But for laying tiles, a run-up or dressing will need three-pointed crosses (or T-shaped ones). You won’t be able to buy them, so the masters take standard elements and cut off one leg.
There are crosses in which the structure is not the same, that is, one side is wider than the other. They are used to perform specific masonry. If execution repair work planned to master on their own, it is better to choose standard crosses 1mm or 2mm in size.
Crosses shaped like wedges. Deepening them into the inter-seam space, it is easy to adapt to desired width. Wedges are most often used for laying large porcelain tiles. They are indispensable for wall cladding with a simple tile. They help to more accurately adjust the distance between the two modules, experienced tilers always use wedges to set the first row.
To create uniform joints with a depth of 1.8 mm, it is better to use tile leveling systems. These are a kind of three-dimensional beacons. They allow you to align the modules not only in width, but also in length. 3D crosses tightly press the tile, preventing it from sagging as the adhesive dries.
Also on sale there are hollow and solid beacons. The former are easier to immerse in viscous glue; when they are immersed, the adhesive composition is not squeezed onto the tile.

Advice! When choosing beacons, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the plastic. High-quality flexible crosses after the adhesive has hardened can be easily pulled out with pliers. Poor-quality plastic at this point will simply break or crumble. It is impossible to pull out low-quality beacons of their frozen tiles, as practice shows, the first time.

How are crosses placed?

After the choice is made, it is important to learn how to use crosses correctly. The algorithm for installing them is extremely simple:

The tile is installed with glue on the wall or on the floor, according to the markings.
Two tiles are laid in such a way that there is a technical gap of 2 mm between the modules.
Crosses are inserted into the joints either on the straight side or on the corner, two beacons on each side of the module. Of course, you can use more, but then it will be more difficult to clean the tiles.
The cross helps to control the distance between two tiles.
While the glue has not hardened, this distance can be easily adjusted.
Beacons are removed after the adhesive has dried.
The final stage is grouting.

How not to use crosses?

You can not insert beacons at the intersection of the seams. It seems to many that such a solution will allow you to qualitatively adjust the width of the inter-tile space. But some factors prevent this from happening.

Firstly, manufacturers have not yet learned how to produce tiles that can boast ideal sizes. Even in one batch, the length and width indicators for individual elements can “walk” around 1.2 mm.
Secondly, there are no perfectly made crosses. Minor errors in their production are also not uncommon.
Thirdly, only experienced master able to lay the first row perfectly even. It is on it that they are then guided during the installation of the remaining rows of cladding. The slightest mistake at this stage leads to the fact that the tile is laid with an offset, so you should not focus on the plane of the intersection of the seams.

How to calculate the consumption of crosses?

The one with the purchase building materials encounters for the first time, wants to know how to calculate the required volume necessary materials. Above, the number of crosses for fixing one tile module has already been indicated. Considering that the beacon is used to form a seam between two modules, it is not difficult to calculate the number of crosses: we divide the number of tiles in half. Given that the cost of the described modules is cheap, you can purchase them with a large margin. A couple of packages are enough to complete the lining of a standard toilet. Knowing right size crosses for tiles, it will not be difficult to make a purchase of this tool.

Generalization on the topic

Without the use of the described elements, if you need to lay a tile, you can not do it. Of course, ready-made factory crosses, if desired, can be replaced with matches, cardboard boxes or washers, but their use will greatly complicate repair work. Given that the crosses cost a penny, you should not save on their purchase. With the help of them, it will be easier than ever to realize your first experience in carrying out repair work, to create quality finish capable of serving for decades.

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 a beautiful 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 obtained different widths. Crosses are used only as spacers; they do not perform the main function of creating an even seam.

Application area

If 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 for cladding 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 using a “brick-like” tile with a chamfer, 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

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The widespread use of tiled crosses is fully justified. Without these small details, beautiful and even seams simply will not work. Crosses for laying tiles are an integral part of the work associated with the installation of tiles, regardless of their size and texture. In addition, from right choice This consumable largely depends not only on the quality of tile laying, but also on the simplification of work.

