Q1. How much useable space do you have to work with?

Really consider the useable space available. You may have an acre of space in your yard, but if 75% is a steep hill plunging into a creek and 25% is relatively flat…you really only have the 25% of flat yard available to work with.

Q2. Do you know of anyone (family or friend) who has special needs and might be frequenting your place?

For instance…your mother comes over every Sunday for dinner and is in a wheelchair. Take into consideration how a wheelchair or walker would handle on your lawn.

How would a wheelchair user get from inside to your outdoor kitchen? Are there steps leading down to your yard? If anyone has special needs, a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors is required.  There are great natural stone and outdoor tile options that allow this transition to happen.

During the design planning process remember to be realistic and consider who will be using the space!

Reader Question:

What is the appropriate size grout joint width for rectified tiles?

Answer:

This question was submitted by Stuart Harris in the Las Vegas Craig Showroom and answered with support from Dal Tile.

Rectified tiles continue to increase in popularity, particularly in the commercial arena. For years, the
industry and Dal-Tile have recommended that Rectified tiles can be installed with a 1/16” grout joint.
However, installations have become more time consuming and difficult to ensure compliant installations when attempting to install a Rectified tile with a 1/16” grout
joint. In response, the new TCNA (Tile Council of North America) Handbook addresses this issue by
stating that “the actual grout joint size shall be at least 3 times the actual variation of
facial dimensions of the tile.” To simplify: Rectified tiles, regardless of size, shall have a grout joint
width no less than 1/8”.

Thanks, Stuart and Dal Tile!