Everything you need to know about tile crosses. How to choose crosses for laying tiles - useful tips What crosses to use for floor tiles

It is difficult to imagine laying tiles without the use of distance crosses, which allow you to get a uniform seam and fix the position of the tile at one point. Not all masters, especially beginners, know which crosses to use when laying tiles. In the article we will talk in detail about the varieties, size, quality, method of using remote crosses and the advantages of new 3D models.

Sizes of crosses - choose the right stitching materials

The minimum thickness of the crosses for laying is 1 mm, and the step of increasing the size is 0.5–1 mm. Crosses for tiles, which are used in everyday life, have sizes from 1.5 to 6 mm, although there are options and more. Some tilers claim: the longer the tile, the more thickness distance crosses. This opinion is wrong. A seam 1-2 mm thick looks neat and emphasizes appearance small and large tiles. To choose the right crosses, focus not on the dimensions of the plate, but on its geometry when docking. It is from the errors (protrusions) in the corners that the thickness of the crosses depends. With a gap of 0.5 mm, distance crosses up to 2 mm are sufficient. For more serious errors - 1 mm or more, we choose crosses from 3 mm.

The best option for wall tiles is a thickness of 1.5-2 mm, and for flooring - 2.5-3 mm. Thicker seams are rarely used. They increase the consumption of grout and complicate subsequent care. Exception - styling, decorative gypsum boards, as well as special projects, where an increase in tile joints is provided for by design.

Consumption per square meter - how many repair packs to buy?

Many novice craftsmen are interested in the consumption of crosses per 1 m 2. There is no single calculation formula. It all depends on the size and number of tiles that fall on square meter. If you know this figure, it is easy to calculate the expense. We multiply the number of tiles per square meter by 4 or 8 crosses, depending on the size, and add a margin of 10–15% to the amount received. As a result, the consumption per 1 m 2 is 30–100 pcs.

We do not recommend approaching this issue scrupulously, since the price of remote crosses is cheap, on average 50 rubles per pack of 100 pieces. Feel free to buy 2 packs per bathroom. This amount will be enough for you on the first day of laying, and after the glue finally sets on the next day, we take out the crosses and reuse them.

When purchasing crosses, do not forget about the wedges, which are necessary to obtain an even first row of tiles. The wedges allow you to adjust the position of the tile and prevent it from sliding down. For styling floor covering they are not used.

Newbie mistakes when laying and proper dismantling

The main mistake of beginners is laying crosses flat or with the entire plane at the intersection. Lay tiles like they do not experienced craftsmen No, there are three reasons for this. The dimensions of the tiles are not ideal, the error along the edges can vary from a few hundredths of a millimeter to 1–2 mm. Crosses of the same thickness may also have errors in size. There is a high probability of displacement of tiles on initial stage and distortion of the pattern.

As a result of such work, the seams are asymmetric or even diverge. Therefore, we set the crosses strictly vertically. We dismantle the crosses the next day after laying the tiles. We do this carefully, and if they are poorly removed, we use sharp knife, prying the fasteners over the ledge. Floor crosses removed on the same day an hour after installation last tile. This is enough for the tile adhesive to form a monolithic connection with the cladding. If the latches are difficult to dismantle, remove them in parts.

What happens if you don't use stitching crosses?

If you do not use crosses for laying tiles, this may lead to the following negative consequences. Swelling tiles. Ceramic tile is a product made of clay, covered with glaze on top, which does not allow moisture to penetrate deep into the base. However, in the absence tile joint water freely penetrates through the side walls, helps to soften the tile adhesive and break the adhesion of the tile to the surface. Grout does not allow moisture to seep through the seam, increases the life of the facing material.

Absence even seam. It is impossible to achieve a symmetrical tile joint without the use of crosses and wedges, no matter how accurately you measure. Distortions and deformations are inevitable. A pattern without crosses turns out to be crooked, and the tile can float.

Destruction of the coating under the influence of heat. When laying the underfloor heating system, installation of tiles without spacer crosses is also impossible. The base of the surface under the action of heat can collapse, leading to peeling of the top layer.