Purpose

The main purpose of tile crosses is an aesthetic tile joint. But there are other features as well:

They help to level (or hold) the horizontal and vertical level of the tiles. And this is important, given the flaws in production, which is very common.
They limit the "walking" of adjacent tiles, fixing the seam of the desired size.
The seam formed by the cross compensates for the difference in thermal expansion between the tile and its base.
Crosses for tiles are able to hide the difference in the size of ceramics, especially when using more than two. Differences of up to 1.5 mm are often found even with tiles from the same collection.
Allows you to align the edges of the tiles in one plane, eliminating subsidence during the drying of the adhesive.

These are the main points that you should pay attention to when deciding whether to use crosses or not.

Types of crosses for tiles

First of all, they are divided into full-bodied and hollow products. Both the first and second come in different sizes and shapes. There are no significant differences between them, the choice is determined by the preference of the master.

Basically, crosses are:

Cruciform - have the shape of a cross. The most common type for classic styling ceramics due to their availability and low cost.
T - shaped, mainly used when laying in a run. If desired, you can make it yourself by cutting off one of the rays of the cruciform crosses.
Wedges are a less common option for fixing seams. If only for very uneven tiles. Mainly used in the installation of the first row wall tiles, to correct the horizontal level. For floor tiles- as a wall fixer. It can also be used to equalize the thickness of the tile joint.
SVP - tile leveling system. It is better known as 3D crosses. On the Russian market appeared relatively recently. They are less common due to the higher price compared to standard options(about 7-8 times).

3D crosses

Consists of a wedge and a clamp. When tightening the clamp into the wedge, conditional alignment surfaces. According to manufacturers, using 3D crosses for tiles, any beginner can easily do this job.

Acceleration of works on facing by 4 times. A very dubious plus, since the main job of a tiler is not to put crosses in. And even with little experience, setting up these consumables will take a minimum of time.
You will get a perfectly flat surface, the seams will not differ from each other and the like. There is some truth in this, but only for a tile that is ideal by all criteria, which you don’t see so often. The surface of the cladding can in no way depend on the crosses, and even seams between tiles directly depend on the side faces of the tile and the difference in diagonal sizes.
High price easily offset by savings on hiring specialists (that is, the work can be done independently). It turns out that it is the purchase of 3D crosses that determines the level of skill in laying tiles, which, of course, is not true.
Keeps tiles from sagging. This is more like the truth, since there are indeed moments of tile sinking (especially corners), but this also depends on the quality of the tile. It happens that in one batch (and sometimes in one pack) there are both concave and curved tiles. In such a situation, the purchase of this system will be an extra waste of the budget. Same thing with tiles different thickness(for example, conventional stove and decor) - the use of 3D crosses for tiles will be an unjustified action.

The application of this system is very limited and it will be effective only for quality tiles on the flat surface with minimal adhesive.

They are not quite crosses (in the usual sense) and are mainly used to correct the first row of wall tiles and keep the distance from the wall for floor coverings, since crosses for tiles on the floor will not cope with this task.

But their application does not end there:

Local thickening of the seam, that is, a deliberate increase in its size in one place. This application justified when there is a perceptible difference (more than 0.5 mm) between the parallel edges of the tiles in length, and this action is required to maintain a horizontal or vertical level.
Also used for installation artificial stone, to maintain an even horizontal seam line. Since artificial turf can vary in size up to 5 mm.
For laying plinth of tiles around the perimeter of the room. The top edge of such a plinth should create a visually even line, and it is extremely difficult to achieve such an effect without the use of wedges. This is due to the fact that the plinth tile is mainly sawn, which means that an uneven bottom edge is quite likely.
Wedges are practically indispensable when facing steps. They help to align the seam between the tiles along the outer and / or inner corner.

They are made of plastic and come in various sizes. Of course, it is quite possible to do without them, but their use will greatly simplify the process of work.

How to use?

How many people, so many opinions. That's the only way to describe this topic. It mainly depends on the preferences of the tiler, and each of them will defend exactly his own way:

Using eight crosses on one tile, that is, two on one side.
Installing crosses at the intersection of tile seams.
Installation of crosses for laying tiles in the middle of the product.

No matter how you use these consumables, the main thing is to try to achieve the most even seams and crosshairs. After all, that is their main purpose. After the glue has dried, it is necessary to dismantle the crosses and wedges. This can be done with a paint knife or pliers.

