10 Tile Patterns
There are seemingly an endless number of layout patterns for tile. Some patterns are predetermined by the shape of the tile, like arrow tile, hexagons, and penny tile. But with 4 sided tiles like squares or rectangles there are many different patterns to choose from. In this article I’m going to highlight 10 tile patterns that utilize only one size of tile.
Horizontal Running Bond
Horizontal Stacked bond is sometimes referred to as “Brick pattern”, “50/50 layout”, or “half bond”. In my experience this pattern is the most common with builders and homeowners alike. This is because it is a timeless pattern that can be used with all different tile sizes, but it’s most common with rectangle tiles.
2. Vertical Running Bond
This pattern is less popular than horizontal, but the premise is the exact same. I actually have not installed this pattern yet in my career but it has started to become more in style because it is viewed as “modern”. This pattern (when using larger tile such as 12”x24”) can help to make an area look taller.
3.Horizontal Stacked Bond
Horizontal stacked bond has become more popular in recent years. This pattern is just setting tile horizontally and stacking each tile on top of each other.
4. Vertical Stacked Bond
Once again, Vertical Stacked bond is the same premise but turned vertical. This pattern also gives the illusion of a room or wall being taller. This is a more modern approach to the stacked patterns.
5. 1/3 Running bond
This pattern is common with longer “plank” tiles such as 6x36” or even 8x48”. This pattern is usually recommended by tile manufacturers to help reduce the amount of lippage that might occur.
6. Diagonal
Diagonal patterns can be made utilizing any of the five patterns listed before this. All that is needed is to turn the layout at a 45 degree angle. I have not laid a pattern like this yet in my career but it can and does add visual pleasure to the space.
7. Herringbone
Herringbone patterns are one of, if not, the hardest pattern to install. This is amplified if setting on shower walls where you have to wrap the pattern. The most common place I see herringbone is in a shower where it’s used as an accent wall with a herringbone pattern to help spice up the space. Any use of herringbone gives any space a classy and sophisticated look.
8. Double Herringbone
Double herringbone is the same as regular herringbone but instead of alternating one tile stacked on top of each other you add two tiles every angle. This is just a small change to the popular style and it adds a sleek look. This small change is one that I don’t often see though, and since my start in the industry I have only helped install one shower with this pattern.
9. Block Herringbone
Block herringbone is taking regular herringbone layout and turning it 45 degrees so the pattern is horizontal and vertical instead of at an angle. I have not done any showers with pattern at this point in my career.
10. Random
This pattern is exactly what it sounds like. It is most often seen with plank tiles that have a wood grain pattern. This pattern is used to try to mimic the look of real wood flooring where joints are put randomly throughout the floor. I am a big fan of this pattern because it does gives the illusion of a wood floor (when done right) while having additional strength and scratch resistance.