3D crosses - comparing domestic and foreign options

Relatively new development in the field of laying tiles, the use of 3D crosses has become . The main advantage of this system is the automatic leveling of adjacent slabs without the formation of drops. After drying, the inter-tile seam is perfectly even, the tile does not float. Facilitates the speed of laying tiles, the system is easy to use, suitable even for an inexperienced master.

How to choose the right 3D crosses for tiles? AT construction stores both domestic and foreign analogues of this alignment system are sold. Options domestic production consist of two elements - a wedge and a clamp. The wedges are used repeatedly, and the clips, most often, remain in the tile joints. Foreign 3D crosses have a slightly different structure. For their installation, special tongs are required. The design is also represented by wedges or flexible petals. To compare the quality, consider the products of the Spanish manufacturer Rubi of the Tile Level series and the Russian analogue of the SVP.

Rubi's 3D crosses are made of durable plastic, have flexible petals that securely fix tiles with a thickness of 0.3 to 2 cm. Nylon ties must be soaked in water for half an hour before use to increase tensile strength. The design of the tie allows you to loosen it as you need, and get a thin seam, which, if desired, can be adjusted with ordinary crosses. However, this system has disadvantages: weak pressure, when you try to expand it, the ties quickly break, it is problematic to insert it into dried glue, reusable caps last up to 7 times, high price.

SVP of domestic production are easy to use, the wedges have more robust design, fixation, strong ties that do not need to be pre-soaked in water. Unlike Rubi 3D crosses, the domestic analogue has small support platforms that allow you to work with the structure after a night break, easily fixing the fasteners into the recess. Disadvantages of SVP: the average quality of plastic, the difficulty of removing screeds, you have to hit them several times with a mallet or bend them with force, as a result, a rupture may occur in the wrong place.

The scheme for using 3D crosses is as follows:

1. 1. We prepare tile adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. 2. We apply glue to the wall and the selected tile, level the layer with a comb.
3. 3. Press the tile firmly and level it.
4. 4. We install 2 clamps, retreating 5 cm from the corners.
5. 5. We apply the adjacent tile close to the clamp.
6. 6. We insert the wedge into the clamp so that it fits snugly on the surface of both tiles.
7. 7. When the tile adhesive is dry, remove the wedges and upper part clamping at lung care hit with a mallet (rubber mallet). The lower part remains in the tile joint.
8. 8. Overwrite the seam.

Laying tiles can not do without auxiliary trifles. It is one of these that become additional devices for leveling seams. An even seam is one of the main requirements for a high-quality and attractive tile coating. And here the main thing is to decide which crosses are needed for the tile, and on what factors their choice depends.

What are crosses for?

First of all, for the correct choice of crosses, their model and size, you should decide what they are for at all, after which, consider different kinds and their purpose.

So, to begin with, let's consider what functions the crosses perform:

1. First of all, they help to create perfect seams more specifically, to make joints between tiles of the same width, which ensures the attractiveness of the finished coating.
2. Also, tile expansion can sometimes occur due to moisture absorption. The crosses in this situation maintain a distance, which avoids deformation of the tile and base.
3. In the case of which crosses are needed, everything will also depend on the material itself, since when working with tiles of different sizes, these devices allow you to maintain the distance between the elements, which hides all the irregularities.

How to choose crosses

So, the main question becomes: “What kind of crosses are needed for tiles on the floor or walls?”. And the answer to it will depend on a number of factors, which we will consider further.

To begin with, let's take a look at in general terms. It should be noted that the choice depends on the following criteria:

1. The size of the elements.
2. The number of sides of the products.
3. Edge type.
4. Product quality.

Now let's look at each of the criteria in more detail. Let's start in order.

Element size

Does anyone know that such devices are made different thickness, from 1 to 8 millimeters, the step is up to 1 mm. And which crosses for tiles to choose will depend on the following parameters:

1. The presence of a chamfer or its absence. In the second case, you must independently display the boundaries between the tiles.
2. The quality of the tile, or rather its evenness, as well as the absence of chips. In some cases, such defects must be eliminated, for which a technique such as deliberately increasing the seam is used.
3. Visualization. As is known from the technology of laying tiles, it is recommended to carry out a rough layout, which is implied for the calculation. But, in addition, such a process will allow you to see how the coating will look like and help you choose the right thickness of the seam.
4. Also, the choice depends on. In general, the width of the joint is calculated by dividing the largest side of the tile by 100. But it should be noted that a small joint is not always suitable. It also depends on aesthetic qualities. In addition, the larger the tile, the more you need to make the distance between them.

