DIY Tile Pattern Inlays

Measure the room in which you wish to lay the tile. Use the measurements to plan a tile inlay pattern and layout design to scale using graph paper.

Cut the tiles you plan you inlay to size using the glass cutter.

Find the centers of two opposite walls in a room and use the reference points to snap a chalk line across the length of the room. Repeat this process on the remaining opposite walls in the room so you end up with perpendicular lines that divide the room into fourths. Use a carpenter’s square to ensure the center points are square.

Lay tiles on the floor, on either side of the chalk lines, to see how your tile pattern inlay and placement compares to the design you made on graph paper. Adjust the placement and spacing of tiles as necessary.

Spread tile adhesive in the middle of the floor with the notched edge of a notched trowel. Comb the adhesive out onto the floor, making bended ridge shapes.

Begin laying down your tiles where the chalk lines intersected. If your tile pattern inlay is in the middle of the floor, complete the inlay design first. Then continue adding the rest of the tiles one quadrant at a time. If you are making a large inlay pattern across the whole floor, start in the middle and complete the pattern quadrant by quadrant. Use tile spacers as you work, if needed, to make sure the tiles are spaced evenly.

Set the tiles into the adhesive using a mallet and a tile leveler after you finish laying a small section of flooring.

Begin cutting tiles to size with the glass cutter after you cannot lay whole tiles in the room.

Mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Force the grout between the spaces in tiles using a rubber float. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle.

Wipe off the excess grout from the surface of the tiles using the rubber float by holding it perpendicular to the tiles. Let the grout dry for 20 minutes.

Use a damp sponge to remove the remaining excess grout from the surface of the tiles. Rinse the sponge in clean water often.

Allow the grout to cure per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Seal the grout after one week with a silicone grout sealer. Apply the sealer with a paintbrush.