skip to main content

Help needed on tile layout - with pictures

11 years ago

I'm using plank travertine tile for my bathroom floor. All the pieces are 6" wide, and there are three 36" pieces and two 18" pieces in each bundle.

How should we lay these out on the floor? Totally random? Or in some sort of pattern?

Here's the (wrong) tile -- it's supposed to be veined and they are switching it out. But they are the same size pieces. This is what they look like on the floor of my bedroom while I try to figure out the layout.

These are some pictures I found online, but the layout is hard to discern.

Traditional Bathroom design by Houston Interior Designer Carla Aston : Interior Designer

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

TileTech
11 years ago
Lay an area out "dry" in a random fashion so that you get an "overlap" of a minimum of 1/3 and a maximum of 1/2 stagger of the tiles. You do this for (1) asthetics and (2) to avoid/minimize lippage. Often this type of tile has issues with "cupping" ....a slight bowing of the product, and you want to minimize that.

It's also critical that your floor be quite flat. Try for no deviation of more than 1/8" over ten feet, and, if not on slab, that your floor meets a maximum of L360 deflection.
enduring
11 years ago
Actually the deflection for stone is recommended to be L / 720. I got that info off of John Bridge's forum, using the Deflectolator. I have done a lot of planning for deflection limits with my bathroom remodel. I will be installing slate.
Related Discussions
Tile layout help needed ...
Q
Comments (4)
My suggestion, unless it gives you some really screwed up cuts in the kitchen would be to center the tile on both hallways, and whatever happens in the angled area, happens. As for cutting the odd angles, it's just as easy as cutting in square laid tiles. Before you start, lay 3 tiles in an "L", with the exact grout joint you intend to use. Now take a measurement, starting with 1" on the point of the bottom right corner of the piece at the top of the "L", down to the bottom right corner of the piece at the "leg" of the "L". Subtract that inch, and there's your diagonal coursing measurement (you start on an inch, because you want an exact measurement, and the end of the tape won't be exact enough) Now that you have your coursing measurement, add 1/8" to it, and that's your cutting measurement. Now, in order to measure the cut, you want to place it exactly where the first full tile in back of the cut will be. Once the tile is in place, mark your coursing measurement on one side, and then the other, and cut. It'll fit exactly, no matter what the angle. Matter of fact, I think you've just inspired me to add another "how to" pictorial series to my website. :-) I'll see about taking the pictures tomorrow or wednesday. :-)
...See More
Tile layout help needed (Cross-post from kitchens)
Q
Comments (5)
Center the first tile in the middle of the stove and work right to left off that one. Due to grout you end up with sliver? I think all you can do is adjust the grout a bit to avoid the slivers. As for the end. I like the second picture where you continue the shorter up to the back wall and paint the area behing under the cabinet. I know that the small tiles on the ends of the wall may bug you now but after install you will not notice them. No one will. I installed my tiles in front of fireplace incorrectly, not centered. This cause tile on right to extend 2" farther than the left side. Not one person, even on close inspection, has noticed this. I also installed a slate floor tile wrong at base of stairs. Was staggering pattern like you but for some reason installed the slivers that ended up hitting stairs side by side. Not one person has noticed. But they are all fun reminders to me when I really, really think about it.
...See More
Need help with layout of tile .........Pics
Q
Comments (9)
Wow, that is beautiful Bill. That is where I got the idea from is pictures I'd seen online and I liked it. Ok I have another choice to go with. We're having tile put in through out the living room, great room and hall ways. The living room is sunken so to let people know they need to step up or down, I'm looking at a mosaic to show there is a step. There is the landing coming in the front door stepping down into the room then there are three entry's going to the kitchen, great room and hall stepping up. Here is what I liked and brought home to show DH and to see how I like it. We are also tearing out the tile in the kitchen replacing it with the same tile going in the other rooms. Kitchen tile is ceramic and the new tile will be porcelain. If I use this mosaic tile on the floor will it look good going around the wall at eye level at the stove?
...See More
Need help with tile layout on tub surround to avoid narrow tile cuts.
Q
Comments (5)
I think if you center you end up with two 10, two 5.5 and the 2 inch bullnose which will look kind of odd with each tile roughly half the width of the one next to it from the center out. Or you end up with a sliver. Have you considered tiling horizontally with the 13 across rather than the 10? I've completely rejected tile because it came in sizes I did not think laid out well on the wall I was working with
...See More
enduring
11 years ago
Actually the deflection for stone is recommended to be L / 720. I got that info off of John Bridge's forum, using the Deflectolator. I have done a lot of planning for deflection limits with my bathroom remodel. I will be installing slate.
TileTech
11 years ago
Good "Catch." I missed the Travertine part. Thought we were talking ceramic. You are correct, L720 us appropriate for natural stone. Their Deflectolator will give you the proper values if you plug in the essentials. Generally, you need TWO layers of plywood with a face grade of "C" or higher. I would use one 3/4 and one 3/8" sheet. Do NOT glue them together. Put them in perpendicular to the joists and stagger the two layers. Make an effort to NOT drive the screws of the second layer into the joists.

