When choosing tile, layout is just as important as colour, size, and type. Different tile patterns and layouts can change the look and feel of your room.

1. Straight

Sometimes referred to as grid, this is a the classic tile layout. It works well with any size tile and keeps your space looking simple. Looking to spice up this simple layout? Try using a rectangular tile to create a modern, on trend look.

Images from Daltile

2. Diamond

When tiles are installed in a diamond pattern, they are set at a 45 degree angle. Laying tiles in this pattern creates the illusion of a larger space.

Image from Daltile

View PDF plan for the Diamond layout

3. Brick/Offset/Running Bond

Known by many names, this layout can be used with any size rectangular or square tile. The tiles can be offset by different amount. Try 50/50 offset with square tiles for a traditional brick look. A 30/70 offset with a rectangular tile creates a softer, more contemporary look.

Olympia Tile – Colour and Dimension Series

View PDF plan for brick layout with rectangle tiles

Image from Houzz – Rachel Reider Interiors

View PDF plan for brick layout with square tiles

An offset tile layout with a tile that looks like wood creates a faux-wood floor with the durability of tile.

Image from Daltile

4. Checkerboard

Use different colour square tiles to create a checkerboard pattern. This pattern can be laid straight or diagonal. Using black and white creates a classic vintage feel.

Image from Daltile

5. Windmill

Choose two tiles, a rectangle and a square that is half the size of the rectangle (ie 6×12 and 6×6). Place the rectangles tiles around the square to create a windmill effect. To create this look with smaller tiles, premade mosaics like the one below are a great option to speed up the installation process.

Image from Daltile

View PDF plan for the Windmill layout 

6. Hopscotch

Similar to the windmill, this layout uses a large square tile and a square tile 2 times smaller (ie 12×12 and 6×6). Using two similar coloured tiles like in the photo below, creates a look similar to Modular Versailles but takes less time to install.

Image from Houzz – Sroka Design

View PDF plan for the Hopscotch layout

7. Herringbone

Any size rectangle tile can be used for this pattern. Herringbone floors add interest to your room and work well in both traditional or contemporary design. Use a herringbone mosaic for a backsplash or try it on your floors.

Image from This Old House

View PDF plan for the Herringbone layout

8. Modular Versailles

Whether you’re looking for something traditional or timeless, this unique layout is sure to draw attention to your tile floors. Since it requires several different shaped tiles, it’s best to use a series that was designed for the modular versailles pattern.

Image from Daltile

View PDF plan for the Modular Versailles layout

Looking for even more tile layout inspiration? Check out our Pinterest board for tile patterns

Grout lines can have a huge effect on the way the tile floor installation looks. There are no hard right or wrong answers for what size grout lines should be. However, there are some guidelines for the appropriate size grout joint for technical and aesthetic reasons. For example, when using tiles with imperfect edges larger grout lines should be used.

Recommended size grout lines
Natural stone: 1/16″ or 1/8″
Rectified (sharp) edge tile: 1/16 or 1/8″
Regular tile: 3/16″, 1/4″, up to 3/8″ or 1/2″
Saltillo or Mexican tile: 3/4″ or 1″

The size of grout line dictates the type of grout your installer (or if you’re DIY’ing it, you) will use. If your grout lines are 1/8″ or wider, use a sanded grout. As the name suggests, this grout has a fine sand added to it that prevent the grout from excessive shrinking while curing. Unsanded grout is only recommended for lines smaller 1/8″ wide.