Sizes of crosses for tiles

The size of the tile joint directly depends on the thickness of these consumables, so this issue is no less important than other aspects.

The sizes are very diverse:

The thickness is from 1 to 10 mm. The most popular of them are from 1.5 to 3 mm (for walls and floors).
The width, length or height (meaning the size of the body of the cross) is usually 10-12 mm, but there are options and more. This parameter depends solely on the manufacturer.
Number of crosses in a pack different manufacturers different, but mostly it is 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 500 pieces in one package.

How to choose?

It is not very clear where the information came from that the size of the thickness of the crosses directly depends on the size of the tile. Even a certain formula is given: the length of the tile in mm is divided by 100 and it turns out required thickness cross. The proof is that the correction for wide seam lighter and less noticeable. And if the tile, for example, is 60 x 120 cm (600 x 1200 mm), do you need 12 mm crosses? And besides, any seam correction of more than a millimeter on a long tile will be noticeable regardless of the size of the crosses.

The choice of the size of the crosses can conditionally be affected by the design of the tile (or the room as a whole), its quality, and only last but not least, the dimensions. But the basis of choice is the wish of the customer himself.
You should not rely on such a factor as price, that is, the more expensive does not mean that it is better, but you should not buy the most cheap material.
It is desirable that the consumables are not too hard or too soft. Excessively hard crosses for tiles are very brittle, and the latter can be washed in the seam under the weight of the tile and thereby “take away” the horizontal level.
It should be noted that a too wide seam is more prone to contamination (when light colors grout), cracking (when using poor-quality grout). In addition, the consumption of material increases.
The most popular crosses for walls are 1.5-2 mm, for the floor - 2-3 mm. If necessary, it is advisable to buy more from the same manufacturer, since the crosses are of the same size, but different manufacturers may have differences in thickness, and this will adversely affect the tile joint.
Also an important fact: for a tile that has a bevel on the side faces, the thickness of the seam will increase by 0.5-1 mm, that is, if you put the cross to its full length, then instead of 2 mm we get a seam of 2.5-3 mm.

Is it possible to do without them?

The answer is unequivocal - it is possible, and sometimes even necessary. Tiles without crosses are laid mainly in two ways:

With seams - the tiles are laid as usual, only without the use of consumables. That is, the width and evenness of the seam are determined visually ("by eye") by the performer. First of all, it depends on the professionalism of the tiler, as well as on the walls and composition adhesive mixture.
Seamless method - the tiles are joined close to each other, leaving a minimum gap of 0.5-1 mm, which is rubbed with grout on epoxy based. The grout is selected to match the tone of the tile, and the joints are practically invisible, it turns out monolithic surface. But this method requires the maximum flat tile and laying surface. More suitable for large porcelain tiles with even, without bevel edges.

Consumption

It directly depends on the chosen method of application, the size of the tile, as well as on the quality of the crosses themselves:

Good consumables can be reused after they are removed from the wall, but subject to conservation correct form.
The larger the tile, the fewer crosses needed for the same amount.
Since the price of ordinary crosses is low, you should not be too scrupulous about this issue.
It is better not to waste time and buy them with a small margin, 2-3 packs will be enough for a standard bathroom.

In conclusion, I would like to add that if this is your first tiling experience, then still use this consumable. In the process of work, you yourself will understand which crosses for tiles you need. The choice is always yours, just remember that any crosses (even 5D ones) cannot replace the hands of a professional craftsman. And experience is gained only through practice.

These elements are represented by special small plastic products that have the shape of a cross. They may have absolutely different sizes, because for each specific tiled flooring their suitable crosses are selected. Without their use, it will be very difficult to lay the tiled flooring, and it will also be almost impossible to get the same and beautiful seams.

Crosses are available in the following types:

equipped with four identical ends, and they are used for straight and traditional laying of material;

having three ends, designed for a unique way of laying tiles - in a run.

Crosses are usually made from durable plastic. They have an acceptable cost, but are considered necessary and useful in the process. finishing works. Their structure is flexible and soft enough, so it is impossible to harm the tiles in any way with their help.

Advantages of using crosses:

coatings are formed that are beautiful, even and have an aesthetic appearance;

there will be no unevenness and coating problems when correct location each element;

in the obtained seams, a special grout is used, which ensures high resistance of the coating to moisture and pollution;

if the seams are perfectly even, then under different influences on the tile there will be no deformation of the coating.

