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Is Your Laser Really Square For Your Tile Installation Project?

using a laser to install square tile — Laser with two folding rules.

The tile industry utilizes a number of functional and time-saving tools. Many of these tools were created to meet a particular need while others introduced technology from other industries. And when technology is a part of the equation, a new chapter opens.

The ability of a laser beam to shoot a die-straight line over great distances would be a really valuable asset to the tile trade. The combination of technology and the tile installer’s need to create a square layout and project long straight lines, brought the laser to the tile world.

One of the key features of a laser is its ability to provide two lines which are square to each other. This provides a fast, one-person operation that saves labor costs while providing excellent accuracy.

But how do you know if your laser is projecting square lines on the floor? By verifying that the lines are indeed square to each other. You could take another laser and check its accuracy against the first one, but if there is a difference, how do you know which one is square? The best, fastest, and some folks would say, “old school” method is using a 3 - 4 - 5 right triangle.

For this test, you will need the laser and three folding rules. Place the laser on a flat and level floor in the square mode, projecting two lines. Carefully place one rule along the outside of each laser line with their ends touching at the line intersection of the laser. Place the end of the third rule at the 48” mark (4’) going diagonally across the 36” mark (3’) of the other rule. If the laser is truly projecting a set of square lines, the 60” (5’) mark should cross exactly at the 36” mark.

If the laser is not providing a true 90-degree set of lines, it may be adjustable on site, but most will have to be sent back to the factory to be recalibrated.

One word of caution: As good as lasers are, you need a backup plan. Do you have enough batteries or if it is a rechargeable model, did you remember to charge it the night before using it? Given proper care and maintenance, lasers will serve you well.

This article was originally posted on www.floortrendsmag.com.

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Scott Carothers is the Academic Director of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) headquartered in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee (Nashville area). In 2007, he was hired and tasked with creating the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program, and in 2012, he was part of the team that created the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program.

For eighteen years, he has been providing training and education to others in the tile industry. Carothers has been involved in the ceramic tile industry for over 44 years and was the owner of a successful retail store and installation firm prior to coming to CTEF.

Carothers served as President and Chairman of the Board of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), Chairman of the NTCA Technical Committee, named the NTCA Tile Person of the Year in 2005, and received the NTCA Ring of Honor in 2013. He is a voting member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook, and NTCA Technical Committees.

Scott has authored over 185 articles in tile industry print magazines including Floor Covering Installer, Tile, TileLetter, and eMagazine/Newsletter publications such as Floor Trends & Installation and TIleLetter along with covering numerous topics on the CTEF Blog, thereby sharing his knowledge and installation experience with his readers. Additionally, he recently retired from being a presenter and trainer for the NTCA Workshop and Regional Training programs and the NTCA Technical Hotline.

He may be contacted at scott@tilecareer.com or 864-222-2131.