Important! Mark what you need and what is needed. And her choice is carried out immediately after the selection of seams, but not before. Thus, for the same tile, with a seam of 3 mm, one grout may be suitable, and with a slight increase it will already spoil the view, and another is needed.

Number of sides

Depending on the type of installation, different crosses may be provided. Thus:

1. When standard laying elements with four ends are used.
2. At the same time, laying in a run-up implies the use of three-pointed elements.
3. Also, do not forget about designer tiles, which can have 6 or 8 faces, for which crosses will have to be made to order.

Depending on the profile

Also, considering products from various manufacturers, it is sometimes difficult to decide which crosses are best for tiles. They often differ in shape, have different sizes, for example, one side may be thicker than the other.

Such elements complicate the work, since you have to constantly control the use of only the same sides of the crosses. It is recommended, of course, to use standard crosses, not paying attention to all sorts of intricate products.

Quality

An important factor in the choice is also the quality of the materials used. Thus, high-quality, flexible crosses with good strength can be easily pulled out, while using low-quality elements, they can crumble when removed, and the pieces remain in the seam, which is not always good.

By the way, also, considering the quality, you can pay attention to two types of inserts. These are hollow and solid elements. In the case of the former, when inserted, they do not squeeze out the solution, respectively, they do not stain the surface of the tile, which cannot be said about solid ones.

Types of crosses

And finally, before deciding what size of cross for a tile to choose, you need to consider their varieties:

1. Cruciform elements. These are the most standard inserts that are already in use. long years. In their structure, they represent two straight lines intersecting each other, forming equal angles at the intersection. People call them pluses.
2. The second type are T-shaped inserts. These are used for laying tiles apart, as well as for side seams. These kinds of elements are sold separately, but it's no secret to anyone that they are easy to make yourself from standard ones by cutting off one end.
3. Next are the tile wedges. Such elements are manually adjusted to any thickness of the seam, for which it is enough to deepen them to the desired distance. Such devices can often be found when laying on a wall or steps.
4. And the last are marked. Also referred to as 3D inserts. These elements not only allow you to align the seams, but also bring adjacent tiles to the same level, pressing them tightly. More details about such systems can be found in a separate article.

How to calculate correctly

After the type is selected, the crosses for laying the tiles must be counted. On average, the quantity is one element per side.

Thus, to calculate the quantity, you should calculate the number of tiles to be laid per square meter of coverage, and then multiply the resulting number by either 4 or 8 (depending on the method of inserting crosses). Thus, the amount required per square meter should be obtained. Of course, do not forget to calculate 10% of the stock, as in the process some will be lost, some will break, and some will end up with a marriage.

On average, depending on the size of the tile, from 30 to 100 crosses are used for one square meter. While in a standard package there are 100 units.

Conclusion

Ultimately, speaking about which crosses for tiles to choose, experts recommend selecting elements that can align the seams, and in addition, set the level of the tile and fix it. These are precisely the coating leveling systems. With them, the work will be faster and easier, and most importantly, better. In conclusion, you can see a little about crosses in the videos below. There will be provided advice on selection, as well as an analysis of the features different kind crosses. There is also a replacement for tiled crosses - this is the SVP system.

If you started a renovation in the bathroom or in the kitchen and decided to use tiles, do not forget to purchase remote crosses. This simple plastic device will help to avoid embarrassing mistakes in work, and your loved ones will be satisfied with the result!

What are tile crosses for?

The answer lies in the very name of the remote crosses. The details that are placed between the tiles help to maintain the same distance - subject to all the rules, the seams will be equal in size.

Crosses are also used to leave a small gap between the wall and the floor in the bottom row of slabs or when finishing steps.

It is worth noting that devices are in demand not only among beginners. Professionals also use remote crosses in their work. Experience and a trained eye in this case will only be an advantage.

If you lay the tile “by eye”, it is likely that it will “float”, the seams will be one larger than the other, and the overall pattern will be crooked. Therefore, do not neglect the use of remote crosses, and even better if you follow important recommendations.

