Everything you need to know about tile crosses. Tile leveling systems or crosses and peephole laying New crosses for laying tiles

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Small spool but precious. The same can be said about crosses for tiles, despite their small size, their role and function are large. It is unlikely that you will be able to carry out the laying process with high quality and smoothly tiles on the wall or floor without the use of these parts.


Market building materials offers a wide variety of both ordinary crosses and modern systems tile alignment (SVP) or as they are also called, 3d crosses. Even experienced professionals can get confused in this abundance of devices that can be used for laying tiles, what do we know about crosses? That's what we'll talk about.

Purpose of crosses

This unpretentious device allows you to significantly simplify the process of laying ceramics, because, probably, one of the most challenging tasks when facing, there will be a holding of the same width of the seam between the individual fragments. Again, choosing right size cross, you can level the discrepancy in dimensions of the tiles in case of such a need.

Thus, the main function of ordinary and 3d crosses is to receive even seams between rows of tiles and ultimately aesthetic appearance lined surface. Moreover, the absence of a seam that has the right size when laying can lead to unpleasant consequences:

  • In rooms with high humidity, through the joints not sealed with grout, water will penetrate to back side ceramics with unprotected glaze and as a result the tile will swell.
  • For the same reason as the previous case, it is reduced useful life operation of the coating, as due to the impregnation of ceramics with water, it may fall off.
  • If the room has a warm floor, then the absence of a seam will lead to the destruction of the floor cladding due to the thermal expansion of ceramic fragments.

Types of crosses

Crosses are made of plastic. The choice in favor of this raw material is due to two considerations:

  1. Low cost.
  2. Soft structure, eliminating the possibility of damage to the tile during installation.

They are divided according to form:

  1. Products with four beams used in conventional installation.
  2. Devices with three ends used in the staggered laying method.
  3. Cross wedges. They are used to change the width of the seam by deepening the wedge in the joint.
  4. Tile leveling system (SVP) or 3d. Allows you to form perfectly even joints with a thickness of 1.5 mm to 1.8 mm.

It should be noted that the second type is not found on sale, but it is done by separating one ray from a regular cross using wire cutters or pliers.

Choice by size

How to choose crosses for tiles when laying tiles on the floor and wall is perhaps the most basic question of this topic, and there are several approaches to solving it:

  • visual assessment. Ceramics is laid out on the surface, and the most acceptable seam sizes are selected by reducing or increasing the distance between the fragments.
  • mathematical way. The size of the cross is determined by dividing long side ceramics by 100. For example, we have a tile of 200x300 mm, the long side of 300 mm is taken and divided by 100, resulting in a gap size of 3 mm.

The second method is more applicable when choosing crosses for wall cladding, when selecting products planned to be used for laying on the floor, the size of the crosses must be increased by 1 mm.

The use of large sizes of crosses is undesirable, due to the excessive expense for grouting, and during the operation of surfaces, care for wide joints is more time-consuming and costly. Therefore, the maximum recommended joint width is up to 5 mm. The minimum joint size can be 1 mm, it is recommended to use it only with high-quality tiles in dark colors.

If a design decision requires fulfillment wide seams from 10 mm to 12 mm, for example, when tiling in the form brickwork, then instead of crosses, pieces of ceramics or drywall can be used as a device that regulates the size of the seam. Crosses are available in the following sizes:

  • from 1 mm to 4.5 mm, while the thickness changes in 0.5 mm increments;
  • from 5 mm to 8 mm, the step is 1 mm.

The standard dimensions of crosses are usually 10x10 mm or 12x12 mm. In the package, as a rule, there is an amount that is a multiple of 50.


When choosing crosses, it is useful to pay attention to the quality of the plastic from which the product is made. Flexible and soft material, allows you to easily remove the product after installation with pliers. In the case of fragile material, this will be problematic.

It also negatively affects the quality and speed of execution. facing works, different profile crosses, which often happens with Chinese-made products. You have to constantly make sure that the device is installed in the gap with the same side.

