Are Tile Patterns Really That Important?
With an infinite selection of tile sizes, materials, colors, and shapes, many people may overlook the layout pattern and simply rely on the installer to decide how the tile is laid. And while this is fine in certain instances, the layout can greatly affect the overall look of the finished product. For that reason, it becomes useful to research and learn about the pros and cons of each different tile layout pattern. Let’s look at a list of the most common patterns, and what makes them different and unique.
Stacked
This is the most basic pattern of all; just one tile stacked on top of another, perfectly in line. This pattern is commonly utilized when installing square tile.
Pros: Can create a very seamless look, or a very bold look, depending on the choice of grout color. It also incorporates equal cuts from top to bottom, which adds to the seamless look. Great for tile with a lot of veining and movement, and can be done with rectangular tiles placed horizontally or vertically on walls.
Cons: While typically fine with natural stone such as travertine and marble (which are cut to an exact size), slight variations in size can become evident in manufactured tile such as porcelain and ceramic, especially if using a contrasting grout color.
Staggered
Also referred to as a running bond, subway, or offset, this popular pattern is commonly used on both small and large format rectangular tile. Typically, this pattern is used at a 1/2 stagger from one tile to the one above it, but can also be done at smaller overlaps, like 1/3 or 1/4.
Pros: Great for a classic, antique vibe, especially when done with small format tile. Issues with size variations in the tile take a back seat, as they are much less evident than with the stacked pattern. Can also be placed vertically or horizontally on walls, although horizontal alignment is much more common.
Cons: Staggering large format tile at 1/2 may not be ideal, as bowing in the center may lead to considerable lippage with the adjacent tile. Most porcelain tile manufacturers direct installers to avoid a 1/2 stagger, instead recommending 1/3 or 1/4 to avoid these issues. Also, small cuts of tile may be necessary to avoid breaking the pattern.
Staircase
A slight variation of the staggered pattern, the staircase pattern may be used when the offset is 1/3 or less. This creates a “wrap around” look. This pattern is recommended when the tile is somewhat simple or plain, or when the central bow of the tile is very prominent.
Pros: Very beautiful and bold pattern, especially when cuts are matched up well on very visible corners. Works to avoid tile lippage, and the pattern can become more of a feature.
Cons: Careful consideration of the overlap and cuts have to be taken into account with this layout, as small cuts are common with this setup. Not recommended for vertical installation on walls.
90 Degree Herringbone
The herringbone pattern is for those who want to make a statement. Achieved by placing an adjacent tile 90 degrees rotated from the last, this pattern makes the grout lines stand out more than the tile itself.
Pros: A very eye catching and bold look, especially when using a contrasting grout color. Can be used on accent walls and backsplashes
Cons: Very difficult to lay correctly. Tile must be perfectly sized and even for this pattern to work. Uneven tile sizing may cause grout lines to become uneven in width, ruining the whole look. Tiles must also be laid perfectly square with one another in order to avoid diverging grout lines. Not recommended for big spaces or with large format tile.
45 Degree Herringbone
What’s even bolder than 90 Degree Herringbone? Rotating the entire pattern by 45 degrees. With angled cuts on the top and bottom, and an “Arrow” feel, this pattern is commonly used on accent walls or areas that are needing to stand out.
Pros: The epitome of eye-catching patterns. This pattern will transform the look of any space is it placed on.
Cons: The most difficult pattern to lay. Having all the cons of the standard 90 Degree Herringbone, but also adding the need for an accurate centerline, and precise angled cuts on the top and bottom of the pattern. Experience and precision are a necessity to get this pattern done right.
Random
A random pattern is exactly what it sounds like. With no fixed stagger distance, this pattern works great to emulate real wood flooring when done with large plank tiles.
Pros: Minimizes small cuts and lost material, as cut pieces can serve as a starting point on a subsequent row. Lippage is usually not a concern as most plank tiles used in this manner are somewhat flexible.
Cons: Only really usable with plank tiles that emulate wood flooring. Not recommended for small spaces, as “randomness” may become less random when constrained by said small spaces.
Mosaics
Very common for flooring or accent walls, tile that fit this pattern already come preset to it, usually very small format tile attached to a mesh backing. This pattern can come in many shapes, not just hexagonal as seen in the diagram above.
Pros: No worrying about having to individually set each tile. Great when used in conjunction to a template, especially when cutting tile for shower floors. Due to the large concentration of grout lines, mosaics are great options when slip-and-falls are a concern, like on the floor in a shower enclosure.
Cons: Individual tiles may have shifted slightly when placed on the mesh backing. For that reason, it is essential to check grout line separation before the mortar has set to ensure consistency across the pattern.
Are there more patterns?
Yes, tile can be laid in many more patterns, like Basket Weave, Diamond, Chevron, French Pattern, ect. While these patterns usually require specially shaped or sized tile, the reality is that the sky is the limit when it comes to tiling. With a multitude of colors, sizes, shapes & materials, combined with grout and trim colors, and with the correct pattern, the possibilities are endless. At Space Coast Home Renovations Inc, we do emphasize a few things when going over all these options with our customers, especially when talking about layout.
- What is the intended look or feel that the customer wants?
- Given the size constraints of the area, does the desired pattern avoid small, unsightly cuts?
- If small cuts become an issue, what other pattern can we utilize to achieve a similar aesthetic?
- Will the tile be the standout feature, or will it be the pattern itself?
- Will the grout color completement or contrast the color of the tile?
Answering these questions helps us determine what is best for our customer in order to guide them to make an educated decision, and going over the pros and cons ensures they will be happy with the end product.