Types of remote crosses

Today there is a huge selection of crosses for tiles. They can be divided into main types in terms of shape and structure.

Types of crosses in shape:

• Traditional cruciform. It is they who are used in the decoration more often than others. This option can be used if, when laying tiles, you are not going to create patterns and work according to complex schemes with an offset.
• T-shaped. But the original laying methods require the use of precisely these devices. This option is suitable if you work according to such schemes as “maze”, “herringbone”, “braid” and so on.
• Wedges. This category of plastic parts can hardly be called crosses, but in fact they perform a similar function. They are also used to form the width of the seam, but more often they are used as a kind of "support" for the lower rows of tiles.

Types of crosses by structure:

• Solid. They are stiffer and less prone to deformation.
• Hollow. These crosses have their advantages - they do not squeeze out the glue when they are inserted.

Recently, options with jumpers are often used, due to which the strength of the crosses increases.

The tile alignment system (SVP), which is called “3D crosses”, is widespread, although the technology for using these devices, and the appearance, is in many ways different from traditional ones.

How to choose crosses for tiles?

As a rule, the thickness of crosses for tiles varies from 1 to 6 mm. What width should you choose? First of all, evaluate the geometry of the plate and the protrusions when docking. If the errors are less than a millimeter, feel free to choose crosses from up to 2 mm. It is believed that it is this width of the seam that looks most neat.

But with more serious errors, it is better to increase the seam to 3 or more mm. So you can divert attention from shortcomings. This option is suitable if the apartment has uneven walls.

Required amount

Everything here is purely individual. Usually 4-8 pieces are used for one tile. It depends on the size of one plate. Taking, for example, 8 crosses as a basis, you can calculate how much it will take per square meter, and then for the entire area. Add to this some more reserve amount, so as not to run to the store once again.

How to use crosses when laying tiles

Work goes on two plates. First, the first tiles are laid. Crosses are inserted vertically and horizontally at a distance of about two centimeters from the corners. Then the plates are reduced to the stop. After laying two more tiles and repeat the process.

It is also impossible to wait too long, as delay will cause the solution to harden too much and the process of removing the crosses will be more difficult.

Common rookie mistake

Very often, when finishing, inexperienced craftsmen insert a cross horizontally or, in other words, flat. It is not right! To achieve excellent result and then easily get the plastic parts, insert them only vertically.

• Do not save money by purchasing crosses for tiles. What’s more, they are priced outrageously. Let it be better to have 8 for each and the masonry will become evener!
• Professionals advise choosing crosses with jumpers. They fix better and provide an even seam.
• When buying crosses, do not forget about the wedges when decorating the walls! They will not allow the tile to “slide down”.

If you have not yet decided on the finishing material itself, please contact the managers and online consultants of the Stroyka Ru online store. Why us? Wide selection, affordable prices for tiles and convenient delivery will allow you to buy ceramic tiles in Belgorod, focusing on any design solution.

Tile crosses are designed to ensure perfect and even seams between tiles. In the article, we will consider issues related to the choice of goods, as well as explore the rules for its use in work.

Crosses for tiles: purpose, types

Crosses are plastic objects made in the shape of a cross. different sizes. In terms of their width, they reach from 1 millimeter to 1 centimeter. In this case, the length of the crosses for tiles can be much larger. However, any master tries to choose those crosses that are more convenient to use in work. Even despite such a simple additional element, it will be difficult to lay tiles evenly without them.

Crosses are of two main types:

• with four ends, used for straight laying;
• three ends, used for laying in a run.

Another difference between the species is the factor that crosses with three ends cannot be purchased in stores, since they are not produced. But, such forms are easy to make by separating one part of the cross from an instance with four ends.

The sizes of the crosses indicate the thickness of the object, and their width remains standard, and, as a rule, is 10 - 12 millimeters. They are sold in polyethylene packages with different quantities. Crosses for tiles, the dimensions of which in thickness have such parameters as 1; 1.5; 2; 2.5; 3; 3.5; 4; 4.5; 6, 7 and 8 millimeters.