Stages of work

Once you have decided which devices you need when cladding on the floor or wall, you can begin work, consisting of the following steps:

  • the location of the tiles on the adhesive mixture in accordance with the laying scheme;
  • insert crosses at the corners of the elements;
  • we align the ceramics and set the required thickness of the seam;
  • after the glue dries, remove the used crosses;
  • processing of seams with a grout mixture.

When installing porcelain tiles on the floor, it is allowed not to remove the crosses. They will be needed to ensure the free movement of ceramics on plastic during thermal expansion.

What is SVP

Crosses and wedges used when laying ceramics on the floor and walls have been known and used for a long time, they allow you to perform these works quite evenly. Modern devices, such as a tile leveling system or 3d systems make it possible not only to maintain an even seam, but also to align fragments in a horizontal plane.


The advantages of this system:

  • The use of 3d provides a perfectly even seam with a minimum thickness of 1.5 mm;
  • During the operation of the tiles laid on the floor, shrinkage and subsidence are possible. adhesive mixture. Using 3d gets rid of this problem.
  • The speed of cladding using 3D is higher compared to traditional technologies especially when laying ceramics on the floor.

SVP can be conditionally divided into 3D systems requiring the use of special tools and devices that allow you to do without special tools. The first option is preferred by professional tilers, to obtain best result and increase the speed of work performed. The designs of 3d systems are very diverse and the choice among them must be made, taking into account economic feasibility, as well as ease of use in a particular case.

The most commonly used SVP with a tensioner made in the form of a wedge with a serrated cut. The advantages of such a 3D system:

  • large area of ​​support of the clamping element;
  • the possibility of visual control over the alignment process;
  • the possibility of subsequent use of wedges an unlimited number of times;
  • performance of work both with the use of special tools and without.

This device can be used when laying tiles both on the floor and on the wall. Mounting technology:

  • lay the tiles on the glue;
  • insert two clips on each side of the tile at a distance of 5 cm from the edge;
  • we mount the second fragment with the installation of two clamps;
  • insert the wedge into the clamp between two tiles so that the plane of adjacent fragments is aligned;
  • Approximately in a day, the 3D system can be disassembled. The latch post is beaten off with a rubber hammer, while releasing the spacer element.

Do not lay a lot of adhesive mixture under ceramics, as it will be squeezed out of the joints when using SVP.

Skillful use of crosses or any other devices to obtain even seams will allow you to get an excellent end result in the form of a beautifully laid tile.

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 right choice crosses, their model and size, you should decide why they are needed 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 size, 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 stairs.
  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.

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 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 use a fairly simple formula to calculate the thickness of the required space: they take the length of the longest side of the tile 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 it is planned to master it on your own, it is better to choose standard crosses with sizes of 1mm or 2mm.
  • 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:

  1. The tile is installed with glue on the wall or on the floor, according to the markings.
  2. Two tiles are laid in such a way that there is a technical gap of 2 mm between the modules.
  3. 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.
  4. The cross helps to control the distance between two tiles.
  5. While the glue has not hardened, this distance can be easily adjusted.
  6. Beacons are removed after the adhesive has dried.
  7. 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?

Anyone who is faced with the purchase of building materials 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 the desired size of crosses for tiles, it will not be difficult to purchase 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 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.

When facing the surface with ceramic tiles, certain tools and materials may be needed, which include tile crosses used by each master. Special crosses for laying tiles allow you to get even seams and a decent result.

What crosses for tiles are needed

When studying the assortment in the store, it may seem that everything crosses for tiles the same. However, this opinion is erroneous. The first important indicator by which the crosses differ is the viscosity of the plastic. The fragility of the cross depends on this. If plastic High Quality, such a cross will be strong and flexible, it will be difficult to break off a piece from it.

The next difference is in the profile of the cross. On sale you can find the same crosses or options with an unequal profile. Unequal crosses between tiles should be inserted with only one selected side. Otherwise, the master will have to adjust the seams for a long time.

