It is such a very exciting feeling when it comes to planning a new kitchen floor. You will be given the opportunity to customize your kitchen the way you desire. Although, the process to grid a kitchen floor layout can seem like a challenging task, normally the average homeowner can complete this task within the time before evening. The best thing about deciding the kitchen floor layout by yourself is that you can save your budget on hiring professionals. Here are the methods that you can apply on how to grid your own kitchen floor layout.
- Primary measurements
First, measure the length of all the walls, doors or openings in your kitchen by using a measuring tape. Use inches and fractions rather than feet and inches when writing the measurements. Graph paper is the most suitable medium to transfer your measurements, so use one graph square per 6 inches of linear floor space. It will help you not to be confused when you are installing your kitchen floor.
- Fixture measurements
Measure and document the dimensions of cabinets and other stationary fixtures available in your kitchen. Mark these items on your graph as well. At the same time, mark and measure any heating vents, electrical outlets, plumbing and gas line on the floor of your kitchen.
- Calculating tiles
Calculate the number of tiles that you will need to cover your kitchen floor by using the grid squares on your graph paper. First, the center of the kitchen should be started then work towards the cabinets and the walls. By doing this, you will maximize the number of whole tiles. You will also spend led time cutting the tiles around the perimeter of your kitchen space.
- Center line
Calculate half the distance between the two opposing walls at one end of your kitchen and mark this distance on the floor. This process shall be repeated at the other end of the kitchen. Mark a line between these two points by using a chalk line. This will be the center line for your floor tiles. Mark the same line on your graph.
- Considerations
Add ΒΌ inch per tile for grout if you are using tiles to your kitchen flooring. The reason it was added up since your floor tiles will not be set to flush against one another. Also, this will allow you to calculate the final dimensions for perimeter tiles. You can skip to add extra space between each tile if you are using vinyl tiles.
You must double check all the measurements before starting to lay out the floor tiles. Until all of your whole tiles are laid, avoid cutting perimeter tiles to stay away from inaccuracies.
Remember that walls especially in older homes may not be perfectly parallel. In this case, you may need to cut tiles at angles.
Additional reading:
http://www.ehow.com/way_5650479_way-grid-kitchen-floor-layout.html
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22201094@N08/3528930199/
