When it comes to tile, the installation pattern you choose is almost as important as the tile itself. Tile installation patterns provide visual interest. If you can’t tell the difference between a herringbone and an h-pattern, read on. Inspired Remodels, the bathroom renovation company that knows tile, explains it all.

Classic H

What’s anathema for wood flooring is classic for subway tile. That’s the classic “h” pattern.  In the picture above, the dark grout contrasts with the white subway tile to accent this classic pattern.

Now, with wood flooring, that “H” pattern is a sign of a bad install job. For a wood floor, it puts the joints too close together to create a strong walking surface, but with wall tile it’s perfect.

The kids may drive you up the wall, but you’re never literally walking on the walls so strength isn’t a issue. This pattern is great for shower walls and tub surround walls.

It works well when you use contrasting tile and grout. But, it’s also a subtle look when you use complementary tile and grout.

To make sure you’ve got it correct. It’s important to lay the tile design out in advance.

Like with all wall tiles, you need to make constant use of a level to avoid that slightly off fun-house feeling you get from walls that aren’t exactly straight.

Herringbone Tile Pattern

Herringbone patterns are great for floors, walls, and backsplashes. On this floor, the grout used is slightly darker than the vein in the tile to show the herringbone pattern.

After all, why use a pattern if you can’t see it?

To create a herringbone, the tiles are laid at an angle to create a vee line. This vee line draws the eye outwards and can make a small space look larger. Especially when used with small tiles.

Don’t confuse a herringbone with a chevron. A chevron pattern miters the tile end, a herringbone pattern does not. If you like the look of a chevron but not the installation costs, the herringbone is the pattern for you.

Random Plank

The most popular wood plank install pattern is the random plank. This pattern places the wood planks in various lengths. You don’t generally put wood floors in a bathroom, but you do install wood look tile.

It only makes sense to use wood install patterns with wood look tiles.

The random plank is created by cutting the starter piece for each row a random length. For proper form, the joints should be about 8″ apart for a wood floor. But since this is just a wood look floor, you’ve got more flexibility.

Drops and Inserts

You can add visual interest to any pattern with drops and inserts. In the hopscotch pattern above, the corner was cut from various tiles and a small blue glass drop inserted.

Drops and inserts aren’t reserved for floors. You can use this pattern with walls, tub surrounds, and even export it to the kitchen for a backsplash.

Add just this small focal point and generate a high degree of detail.

The Orange County Bathroom Renovation Company

When it comes to bathroom tile, fixtures, and design turn to Inspired Remodels. They bring innovation to bathroom renovation.

Unique finishes, superior installation, and guaranteed satisfaction from a family-owned and operated company. Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us online to schedule a consultation.