Tiles: Various Patterns
Depending on their size, there is more than one way to lay tiles to give your space a classic or avant-garde look. It is up to you to decide if you are daring or more conservative.
Straight
The most popular, the straight pattern is the most traditional choice. It is easy to do and consists of laying your tiles in a straight line from wall to wall.Even though it is easy to do, you have to make sure that each tile is lined up properly with the others to ensure a linear effect. This pattern is perfectly suited for large tiles, such as 12 x 24 or 24 x 24.
Diagonal
The diagonal pattern is also quite a common style in homes. It creates a perspective and makes a room look bigger. This style, as its name implies, is based on the room’s diagonal. In order to lay this pattern successfully, the first tile must be installed in the centre of the room as the starting point to then mark the diagonals all the way to the walls. The diagonal pattern requires great care to ensure that the diagonals are straight and that the tiles are aligned. It is often used to make small spaces look bigger. When you choose this style, you must plan for more loss due to the higher number of cuts required as compared to the straight pattern.
Offset
This pattern is based on a straight pattern, but where each new tile is offset. Just like the straight and diagonal patterns, the offset pattern requires special attention because the offset distance must be consistent everywhere. It makes no difference if the tile is square or rectangular, the important thing is that the spacing is the same throughout the installation. There are three types of spacing possible:
- 1/2-1/2: The second tile starts at the middle of the first tile. This type is more suitable for small rectangular tiles, such as the 3 x 6 to name but one.
- 1/3-2/3: The second tile is laid after the first third of the first tile, and so on.
- 1/4-3/4: The second tile is laid after the first quarter of the first tile, and so on.
Herringbone
The herringbone pattern is very common in wood floors. It is made up of tiles inlaid in a V shape. Despite its renaissance, this pattern has been around for a very long time. To make a successful herringbone pattern, it is important to use rectangular tiles. This pattern is often confused with the chevron pattern; however, they are different. The chevron pattern requires a tile with an angle, whereas a herringbone pattern can be done with a rectangular tile.
Pinwheel
For this pattern, you must have suitable tiles, since two types are required, one very large and one very small. The small tile is laid at the corners of each large tile. You have to be very careful creating this pattern in order to respect the alignment and positioning of the different tiles.
Checkerboard
Used commonly in the subway style, the checkerboard pattern is making a strong comeback. You create a pattern by alternating two tiles of different colours and/or styles. It is generally done in groups of two or four.
Carpet
This pattern is used mostly for its decorative effect. It consists of laying different styles of tiles to create a carpet effect on the floor. You can therefore play with tiles with different finishes, colours, and shapes, etc.The possibilities are endless, which is what makes this pattern unique and original.