In addition to these characteristics, crosses may differ in the number of ends. For straight laying, crosses with four ends are used, and for laying apart, with three. However, it is unlikely that you will be able to find “three-pointed” crosses in the store, so you will have to make them yourself by biting off the extra element with wire cutters.

Last important questionconsumption of crosses for tiles on the square meter. This indicator is influenced by the format of the tile and the way it is laid. According to experts, on average, for 1m² you will need from 40 to 50 crosses.

Crosses for tiles dimensions

Despite all important characteristics When choosing crosses for tiles, dimensions should be the first question that the buyer asks. It is the dimensions of the crosses for laying tiles that affect the width of the seam, which, in turn, depends on the selected tile.

Crosses for tiles differ in thickness, which can be from 1 to 8 mm. In width, most often crosses are 10 and 12 mm. Crosses are sold in packages with different amount, usually a multiple of 50.

It is believed that the size of the crosses depends on the errors in the size of the tiles (the larger the error, the larger the cross). However, when choosing the size of the crosses, you should also think about the width of the seam, which will subsequently become the most polluted place on the wall. Optimum thickness crosses are considered 4-5 mm, for expensive and quality tiles- 3 mm.

Some tile laying experts recommend calculating the size of the crosses based on the length of the largest side of the selected tile, dividing this figure by 100. For example, if a 200x300 tile is used, then we consider the width of the seam as follows: 300 \ 100 \u003d 3 mm.

Choice minimum size crosses (1 mm) is allowed with special design ideas or alternatively seamless laying. However, relatively cheap tiles in combination with narrow seams are not only difficult to work with, but also not the best quality of the cladding. In this case, it will not be possible to correct the inter-tile distances, any defects will be clearly visible. Also, combining medium format tiles with too thin grout lines can significantly degrade the look of the finished wall.

When laying ceramic tiles almost all tilers use plastic crosses to get uniform and even seams. After filling with grout, such joints enhance the visual effect of the laid tiles.

What size cross to use?

The stronger the tile has errors in size and geometry, the larger the size of the cross should be. But common sense is also needed.

The larger the seam, the greater the grout consumption. The grout in the joint is the first to be contaminated. The wider the seam, the more visible the contamination. Dirt can be removed, especially on light seams, only with the help of. Therefore, a cross 3-4 mm wide can be considered maximum size. for tiles good quality, optimal size cross 2-3mm.

Another feature must be taken into account. Many tiles have a bevel (expansion) from front side. Installing a 3mm cross with one of the crosshairs, we get a 4mm seam.

If you put it in the crosshairs of 4 tiles, it is difficult to adjust the location in depth. Only if the cross is installed on the surface of the tile - the seam will correspond to what was intended.

A distance of 10 -12 mm is possible between the tiles. This is typical when tiling "boar" or gypsum stone. In the absence of crosses of this size, the uniformity of the seams can be maintained with the help of scraps of tiles or drywall.

An 8mm wide seam on a boar-type tile.

Seam on gypsum stone 6 mm wide.

Minimum possible size cross 1mm. This styling alternative .

Seam between tiles 1 mm

Such a distance can only be maintained on high-quality ceramics (as in the photo). The dark profile of the unfilled joints shows that the width is the same between all tiles.

Although there are cases when such a size between the tiles is necessary according to the designer's intention. Below is a tiling with a size of 300x300 mm. The drawing on the tile is made in the form of three rows of narrow plates with deep seams between them, 1 mm wide. The distance between ceramic tiles is also 1mm. When filling all the joints with grout (including on the surface of the tile), a continuous carpet of narrow tiles is obtained.

Similar seams are made between mosaic sheets. There, the width of the seam is made the same as between the squares of the mosaic.

seam on tiles 1mm wide

How to install and remove crosses?

This debate has been going on for a long time. You can put one cross in the center of the crosshairs of 4 tiles, lying down. You can also put 8 crosses on each tile. This method is considered to be more accurate. I have a different opinion and my own explanation on this matter.

