Doing an 80 sq foot bathroom with 15 x 30 inch tile. Having just completed the smaller 45 sq foot one with the same tile I'd like to use the Marshalltown leveling system to help minimize lippage in the next. Did pretty good without it in the small one but can see possible issues without it in the larger room.
Room is really tight with odd angels and walls to work around.
I'd like to be able to do the lay in 2-3 sessions. Has anyone used a leveling system and broke the job up?
Was thinking it I had the section level and had the straps on the exposed end that I should be able to pick it up there and the next section should be able to be brought into level.
But I worry that if not I'm screwed as the first section would be set.

I’ve used the Peygran system, not familiar with the one you’re looking at. The issue I had was the last run I would lay for the day, I had to take a level to each tile. The way the system worked, it would “raise” the long side of the last tile (downward pressure on the other long side with the clip). Not the easiest to explain, but it’s easy to overcome with a small level.

I suspect you’ll wish you had used a leveling system on the other bathroom when you’re done. They’re pretty much a necessity with large format tiles.

LevTec all day every day. I'm too paranoid to do an install in two of more sessions. I start early and work as long as necessary too yet all the tile down, then let it sit and harden for a couple days while I recuperate before I start grouting.

I layed tile once (18x18 travertine) with 1/16" grout lines. It was my first time without a level system. The small grout lines and squared edges made for some lippage issues. The next 3 tile jobs I used the Perfect Level Master system and its great. No more lippage issues. Stopping mid project has never been a problem as long as you place the spacers at your stopping point in preparation for the next day.

Also be mindful of any low or high areas that exist beyond where you started. If you end up on a hump or significant depression the next day you're going to be shit out of luck if you're hoping to blend that into your set tile. It pays to survey the entire area prior to starting to identify these areas.

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
LevTec all day every day. I'm too paranoid to do an install in two of more sessions. I start early and work as long as necessary too yet all the tile down, then let it sit and harden for a couple days while I recuperate before I start grouting.

This, I would do all the cuts and loose lay the tile over 1 or 2 days if you want to split it up, but would lay it down all on the same day.

Thanks for the replies. Gives me a bit of piece of mind.
Will cut and dry fit everything prior to start. With the way the room lays out it's just physically hard to get to all areas and still work my way out of the room unless I come from 2-3 directions. That presents it's own set of challenges. Think angeled walls that go up under cabinets/countertops.
Doing 1\8 inch grout lines. So combined with the large tile it's a bit of a challenge.
I really prefer starting in the middle and working to the edges but with this room layout that's just physically impossible unless I break it into at least 2 sessions.

I think you might already be better at this than me... but my suggestion is to lay out an 'X' in the middle of the room and do it in 4 sections...

If I may suggest one leveling tool not to use...

The clips (from Lowes) with a curved bottom. On some level it might seem to make sense but in practical use not so much. First is the thickness, second is the curve, spring loaded action. It tends to push the tile apart as you tighten them, because of the curve flattening out. Also it can allow the clip to rock over as you tighten it.

I found them unusable, abandoned them and went commando with good results. NO not THAT commando... rather used no levelers, just 4 and 2 foot levels and a rubber mallet.

Pic of what did not work for me...

I used the Peygran system. I also did mine in several stages. No problem but you want to make sure you clean out any thinset from all edges where you stop. Even doing that I had to use an oscillating tool to clean out some of the hardened thinset before starting the next stage. Don't think anybody could tell where I stopped and started even if I told them where.

Just an update and another thanks for all the input.
I finished laying the tile yesterday and it turned out great. Frankly I think I did a better job than the professionals that did our house in Vegas.
I can highly recommend the Marshalltown system that I purchased at Lowe's. The job would have been a nightmare without it.
Only downside I saw to it or similar systems is that you can't easily pull up an individual tile if say it needs more or less mortar. The caps/straps would have to be removed and that is more difficult with wet mortar.
If you take on a large format tile project do yourself a favor and use a leveling system. I did the smaller bathroom without it (15 tiles) and it was much more difficult to get the tiles leveled up.
I ended up doing this room in 3 sessions due to the physical constraints of the room. I was just careful how/where I left off. Zero issues.
Thanks again for the guidance. I'm really happy with the results and more importantly I redeemed myself with my wife from my substandard attempt 30 years ago in our first house.