When decorating or remodeling a living space, picking the right tile and layout plays a significant role in creating an aesthetically pleasing space and drastically changing the way a room looks. Apart from picking the most suitable tile pattern and layout designs, appropriate measurements and neat placement is needed for well-polished home decor. Skewed cutting, rushed work, and clumsy placement of tiles can make the remodeling end in disaster. For this, it is crucial to pick the correct tile tools “rel”.
Use the Right Tools
Before you start your home improvement project, make sure you have the following tile tools:
- Tile cutting saw for trimming tiles to fit the space
- T-shaped and wedge tile spacers to ensure the installation is even
- Square trowel
- Tile leveling tool
- Ledger board
- Grouting and tile removal tools
Having the right selection of tools ensures you can cut tiles to size, install them quickly and evenly, and give your room a professional finish.
Before Installing Your Tiles
There are several crucial considerations before you can start laying tiles. First, when selecting the tile for your space, check the batch number to ensure there are no variations in color or shape. You should also check the box of tiles for damage such as chips or cracks. Always buy approximately 25% more tiles than you need, in case you accidentally break a tile during installation. If the store won’t let you return the excess, there are several excellent ways you can repurpose the tiles.
Select Your Layout
Depending on the style you want to achieve, numerous layouts can highlight the pattern on the tile or showcase the structural elements in the room.
1. Grid or Stacked
This is a neat layout where the tiles are installed in a straight line, one above another. This layout automatically makes a living area look clean and modern if done using rectangular tiles. If you want a more traditional look, you can use small square tiles. You can create a statement piece by using smaller contrasting tiles as chic accents.
2. Stacked Vertical
In this layout, the tiles are stacked vertically as opposed to the previous style. Typically done with long, rectangular tiles, this layout can create an illusion of long walls. This makes the area look taller and creates the effect of a larger space.
3. Herringbone
This pattern is created by placing rectangular tiles at a 45° angle, creating a V-shape. It’s a classic and striking way of installing rectangular tiles of any size. Typically used in bathrooms or as backsplashes in the kitchen, herringbone layout adds visual appeal to typically mundane subway tiles. Depending on the placement, herringbone layout requires different color coordination to attain its maximum glamor. If other utilities are light in a kitchen space, a darker shade of tile works the best. But, in a bathroom, a light shade is preferable to create a sense of space.
4. Chevron
Similar to the herringbone pattern, this layout features rectangular tiles placed against each other at an angle. However, the ends are shorter in this layout, and they are positioned to form a 45° angle where they meet. In this layout, if the tiles are not pre-styled for the pattern, they must be measured and proportionately cut at the end.
5. Offset/Staggered Brick
Another traditional way of installing subway tiles is using an offset or staggered brick layout. In this layout, one row of tiles is installed in a straight line parallel to each other. The next row of tiles starts at the middle of the previous row. Each row of tile is in the center of the tile above and below. Because of the layout pattern, this style is also known as the running bond. This tile layout pattern can be easily spotted in many professional spaces emulating classical style for an industrial touch. Tiles featuring a handmade or brick look work the best with this layout.
6. ⅓ Offset
This layout pattern is similar to the standard offset layout, except the tiles are ⅓ offset from the tile above or the tile below. This creates a diagonal effect in the tile layout, and it is more common to use this layout for floors than walls. You can choose to use up to three different colors of tiles for this pattern.
7. Diamond or Diagonal
In this layout, square tiles are laid at a 45° angle. Usually used on floors, it creates an illusion of a wider floor area. It is a great, modern alternative to the grid-stacked pattern and can also be used on kitchen backsplashes if you opt for smaller tiles.
8. Hopscotch or Pinwheel
This layout mimics a pinwheel using one small square tile surrounded by four large tiles installed at an offset angle. Typically, the two tiles are in contrasting colors to create the illusion of the pinwheel. This layout is usually used on floors, and it offers the opportunity to use accent color tiles.
9. Basket Weave
Basket weave layout is achieved using standard rectangular tiles. Two ties are installed vertically; then, another two tiles are installed horizontally. You can also create a more elaborate look by using elongated rectangle tiles and using a 3×3 pattern.
10. Versailles
Primarily used on floors, this pattern uses a mix of square and rectangular tiles of different sizes. The tiles are placed next to each other, creating a puzzle-like look and pattern. To modernize the pattern, it is often used in monochromatic spaces. The blend of mixed tiles draws subtle attention to the floor.
11. Random
This layout works perfectly for creative minds. You have the freedom to install the tiles however you want and experiment with however many colors you desire. It works perfectly for unconventional spaces. You can create a colorful pattern on the wall using multicolored tiles or make a dramatic statement using high-contrast tiles like black and white.
Design a Space You Love
Choosing a tile layout can dramatically change the look of your room. After you have selected the right pattern for your space, make sure you map out the layout on paper to determine where cuts need to be made and how wide the grout lines need to be.
