Method of setting tiles

Abstract

A method is disclosed for setting tiles on a substrate to which adhesive material has been applied. The method includes disposing a plurality of tiles on the substrate in a pattern comprising a plurality of substantially parallel rows of tiles, where each of the rows comprises a plurality of tiles in a side-by-side relationship. The method further comprises the step of inserting horizontal alignment strips of a compressible, semi-rigid material between the rows of tiles in the pattern to define spaces between the tiles in adjacent rows. The method further comprises the step of installing vertical alignment tabs of a compressible, semi-rigid material between the tiles in each row to define spaces between the tiles in each row. The disclosed method substantially increases the speed at which tile setting may be accomplished.

1 . A method of laying tiles on a substrate to which an adhesive material has been applied, comprising the steps of:
 disposing a plurality of tiles on the substrate in a pattern comprising a plurality of substantially parallel rows of tiles, where each said row comprises a plurality of tiles in a side-by-side relationship;   inserting horizontal alignment strips of a compressible, semi-rigid material between the rows of tiles in the pattern to define spaces between the tiles in adjacent rows; and   installing vertical alignment tabs of a compressible, semi-rigid material between the tiles in each row to define spaces between the tiles in each row.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive material is a latex-based, heavy body mastic. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive material is an epoxy-based, heavy body mastic. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive material is a thin-set cementitious mortar. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible, semi-rigid material comprises a plastic material. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chlorides, polybutylenes, polyethylenes, urethanes, silicones and styrenes. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible, semi-rigid material comprises a composite cellulose material. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible, semi-rigid material used for the horizontal alignment strips and the vertical alignment tabs is waterproof. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of allowing the adhesive material to dry, removing the horizontal alignment strips and the vertical alignment tabs from the pattern of tiles, and filling the spaces between the tiles in the pattern with grout.