Once this is done, you'll need to install either Schluter's "Ditra" as per their installation recommendations, available from the Schluter.com site OR a layer of 1/4" Durock (or equivelant) over the plywood. If you go this route, you need to mix up any cheap thinset, use a 1/4" trowel and "Bed" this to the plywood. "Walk it down" and screw it in at once. You NOW have a proper, isolated bed upon which to tile. Use a good, modified thinset for the tiles.....
ShellKing
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for all the help.. I should have given you more info -- this isn't a DIY project A tile professional will be doing the installation. I'm just looking for design and layout ideas. Should they be random? Should they be more uniform? I haven't been able to find many examples of plank tile in pictures.

For example, this is would be one way to do it: http://freckleschick.blogspot.com/2012/03/plank-bathroom-floor-tiles.html

But my planks are coming in two sizes.
terezosa / terriks
11 years ago
I would definitely post your question on the John Bridge forum. You will get more answers from the pros there.
terezosa / terriks
11 years ago
I forgot to mention, that I prefer the random look to the uniform look in that linked picture.
bill_vincent
11 years ago
Steven, Steven, Steven. I'm glad I'm not the ONLY one who makes oopses!! LOL

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Design Dilemma: My Kitchen Needs Help!

By KitchenLab Interiors

See how you can update a kitchen with new countertops, light fixtures, paint and hardware

HOUSEKEEPING When You Need Real Housekeeping Help

By Becky Harris

Which is scarier, Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' show or that area behind the toilet? If the toilet wins, you'll need these tips

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips

ARCHITECTURE House-Hunting Help: If You Could Pick Your Home Style ...

By Laura Gaskill

Love an open layout? Steer clear of Victorians. Hate stairs? Sidle up to a ranch. Whatever home you're looking for, this guide can help

WORKING WITH PROS Working With Pros: When You Just Need a Little Design Guidance

By Judith Taylor Designs

Save money with a design consultation for the big picture or specific details

WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT Who Needs 3D Design? 5 Reasons You Do

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Whether you're remodeling or building new, 3D renderings can help you save money and get exactly what you want on your home project

MOST POPULAR 7 Ways to Design Your Kitchen to Help You Lose Weight

By Mitchell Parker

In his new book, Slim by Design, eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink shows us how to get our kitchens working better

SELLING YOUR HOUSE Help for Selling Your Home Faster — and Maybe for More

By Laura Gaskill

Prep your home properly before you put it on the market. Learn what tasks are worth the money and the best pros for the jobs

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 5 Savvy Fixes to Help Your Home Sell

By Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist

Get the maximum return on your spruce-up dollars by putting your money in the areas buyers care most about

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Modern Loft Gets a Little Help From Some Friends

By Mitchell Parker

With DIY spirit and a talented network of designers and craftsmen, a family transforms their loft to prepare for a new arrival

Sponsored

More Discussions

Any photos of Daltile Valor Gold Quartz

4

Bathroom countertop material

4

black faucets in bathroom

2

Bathroom exhaust vent placement

3

Massive pipe sticking out of house!

2