It is better to put crosses in the center, between the tiles:

  • In this case, it is easier to wash the tiles after laying, especially when laying on the floor;
  • Tiles are rarely perfect. You could say it never happens. By inserting a cross in the middle, we sort of smooth out these differences. In some place, the ends of the tiles are shifted relative to each other. This shift is imperceptible, it is within one millimeter. With a seam width of 3-4 mm, this is not visible (which is why it is better to make a seam of this width). But the common seam between the tiles along the entire length is even, gives a readable even line.

  • In the case of installing 8 crosses on each tile, the seam will follow the size of the tile. But this will be noticeable only in case of a large difference between the sizes of the tiles (2-3 m)

How do the masters of another culture act in this case. People are similar in many ways, even on a different continent. If they use the same skills and habits, without knowing and not copying each other, then this is the best option.

The Japanese colleague puts crosses in the center between four tiles.

Crosses are set in the center of 4 tiles.

Laying tiles without crosses.

Installing crosses is a tradition of CIS tilers. The Czechs practice laying tiles without crosses. They are not even on sale there. The seams are made 3-4 mm wide visually, by eye. Seeing this for the first time, I was a little puzzled. But over time, I got used to it and sometimes I do lining without crosses. But I don't think it's better or easier. A little bit faster. During the day, 30 - 40 minutes are saved for laying and removing crosses.

When facing the walls, it is possible to correct the inaccuracies that arise, but on the floor, it is already difficult to correct the tiles that have moved out during cleaning. When crosses are inserted there, the tiles are fixed to each other. And there is no shift.


They remove the crosses, usually on the second day of laying, tucking it in with another cross or. When laying on the wall, the crosses can be removed on the day of laying. Approximately one hour after installation last tile. During this time, the glue will harden, and the tile will not slip. If the cross does not come out, it must be cut with a knife and removed in parts. In extreme cases, you can push the cross deeper into the glue. But this is possible only on the day of laying the tiles.

Removing crosses with a knife.

Tips to leave all the crosses in the seams are the tips of the sellers of the crosses. If the cross is on the surface, the grout layer above it will be thin and will fall off over time.

What is the consumption of crosses?

Usually, for a 300x300 tile, a pack of crosses is enough for an area of ​​​​5 - 8 squares. That is, two packs are enough for lining a bathroom or kitchen.

Crosses simplify the laying of ceramic tiles, but are not the most necessary device.

What can replace the crosses for laying tiles?

Matches and other nonsense will not be taken into account. But laying in a seam instead of crosses of a cord is an interesting way. It is used in Scandinavian countries when laying tiles on the wall. It is interesting in that the cord allows you to even out the difference in the size of the tiles. This is achieved by periodically aligning the series according to the rule and level.

Interesting discussion of this video. from delight to complete...

Despite all the predictions that the tiles will crumble, nothing will happen. The glue, most likely, is of increased plasticity and with minimal “weathering”. This allows you to apply it on a large plane. In addition, when installing the cord and leveling, the tile is “lapped” to the adhesive.

The fact that the master periodically aligns the rows with a wedge makes it possible to achieve a more even laying than with crosses.

In addition to crosses, the installation of “C”-shaped inserts between tiles has become widespread (America, Canada). What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?

The installation and removal of such inserts is accelerated. You can use them to clean the seam from glue, in the process of cladding. But the main purpose is missing - to create a clear crosshair of four tiles.

The video shows an attempt to align the tiles by moving the insert to the junction of two tiles.

Not every tile can be laid with crosses if desired. If the designer's idea was realized in the form of a collection, as in the photograph, then there is simply nowhere to put crosses. On the one hand, the problem of tile calibration is solved. She is useless now. But the installation process has become more complicated. We need new skills.

The tile collection is laid without crosses.

In such cases, the guideline proper styling may be an insert-square. It is necessary to monitor the width of the seam around the insert. It should be approximately the same for each square and may differ slightly between adjacent inserts. When narrowing the seam, the distance between the tiles must be expanded, and when sprawling, narrowed.