If you do not use crosses during operation, then the tile may swell during operation, and the ceramic products themselves will not have long term service, since the tile saturated with moisture will easily move away from the surface. It is almost impossible to achieve a perfectly even laying of tiles on any surface without the use of crosses, so there will certainly be an uneven coating that has numerous disadvantages. It is impossible to make a floor heating system under a coating in which there are no seams.

The right choice of crosses

During the selection of these elements, certain recommendations should be used to guarantee a high-quality work result. These include:

you should not focus on the cheapest items, as they can easily break or deform during the tiling process, and at the same time it will be difficult to pull them out of the already created coating, which will create some discomfort and problems;

during the selection, you should pay attention to the width of the elements, since it should ideally fit the tile chosen for laying;

it is not recommended to use too large crosses during work, since the resulting significant seams will be difficult to grout, and the consumption of this material will also increase, and at the same time, dirt will quickly clog into large seams;

if it is impossible to find in the store crosses of the optimal and right size for the selected tile, they can be replaced with properly made pieces of drywall.

Also, there are completely different types of devices for leveling the tile seam, which differ from traditional crosses, one of them is shown in the photo below:

It is important not only to choose the right given element but also to use it correctly. There are several methods for applying crosses that are used by various specialists. The fact is that some professionals use them on all cross sections of coverage, while others use them very rarely.

When using tiles, the following recommendations should be considered:

if a non-professional does the work, then it is best to place crosses in each corner between the tiles;

It is considered optimal to use crosses in in large numbers on the coating in the event that not too expensive tiles are purchased, since they usually do not have perfect evenness;

the use of crosses does not provide one hundred percent perfect result and flawless evenness, since there may still be transitions, but they will not exceed 1 mm.

It is important to know not only how to use the crosses, but also how to remove them from the formed coating. Usually they are eliminated on the second day after the work performed. They should be removed carefully, for which another cross or knife is used. When wall covering removal of crosses occurs immediately on the day of the work.

It is impossible to get a high-quality result without small devices - crosses for tiles. For those who decide to lay it on their own, it is important to know how to choose these elements correctly. Professional masters will share their experience with beginners and give useful advice.

Why do we need crosses when performing facing work

The crosses are small plastic element in the form of a "+" sign. The thickness of such a spacer can vary from 1.5 to 10 mm. These products can also have different lengths. How to choose crosses for tiles? To do this, you need to take into account their size. This will help you figure out in which case this or that device is suitable.

Dimensions, types

The final result depends on the correct choice and characteristics of the device. In this case, size is critical.

Today, tiles are laid using direct technology and in a run. In the first case, it is recommended to use a device that has four ends. When mounting in a run, three-pointed crosses are suitable. On sale you can find only ordinary products with four ends. But this does not matter, because the extra end is easily removed.

In terms of size, companies produce fixtures with a thickness of 1 to 4 mm. There are also models with a thickness of 4.5 to 8. The width of the cross can reach 10-12 mm. These products are sold in packages, their quantity can vary from 50 to 200 pieces or more. In one package, the number of struts is always a multiple of 50. But there are exceptions. So, crosses from the domestic company "Zubr" are supplied in the amount of 75 pieces. One of the most well-known manufacturers that produce these devices - Remo Color.

Below we will consider in detail how to choose crosses for tiles and by what parameters they should be chosen.

The choice of fixtures for seams according to the size of the tile

Masters without experience often claim that one of the conditions for quality work on laying tiles is the thickness tile joints. The smaller this seam, the more professionally the styling is done. But it is not so. Sometimes, when working with budget ceramics, an excessively thin seam (no more than 1 mm) can seriously complicate the adjustment of the distances between the tiles. In this case, a thin seam will harm, and the finished surface will not be attractive as a result. But, having knowledge of how to choose crosses for tiles on the wall, you can be sure of the quality of the work.

For high-quality and accurate performance of this operation and obtaining an ideal result, you have to fiddle with the selection of the width of the inter-tile gap for a long time, correcting various irregularities and defects. Sometimes this is necessary in the process of working with tiles of certain sizes and shapes. If the seam is too thin, the master will not be able to adjust its size. Medium-sized ceramic tiles do not accept barely visible joints. Finishing made in this way will not have a pleasant appearance. There are types of tiles that need to be laid with a large seam. This is evident from end parts ceramic product, the top has a certain angle.

