Tile is one of the most useful and attractive materials for covering both walls and floors. However, you'll need to choose the right pattern for the job if you want to get the most from your project. So here's a fast guide to some of the best layouts.
Many homeowners prefer something simple. If this is the case for you, the straight lay tile pattern might be just what you're looking for. The tiles are laid out so that they are in a straight line and even with both the ones on their left and right.
For a vintage feel, the checkerboard tile pattern is a time-honored favorite. It uses the straight lay layout, but with two contrasting color tiles to produce a checker of chessboard look. Usually this means black and white, but you could use other colors too.
The diagonal pattern is one that is used very often. Like the checkerboard it too, uses the straight lay but with a twist, the tiles are set so they are at a forty five degree angle facing you when you enter the room. By doing this your eye will see diamonds instead of the standard square. If your project is an area with limited space this layout can make a big impression.
A complex option is the herringbone. And like its name states, it looks very similar to the bony skeleton of a herring. Unless you have some serious tiling skills however, you should leave this one for a professional to install.
Very pleasing to the eye is the basket weave. By using rectangular shaped tiles that are set so they are perpendicular to each other it creates the illusion that like the stitching of a basket they go over and under each other. This pattern is also commonly printed on mosaic tiles.
Best for larger areas, especially outdoors the Versailles tile pattern is one of the most famous. It is a layout that is actually made to trick you into thinking it is random. But, in fact it is very complicated and uses a variety of different size tiles to accomplish this.
The running bond actually is known by a few other names such as the brick pattern. That's because it is the most common layout used in brickwork as it enhances the strength. Normally using rectangular tiles each one starts at the half way mark of the one in the row before it making it very recognizable.
With so much to choose from, it's always smart to take it slow when deciding which one you'll use. Be sure to look at examples, preferably real ones as opposed to pictures if you can. But if not the internet is a fabulous resource full of photos. And if you're really stuck a professional will be able to give you their opinion based on extensive experience.
Many homeowners prefer something simple. If this is the case for you, the straight lay tile pattern might be just what you're looking for. The tiles are laid out so that they are in a straight line and even with both the ones on their left and right.
For a vintage feel, the checkerboard tile pattern is a time-honored favorite. It uses the straight lay layout, but with two contrasting color tiles to produce a checker of chessboard look. Usually this means black and white, but you could use other colors too.
The diagonal pattern is one that is used very often. Like the checkerboard it too, uses the straight lay but with a twist, the tiles are set so they are at a forty five degree angle facing you when you enter the room. By doing this your eye will see diamonds instead of the standard square. If your project is an area with limited space this layout can make a big impression.
A complex option is the herringbone. And like its name states, it looks very similar to the bony skeleton of a herring. Unless you have some serious tiling skills however, you should leave this one for a professional to install.
Very pleasing to the eye is the basket weave. By using rectangular shaped tiles that are set so they are perpendicular to each other it creates the illusion that like the stitching of a basket they go over and under each other. This pattern is also commonly printed on mosaic tiles.
Best for larger areas, especially outdoors the Versailles tile pattern is one of the most famous. It is a layout that is actually made to trick you into thinking it is random. But, in fact it is very complicated and uses a variety of different size tiles to accomplish this.
The running bond actually is known by a few other names such as the brick pattern. That's because it is the most common layout used in brickwork as it enhances the strength. Normally using rectangular tiles each one starts at the half way mark of the one in the row before it making it very recognizable.
With so much to choose from, it's always smart to take it slow when deciding which one you'll use. Be sure to look at examples, preferably real ones as opposed to pictures if you can. But if not the internet is a fabulous resource full of photos. And if you're really stuck a professional will be able to give you their opinion based on extensive experience.
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