While this pattern can be very attractive, it can also be frustrating when the inherent warpage on the long side of the tile causes lippage. This lippage issue many times leaves the installer with a difficult, if not impossible, task when a 50% offset with a credit card or 1/32” grout joint is specified.
If you're installing larger tiles with a long shape (6x24" tiles, wood plank tiles, etc.), it's recommended that you don't use a 50/50 offset, as these tiles can have a slight bow in them. A 50/50 offset will put the highest point of one tile next to the lowest point of another tile, creating lippage.
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. This is a normal result of the manufacturing process.
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.
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.
STRAIGHT LAY PATTERN
This is the most commonly used tile pattern of all, and the easiest to do. The tiles are simply laid side by side in a straight line, to give an overall even grid pattern. It's a good choice of pattern for rooms where you don't want the tiles to distract from other design features.
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.
Mixing 3 or more sizes together and creating a tile pattern from it can give your room the feel of being larger than it is. One of the more popular tile patterns that uses 3 or more sizes is called a Versailles Pattern. This pattern will help create a feel of expansiveness which in turn will make you room feel bigger.
Decorative Patterns & Mosaics
Bold colors and patterns are trending in home design right now and Barnard says we'll see this trend cross into tile design as well. “Decorative tile can look illustrative, turning a wall into a work of art.
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.
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.
Larger tiles work best for stability and style when installing floor tile in the 1/3 offset pattern. “Especially on the floor, a 1/3 offset is usually done with tiles that are 12×24 for the best effect and comfort on the feet when walking,” says Becca.
The golden rule when installing tiles is install on a concrete floor where possible and always ensure it's level by applying a levelling compound beforehand – watch this video to find out exactly how.
How much extra tile to buy? Well, the thumb rule says that you should always order 10% extra of the tile you think you'll actually need. As mentioned before, it is not unusual for tiles to reach you a bit snipped and chipped. So to have a little extra in stock is always helpful so that the work does not get delayed.
Diagonal: Laying subway tile flooring in a diagonal pattern adds visual interest and a modern touch. It creates the illusion of a larger space, particularly beneficial for smaller areas. The diagonal arrangement brings unique character and personalization, adapting to different interior styles.
How much wastage for tiles. Typically, it's advised to add 10% more tiles to your order, but in rooms with complex shapes like bathrooms with hidden boxes or shower alcoves, it's better to allow for 15% wastage.
Accent tiles: While these accent tiles—aka a strip of tiles that are typically smaller and a different design that wrap around the inside of your shower—were a hit in the '90s and '00s, Grey says this visually stunts the height of your shower and makes it cluttered and breaks up the space compared to having an open, ...
I call offset the safe choice and most of the clients I work with chose to lay their shower tile and floor tiles this way. It's also an inexpensive pattern for tile laborers to lay, it doesn't require a lot of material waste or special cuts.
Gray can make a room look bigger. A light gray can be a great pick in place of white; it will reflect natural light, but it looks less architectural and cool than white, which you might prefer.
A small bathroom can actually benefit from a large tile. With fewer grout lines the walls and floor are less cluttered and the room visually expands.
Whether you're choosing ceramic or vinyl, look for tiles 12 to 24 inches wide. Color: when we think about a spacious room, blonde wood often comes to mind. Floor color plays a major role in making your small space seem larger. We often recommend light colors to give the room an airy feel.
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.
Terrazzo Looks
Terrazzo is both a popular look for tile pavers and an element of another 2023 tile trend, cobbled tile. This versatile style is capable of looking both natural and hyper modern, depending on its colors and scale.
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.