Experienced experts recommend applying the following rule. The width of the joint should correspond to the length of the largest side of the ceramic divided by 100. For example, a tile has dimensions of 200 x 300 mm. In this case, the seam will have a width of three millimeters. For products square shape 150 x 150 works the same way. The seam here will be one and a half millimeters. Often, for finishing work using standard tiles measuring 250 x 250, 200 x 300, 250 x 300, etc., it is necessary to use crosses with dimensions of 2-3 mm for wall cladding and 3.5-4 for floor work .

Knowing how to choose the size of crosses for tiles, you can get the right and aesthetic seams. The finish will look nice and professional.

Types of spacers for floor tiles

Finishing the floor with ceramic tiles is a little different from working on the walls. Such ceramics are larger in size. Most often, the shape of the tile is strictly square. Crosses for such tiles are chosen wider.

The laid tile should look different than the wall tile. For ceramic products size 300 x 300, 333 x 333 mm, as well as for tiles with porcelain stoneware, it is worth choosing a cross-shaped spacer with a thickness of 4 mm.

Configuration

So, let's consider how to choose crosses for laying tiles according to the configuration. They are classified according to appearance. Several types can be distinguished.

The simplest are products with four sides. More complex - T-shaped elements. They are designed for specific work - they are used to lay tiles that imitate brickwork. They are also used in the process of laying tiles with an offset. There is also a cross-wedge. The product has a recess, due to which it can adapt to the required width.

You can also select a solid cross with a void inside. Such devices are better fixed in the seam and prevent the glue from protruding to the surface. Masters who know how to choose crosses for tiles prefer these options.

Along with these types, there are also so-called 3D crosses. This is a special tile leveling system. These elements allow you to level the tile and press it to the surface as evenly as possible. SVP will not allow subsidence as the glue dries. Using the system, even seams with a width of 1.8 mm are formed.

Plastic crosses

For one square meter laid down ceramic tiles you need from 30 to 100 pieces of these devices. The exact amount depends on the geometric dimensions of the cladding. Knowing the size of the tile, as well as how to choose crosses for tiles on the floor or for walls, you can accurately calculate the number of these auxiliary elements. How to do it? To calculate, multiply the number of tiles by 1 square meter, by 4 or by 8. This is the number of crosses. Also add a reserve in the amount of 10-15 percent. In stores, kits of plastic parts are most often sold in quantities from 100 to 200 pieces.

4 parts are installed on each tile. If you mount more, you will get crooked seams. But that's not all. The process of cleaning tiles from excess glue will take a long time.

Crosses with jumpers

These products have better fixation of the seams. With diligent efforts, you can achieve even, identical seams. Plain plastic part cannot guarantee a beautiful tile.

After the tile is laid, it is necessary to wipe the seams. Crosses should be pulled out. It is convenient to do this with pliers or a screwdriver. Sometimes fixtures break. Fragments in the seams should not be left. Therefore, you should know which crosses to choose for floor tiles, so that later you do not have unnecessary difficulties.

How to choose the right crosses

Novice craftsmen are sure that you should not carefully approach the choice of crosses. There is an opinion that they are all the same, plastic, so you can safely purchase any option. But this opinion is wrong. For that master who knows how to choose crosses for tiles, the result of the work will always be high level. As for the materials, it is mainly plastic of different viscosities. Modern industry produces products of low strength, in which excess parts are easily broken off. Along with this, they produce more reliable products. Breaking them is harder.

There are fixtures with different profiles. There are options where one side is wider than the other. It is important. A cross that is too fragile can remain in the seam, and then it will be very difficult to remove its individual pieces.

A different profile is also capable of delivering a lot of problems in the process of work. You need to insert such crosses into the seams between the tiles every time with the same side. Sometimes this can take a long time. If you choose a product with the same profile, these problems can be avoided. Moreover, we already know how to choose crosses for tiles.

In order not to buy low-quality goods, you should know a few rules. So, fixtures that break quickly have smoothed corners. Before buying, you should carefully examine them.

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