The packages contain different amount objects, in most cases, it is equal to multiples. So, in the store you can buy sets of 50, 100, 150, 200 or 50 pieces. Some companies offer packs of 75 and so on.

The material for the manufacture of crosses is plastic. The use of such elements is more rational solution with its own benefits. First of all, the cost of such material is not high, and if the crosses are intended only as additional elements, it is not necessary to overpay for the product. Plastic products have a flexible and soft structure, and therefore do not damage the tiles during facing work.

What are tile crosses used for?

Crosses for laying tiles has the main purpose of creating even, identical seams that form:

• a professional look of the tile, which gives an aesthetic design;
• ensures the absence of errors in the geometric arrangement of the tiles;
• the possibility of giving grout, which helps to repel moisture and evaporation;
• smooth seams do not allow the facing to be deformed, which prolongs the service life of ceramics.

What are the consequences if you do not use crosses

The lack of seams between tiles, which are formed using crosses, can have some consequences:

1. In rooms with high level Moisture may cause tiles to swell. The peculiarity of ceramic products is that they consist of clay and are covered with glaze on top. It does not allow moisture to seep through the base and does not contribute to evaporation. But, if there are no seams between the joints of the tile, then water can penetrate through the side area of ​​​​the product. To prevent such an effect, the crotches between the tiles are covered by special means that do not allow moisture to pass through.

2. The second consequence may be the fragility of ceramic products. If the object is saturated with moisture, it will become heavy and fall off the wall.

3. Uneven styling tiles. The consumption of crosses for tiles is not so great, so all specialists use them to make the work look professional. Without such elements, distortion and deformation will still be allowed. finishing materials. Ultimately, all geometry will be broken, which is not allowed in modern repair work.

4. In laying tiles without seams, there is no possibility to make the floor heated. After all, at certain temperatures, the base of the ceramic will be destroyed, which contributes to the swelling of the product, as well as the delamination of the ceramic layers.

How to choose the right crosses for tiles

Determining which crosses to use when laying tiles is very difficult, because the client does not know all the characteristics. As a rule, one plastic products it is difficult to distinguish from others, so buyers are guided by the cost of the goods, as well as the recommendations of friends and acquaintances.

But when choosing, you need to take into account some factors that are laid out here:

1. The cheapest products are not worth buying, because they can break or bend too much when working. Thus, it is not very convenient to choose the remains or broken parts of the crosses from the seams between the tiles, given the fact that ceramics can be damaged. But, often the price does not match the quality of the material, so before starting work, you need to check the strength of the product.

2. The second indicator of the correct choice is the width. It is determined, therefore, from the size of the tile, as well as from the discretion of the master on the product. Most suitable size determined in this way: divide the centimeter of the large side of the tile by 100. An example is the equation: with dimensions ceramic product 200x300 millimeters, the width of the crosses for the tiles will be 3 mm. Such parameters are practical in wall cladding. When choosing crosses for tiles on the floor, it should be borne in mind that the location between the ceramic objects should be wider by about one millimeter. Therefore, experts recommend adding another unit of measurement to the above calculation. Of course, the width of the seams can vary depending on the wishes of the client.

3. Use big sizes crosses are not particularly recommended. Usually, with a large distance between the tiles, it is necessary to grout a lot of space, and therefore the cost of materials becomes higher than usual. Moreover, it is the easiest to grout, and the larger the seam, the more visible all the dirt, especially in bright areas. It is possible to remove all contaminants with the help of special acid-based cleaners. Therefore, many experts recommend using a cross 3 mm wide for cladding. The maximum value can be a width of 4 to 5 millimeters.

4. If the tiles are laid original way, for example, similar to brickwork, then the dimensions between the seams can be from 10 to 12 mm. If there are no crosses for tiles of this size in the store, then they can be replaced with pieces of drywall or the remaining tiles.

5. Regarding the minimum position between the seams, the dimensions can be 1 mm. This method of ceramic cladding is called seamless tiles. For example, for dark-colored tiles, such small seams will not be noticeable. But such variations are suitable for very high-quality ceramics.

6. In other cases, which crosses for tiles are better to install, experts themselves select an exclusive option. This requires certain skills, and therefore only experienced craftsmen undertake such work.

How to use tile crosses

Different experts offer their own way of using crosses. Some suggest installing only non-cross sections between tiles.

