Tiling - Straight Edge

[Domochu]

Hi,

Sorry if this has been posted before but I couldn't find it using the search.

I'm looking at picking up a 6 ft straight edge for tiling purposes.

Where do you guys get your straight edges for tiling? Can't seem to find anything resembling what I'm seeing on this site's pics when searching for 'straight edge' ...

Starting to finally make plans to tile my 300 sq ft garage after couple of years of lurking the forum.

Thanks a lot. (will start my thread in the Flooring sub soon)

 

[jwdominick]

chalk line?

 

[Domochu]

Sorry I should have posted a pic

View media item 33579
This is Dakota00's picture

 

[bcradio]

chalk line or laser line

 

[rlitman]

I have two old wooden (medal edged) 6' straightedges, and a 6' level that can double as a straightedge. If you're looking to find depressions in the floor, a box beam level is best.
If you're looking to mark a straight line (and don't want to use a laser or chalk line), then you can get a straightedge sold as a saw fence. I've seen these in aluminum. But if you're not putting them on a flat surface, they can twist a bit easily.

 

[dutchgray]

For 6' a decent level is probably the best option, that pic is just a length of aluminum box, plasterers use them for straight edges/ leveling screed.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Chalk line. Even tape will do.

 

[signcrafter]

For 6' just buy a good stabila level. It will be of more use in the future.

But if you really want a straight edge here you go, http://www.tools4flooring.com/straight-edges.html?limit=30. Scroll down and you will see ones like in your picture.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

If you want cheap, HF sells a 6' level that will do in a pinch.

 

[tarbellb]

Not sure I would subject a Stabila to tile work? But im not a great tiler.

Personally, my best straight edges come from my local aluminum supplier. I but 1"x4" or similar extruded aluminum tube. Get any length you like, bonus is the weight and strength.

 

[AmericanMechanic]

If you simply just need a straight edge (ruler), why not a piece of 1" flat bar. 1"x 1/8" in say 72" long. HD or lowes should have it.

Granted, a tube will be more rigid and easier to work with. But flat stock should work for a one-time gig.

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

Go to a local tile store. They will have a set of straight edges 1' to 6' long. they are aluminum angle. 1" x 3" usually pretty cheep.

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BVFXMD0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Caman]

Once you go laser you'll never go back.

 

[shoot summ]

I use the Johnson 5' straight edge/ruler for Home Depot, about $11.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Johnson-60-in-Aluminum-Straight-Edge-Ruler-J60/100140425

I have a couple of them around the shop, they are pretty handy actually.

 

[the gypsy]

f you are using a straightedge to check yor level, I agree with the previous posters that suggest the aluminum pieces. If it is to setup your lines at 90 degrees, I suggest the Bosch laser that is produced exactly for tilers. It projects lines to form the perfect 90 degrees and also a diagonal line.

 

[Zeke]

Cheap I beam level. Even a plastic one so the thinset will come off after you're done.

 

[LordPsychon]

If you plan on only tiling a place once, get the Bosch laser level. If you plan on tiling maybe a few times or only part of a floor, a chalk line would suffice.

 

[engineer2]

I would by a 1x1 aluminum hollow square stock from a big box store.
I have never used one on the floor, but have used them on walls in situations where I had to support wall tile in order to do the bottom course of tile last.

By eyballing it and using tile spacers you should be fine. As said, a laser can help.
The hard part is to avoid lippage. I used the QEP - LASH Tile Leveling System available at Home Depot and it worked great.