What is the optimal installation strategy?

Installation of patio tiles made from rubber granules is usually best started at the centre of the area. Edge tiles are cut only at the end, so whole tiles can still be repositioned. This allows the grid pattern and edge widths to be coordinated, avoids unnecessary cutting waste and can reduce narrow edge strips or small corner pieces.

For a rectangular area, establish the centre by stretching two strings diagonally between opposite corners. Align the first tile at their intersection, then lay whole tiles forwards, backwards, to the right and to the left until a cross is formed. The cross shows how the tiles sit within the area and what edge widths can be expected. If necessary, move or realign the cross before filling the spaces between its arms with whole tiles. Cut the edge tiles only once the final position has been established.

Laying from a corner is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized rectangular areas where the dimensions allow installation without cutting and the boundaries are straight and square. Starting from a corner fixes the position of all subsequent tiles from the outset. Where the corner requires adjustments around walls, posts or other components, cuts are needed at the beginning; after these cuts, corrections require additional material and labour.

The centre of one side can also be used as the starting point, for example on irregularly shaped areas or where a centre line is required. From the middle of the side, lay whole tiles to the right and left along the side, then forwards into the area. Fill the areas on both sides of this basic arrangement afterwards. As edge tiles are cut only at the end, there remains sufficient scope to adapt their arrangement to the area geometry.

The laying planner in the WARCO shop allows the possible starting points to be compared for the relevant tile type and the actual area dimensions. It shows which option provides balanced edge widths and how much material is required.