I am in the process of remodeling the main/guest bathroom in my home. I am doing most of the work myself and will be laying tile for the first time. I have been reading books in addition to the very helpful information on GW, but I'm uncertain how best to do the vertical layout of the bath/shower combination wall.

The back shower/tub wall is 73.25" wide by 76.5" high. The tiles are Daltile Navelli 12x12 glazed porcelain field tiles (in Carrera Star). I will be doing 1/8" grout joints.

Daltile Navelli

My options seem to be one of the following.

1. 5 Full + 2 8.25" Cut (one on top and one on the bottom)

2. 6 Full + 1 4.5" Cut on the Top Row

3. 6 Full + 1 4.5" Cut on the Bottom Row

(These are approximations. I will be doing a dry-layout prior to actual tiling.)

To be perfectly clear, I am tiling cement backerboard (with a water-proofing membrane behind the backerboard). This is a combination shower/bath with a Hydro Systems The Lacey drop-in 66x32 bath tub. I will be using a latex-modified thinset for an adhesive.

I would appreciate advice from the amazing tile experts and DIY'ers on GW. Thank you very much in advance.