However, with rectangular tiles, such as 12×24's, it's quite common to install them in an offset pattern. Why? I've talked before about why a 50% offset is a bad idea and why you want to install your 12×24 tiles with a 33% offset instead.
Straight Horizontal Layout
But with a rectangular 12x24 tile like Graphite Focus Porcelain, you still have to decide which direction you want to take. Laying this mid-tone gray tile flooring in a horizontal straight pattern gives the illusion that your space is wider than it really is.
A large tile, such as 12x24”, usually requires a 3/16” grout line, so it's best to check the manufacturer's recommendations to see how small you can go.
Proper Offset
Laying out your large format tile prior to installation is important. It can help determine the pattern that best suites your project. For large format tile, it is important to use a 1/3 (33%) offset opposed to the more traditional 1/2 “brick” pattern.
Summing It Up
straight, it will also be about preference. Both of these layouts have plenty of benefits. Staggered tiles are perfect for hiding those imperfections, while the straight setting can add a bit of interest.
Vertical stacked tile is the more contemporary option because it alters two of traditional subway tile's characteristics (its offset and direction). Those looking for a trendy design are in good hands with stacked vertical subway tile. Vertical stacked subway tile draws the eye upward and can visually elongate a space.
Lippage can be significant when tile with warpage issues is installed at a 50% offset. The outcome is aesthetically unsightly and unsafe for pedestrians. Warpage or bowing can take place during the manufacturing of fired tile products like ceramic and porcelain tile.
If you have large tiles then the best way to help them reach their full potential is to lay them out in a simple, horizontal grid pattern or stack bond design. This helps to make small rooms feel bigger and creates a sleek effect, with fewer grout lines.
Double herringbone is created by connecting two rectangular shaped tiles with each other. This pattern is not commonly installed because it can be a difficult layout to perfect.
Generally, it is recommended to choose tiles that are 4" or smaller for small bathrooms because it's easier to contour around fixtures and appears visually proportioned in a smaller space. Another great option is to go for a more modern design, such as using large format tiles (12"x24").
½ inch x ½ inch square notch trowel
You want to use this for most tiles that are 16-inches and larger. So, this is a good trowel size for 12×24 tiles, 16×16's, 6×24's, 8×36's, wood-look plank tiles, etc. Additionally, it's a good choice for natural stone tiles 12×12 and larger like marble, granite, and travertine.
GROUT JOINT SIZE FOR LARGE AND HEAVY TILE
Daltile recommends that large tiles have a 1/8” or 3/16” minimum grout joint for the most successful installation. The difference is not really noticeable visually, but can make a big difference to the quality of the installation.
Subway tile is the most traditional and popular tile pattern, and it typically comes in a rectangular shape of all degrees and colors. The most well-known pattern is akin to offset bricks. However, you can also "stack" them vertically or horizontally.
Grid Pattern
This pattern is probably the most common and easiest way to lay your tiles. You may choose to use the grid pattern especially if you've got tiles which have their own inherent pattern and you don't want to draw too much attention.
Brick Tile Pattern
The classic brick lay is a great pattern for DIY as it is the easiest to install and you will have the least cuts or waste. This pattern however is less ideal for bowed tiles which many distributors will inform you of.
Offset or Staggered Brick Bond
This pattern choice is the best option for any rectangular tile larger than 300x600 and produces a softer and more natural look. Tiles are laid out in rows whereby each row offsets by at least one quarter instead of half.
3) Parallel or diagonal flooring
Believe it or not, the way flooring is installed can help make a room look bigger than it is. As a general trick of the trade, installing flooring such as boards running parallel to the longest wall in the room instantly makes a room appear more spacious.
When tiles are laid horizontally, and to the ceiling, the bathroom looks wider and more spacious. Compare this to a vertical laid tile, which tends to make the ceilings look taller but the space tighter.
The common practice is a gap of 2mm or 3mm for wall tiles and between 3mm and 5mm for floor tiles, however it is important to follow the standards within the BS 5385-1 which outline the sizes required depending on the tiles being used and the substrate.
White subway tile in a shower or bath will never age, Winn says. For floors, penny tile — white or black and white — is still found in homes built in the 1950s and '60s in North Arlington, Va., Winn says, but clients are also asking for it in new bathrooms.
Regardless of the type or style of tile (porcelain, ceramic or stone) a minimum of 3mm tile spacers should be used for floor tiles. Depending on the tile, the spacer required can go as high as 10mm. Most commonly a 5mm spacer is used, especially if you're using indoor to outdoor tiles.
Industry standards and manufacturer recommendations of 33% or less offset for tiles with one or more sides 15” or greater are required because of the manufacturing process for tile. When ceramic tile is heated and cooled in the kiln, warpage can occur.