Herringbone Pattern BS: use handmade tile or modular tile?
We are considering a vertical herringbone pattern for our backsplash. From Fireclay's site I found this inspiration picture.
Design Trends: 7 Ways to Use Herringbone in your Kitchen
5.) Vertical Herringbone Tile Layout
Tired of the traditional herringbone layout? Flip it! By laying your herringbone tile backsplash in a vertical arrangement you create an effortless contemporary aesthetic. Try the layout in a 2 x 6 or 2 x 8 size to elongate the pattern, making it feel even more contemporary. A vertical herringbone is the easiest way to add a fresh design element to your kitchen that doesn't feel overdone.
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I'd like to use this 2"x6" tile: https://www.fireclaytile.com/tile/colors/detail/white-wash/
This size tile is part of the Foundation Collection and is $15/sq. ft.
Grout lines:
https://www.fireclaytile.com/blog/full/tile-school-grout-lines-and-tile-patterns/
"Below is an installation of 2x6 tiles set in a herringbone pattern. If you look closely you can see that the grout line varies between roughly a 3/16 and 1/8 grout line to adjust to the tile size. The 3/16 grout line is by no means thick and leaves a perfect amount of room for the natural variation of the size of the tiles. This is also an example of a very clean, well done installation. When looking for a tile installer, be sure to ask if they have experience with installing handmade tile to ensure you're happy with the final result."
Questions:
- Is a hand cut tile the best choice for a contemporary design? It would require wider grout lines, however it would be white on white.
- Is going with Fireclay overkill for this look? Would a cheaper tile give the same effect? Additionally, would an installer have an easier time with a modular tile?
TIA
Comments (16)
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Herringbone floor pattern--varied color tile/ grout size?
Comments (3)Bill, I was hoping that you would respond! Thank you. But I am confused. I don't really have my heart set on any particular size tile. The only reason I am thinking about cutting the pieces smaller is because of the dramatic difference in the color of the tile (which is a limestone). I thought mixing up smaller pieces of tile would work better in making the stone color variation less dramatic. Is that true? So given that my tile can be anything (unless you think it should match my 3 x 6 shower tile), do you think a herringbone pattern works better with tight or wider grout? Also, the "seagrass" (that's what Walker Zanger calls it, although we got a less expensive version somewhere else--may be that's why we got such a mixed lot!), is a limestone, that came in a 12 x 12. Since it is a natural stone, it has very straight cut edges. When my tiler cut it in half (to make the 12 x 6 that I was originally planning to use) I could not tell the difference between the edge he cut and the factory edge. But I am a novice homebuilder. Am I missing something? BTW, the really sharp edges I thought would allow me to make the grout lines tighter. (I just don't know if that looks better for the herringbone pattern.) Thanks!...See MoreHerringbone backsplash?? center on wall or cut off bottom to sit flat
Comments (56)Here is Fireclay Luna Brick, both are the same tile sitting at two different counter locations. It feels "earthy" , it is not a perfect match, but it gives enough contrast for the white cabinets and is light enough to give the space brightness that I want. My concern is the variation between each brick. Fireclays web site's pictures are sometimes misleading. I attached Fireclay's image of Luna installed as a backsplash and it shows a lot of variation from one tile to the next and then the other photo they have looks more consistant in color, confusing. Plus their color looks totally different from my sample. Do you think it will be too busy for my space? That is a good idea to order several more samples of Luna. I do plan to do this myself. My bid came in at over 1,000 for a professional. I probably won't do a herringbone if I use this size of brick....See MoreSize of herringbone tile for kitchen backsplash?
Comments (10)This is for a new house. Yes 3 x 6 is nice but do you think it is too chunky? 2 x 6 better? Beveled or flat white tile? White grout or light beige or light grey grout? Our cabinets will be white, counters will be Silestone iconic white (bright white), stainless appliances. On a related issue, as an alternative, what about a basketweave/trellis/lattice tile? 3D would be nice to add texture. Anyone know about the arched white whisper herringbone/basketweave tile? Any photos of something like this would be nice. Thanks! T...See MoreHerringbone tile kitchen backsplash - bullnose or schluter trim?
Comments (46)ajracine, after I thought about your question, are you saying to take the 2"x4" inch (that is on a 45 degree with the herringbone) but run them in a straight pattern along the edge to line it? That would work. You might sacrifice a sheet to see how it will look to you. As long as you are okay with a 2" wide line of tile running vertical. Those would not need to be "polished off/bull nosed" like I was talking about. In my earlier reply, I was envisioning "rounding off" the cut edge of your mosiac. Sorry about that. I think I now understand. I think I would still go with a shluter edge or a thin pencil liner tile (if it blended well with your mosaic herringbone.) The reason I say that is the border you would created with the 2x4 tiles will pull your eye to the trim line/herringbone joint line, and take away from your pretty herringbone pattern. (or that is what my mind is seeing.)...See MoreCheryl Hewitt
7 years ago
barncatz
7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago
eam44
7 years agoWell, how much do you trust your GC? :-).
You can look for machine made tile that you like. Daltile subway tile "Rittenhouse" is sold at Home Depot and Lowes. Check out their colors if you like. It's hard to get excited about them when you've seen Fireclay tile, but when it comes to ease of installation, you could probably DIY this, so whoever your GC hires, you'll have no worries.
Fori
7 years ago
dan1888
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoCheryl Hewitt
7 years agosmm5525
7 years agoeam44
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoWhich blue granite did you choose, and what are the peripheral counters? The Foundations line is limited, but you might be able to choose something other than White Wash. I'd love to see an image of the granite and tile together. Have you actually ordered samples of the Fireclay tile? French Linen is a beautiful grey that can coordinate well with some blues.
Cheryl Hewitt
7 years agoThe granite on the islands is Blue Ray. It's a dyed granite. (They're giving us a huge deal on this.)
Perimeter granite is American Black.
Caramel stained cherry cabinets.
Our range hood is brushed stainless steel with antiqued copper bands and lip simular to the picture below, except our copper is a matte finish.
Cheryl Hewitt
7 years agoeam44
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoThey're both beautiful glazes, although I'm partial to Gardenia. There is a great benefit in waiting till your counters are installed before you choose bs tile. Seeing your tile samples in your space, in your light against your materials changes everything. You might decide White Wash is it for you, or you might love Moonshine.
I'm not trying to get you to spend more money, but have you considered the glazed thin brick? At $18/sf it's barely more expensive, and there are some seriously beautiful glazes here too.
You can use the herringbone layout with these tiles as well. Below are Cotton and Supernova.
Cheryl Hewitt
7 years agoeam44
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoCheryl Hewitt
7 years ago
Fori