Others suggest placing up to 8 crosses. Last option is more accurate and contributes to the appearance of perfectly even seams.

How to use crosses between tiles

1. In this case, there is a cross on each corner of the tile, as well as in its middle. It is worth noting that tiles are rarely perfectly even, and therefore placing crosses in the middle between ceramic products smooths out all the flaws.

2. Even using crosses in the lining, inaccuracies in work are allowed, but they are not significant, about 1 millimeter. Therefore, therefore, it is recommended to make seams of 3 or 4 millimeters, which avoids errors, and creates the perfect visual effect of an even line between the tiles.

3. If you install crosses for tiles one for four products, then the result will not look bad. In most cases, all the shortcomings are hidden in both options.

How to remove tile crosses

We considered the question: crosses for tiles, how to choose and how to use. Now let's define a way to remove these parts. You can remove crosses for tiles only on the second day after laying. Take them out carefully, using a knife or a second cross. If the lining was carried out on the wall, and not on the floor, then the crosses are removed on the same day. It is only necessary to take into account that one hour, no less, should pass from the laying of the last ceramic product. During this time, the tile will grab to the base and will no longer slip.

If you cannot remove or remove the cross, then first, you need to cut it into pieces, and take out each of them separately. In a difficult situation, when such work cannot be done, the cross is pushed deeper into the glue. This option is only suitable on the day when the lining was carried out.

Some vendors tell their customers that tile crosses are best left on rather than removed. But this is not a reasonable suggestion, since the grout layer on top will be thin and may fall off.

Many are interested in: what crosses are needed for tiles, and in what quantities should they be bought? The average package is enough for eight squares, given the size of ceramics 300x300. At large area for cladding, crosses can be reused.

Using crosses for tiles in repair work, the client will receive perfectly even seams and a beautiful bathroom or kitchen interior. To understand all the nuances in more detail, it is recommended to watch the video on right choice and using crosses for tiles.

Floor and wall tiles are widely used in interior decoration. Laying tiles is not complete without such simple small devices as crosses. They allow you to get a beautiful and even coating.

It is worth considering in more detail the features of choosing crosses for tiles.

What are they for?

Crosses for tiles are needed, firstly, in order to get seams of the same width. Secondly, in order to achieve a uniform laying height, that is, so that all the tiles lie in the same plane.

Another of their functions is to leave a gap between the wall and the floor on the lower rows, aprons or when finishing steps, but special plastic wedges are more often used for this.

Plastic crosses and wedges are definitely recommended for beginners, without these details they are unlikely to be able to achieve even seams and a single plane the first time. But this does not mean that experienced craftsmen can definitely make quality styling eye alignment.

Many professionals must purchase sets of plastic crosses before work, especially since they are cheap: the price of a package of 100 pieces usually does not exceed 50 rubles.

Kinds

Presented today a large number of varieties of plastic crosses and wedges for leveling tiles. You can choose them, depending on the installation method.

In form they can be:

• traditional cruciform- they are used both for walls and for floors, when the tile laying pattern is simple and without displacement;
• T-shaped- you can’t do without them when the tiles are laid with an offset according to the schemes “braid”, “herringbone”, “deck”, “maze”, “modular grid” and others;
• wedges used to form desired width for wall tiles by pressing them into the seam, they serve as supports for the bottom row.

Distance crosses can be solid and hollow. The latter are better inserted into tile joints without pushing the glue out. There are options with jumpers between the knees, in such structures rigidity increases, therefore, deformation of the joints after laying is less likely, they are easier to remove after work.

Instead of using plastic spacer crosses, a technology called tile leveling system (SVP) is now widely used. It can be used for ceramic and porcelain stoneware coatings with a thickness of 3 to 20 mm, that is, for almost any internal works. Sometimes you can find the name "3D crosses for laying tiles", but these products do not look like ordinary products.

The SVP kit includes plastic wedges and clips with snaps, usually different colors. These are self-leveling elements that allow you to simultaneously form an even seam and lay adjacent tiles in the same plane. One set contains 250 clamps and wedges.

The principle of operation of the SVP is as follows. First, one tile is laid on a layer of glue and leveled. Then 2 clips are inserted on each side at a distance of about 5 cm from the corner, the next tile is laid, adjacent edges should fit snugly against the leg plastic part. Then the wedge is firmly inserted into the clamp until the latch is activated, forming a flat plane of adjacent tiles.

After the glue has dried, the wedges and the upper ends of the clamps are removed by blow rubber mallet , which should be in the arsenal of every tiler.

The advantages of the tile leveling system are in the simplicity and speed of work; when using it, even an amateur can lay tiles evenly and beautifully. In addition, the level is maintained even when the tile adhesive shrinks, the appearance of heights is not allowed.

Consumption

The consumption of crosses is an ambiguous value, it depends on the size of the tile. One piece usually use 4 or 8, based on this, you can calculate the amount per 1 m² and for finishing the entire volume of the room.

For example, if for wall tiles 20 by 30 cm we use 4 crosses per piece, one square meter contains 16 such elements, therefore, 16x4 \u003d 48 crosses are needed per 1 sq. m. This amount is multiplied by total area coated surface. To the total amount must be added a margin of 10-15%.

Besides, at large volumes often take out crosses and then reuse them. Since the price of this product is scanty, it is not scary if crosses are purchased with a margin.

Pick up required amount wedges and clamps for SVP systems can be used according to a special table, but here it is also easy to calculate everything based on the quantity per tile. Usually, for flooring in the kitchen, a package of 250 pieces is enough.

Dimensions

The minimum thickness of this plastic product for walls - 1 mm, the following markings are 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 and 2 mm. For any tile size, a seam with a thickness of 1 to 2 mm will look neat, therefore, they create such variants of remote crosses.

The maximum length and width, they are also optimal, 20 mm. Depth for sufficient rigidity is usually 3 mm.

The wedges are 20 to 30 mm long, maximum height 7 mm. For the floor, crosses with a width of 2 to 3 mm are usually used.

For styling tiles it is best to use solid plastic crosses in sufficient quantities to form an even seam. Many praise hollow options for their effective use without squeezing out glue, but because of their structure they do not have sufficient rigidity, so many craftsmen trust traditional products, most importantly, work carefully.

When laying tiles on the wall it is better not to take crosses with a width of more than 2 mm, they do not form such a neat look, an overly thick seam always spoils the overall picture.

Tile leveling systems are mainly used for flooring, they are much more expensive than conventional crosses, but are more reliable and guarantee alignment both at the seams and along the plane. But you should choose them, depending on work experience: for professionals, laying floor tiles can be easier and cheaper with ordinary plastic crosses.

For reliability of laying and ease of removal of parts, after work it is better to choose imported crosses with jumpers between the knees. They are stronger, tougher and easier to work with. When finishing the floor and walls, it is better to immediately stock up with a set necessary crosses and wedges.

How to use correctly?

• In order to make the quality of wall cladding work more reliable, it is not worth saving, so it is better to immediately use 8 crosses for each tile. On top of the lower laid row, 2 upper tiles are laid, then the crosses are inserted into the horizontal rows and into the vertical one - at a distance of about 2-3 cm from the corners. The tiles are carefully brought together until they stop, pressed inward, the surface is checked for level. The work requires some skill, but with diligence in several stages it is quite possible to achieve an even neat seam. Then they proceed to laying the next two tiles, the procedure is repeated.

• For reliability, you can insert crosses directly into the corners, 2 mm wide, they just adjust the required seam width. For wall tiles it is best to use products of 1.5 and 2 mm, for floor tiles 3 mm, they are quite rigid and effectively form a seam. It is better not to make thicker gaps, the smaller they are, the smoother they look, they require less glue and fugue (grout).

• Remove crosses from floor tiles it is possible a day after laying, from the wall on the same day, but so that at least 2 hours pass after the end of the work, so the tile adhesive will already harden and will not deform the tile. You should not take time with removal: the more time has passed, the solution becomes harder and the process becomes more complicated.

• You can delete spaced crosses and wedges different tools: pliers, blade, screwdriver. There is a special jointing knife that cleans the seams of glue and prepares them for grouting, you can use it. But there is one caveat: the tip of a hard tool can scratch decorative surface tiles, so you need to work carefully or try to get another cross.