skip to main content

Herringbone Pattern for Shower Tiles

3 years ago

Hi :)

I’m thinking of using the herringbone pattern with a 2x8 subway tile for one of my tub shower walls. My contractor advised against using any kind of small tile for the shower as over time it can cause issues (more grout lines, easier for the tiles to come loose due to water exposure after several years?). Is this true at all? He’s willing to do it still but gave me that advice that bigger tiles are better for the shower.

Thanks in advance!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

User
3 years ago
What is your contractor’s setting procedure that he had tiles coming off the wall? Ever? It’s no more issue with small than large. IF he knows what he is doing. Which is in question.

How well do you screen him to find him? https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer
millworkman
3 years ago
"My contractor advised against using any kind of small tile for the shower as over time it can cause issues (more grout lines, easier for the tiles to come loose due to water exposure after several years?)"

Very scary statement by him and raises many red flags. I would be very hesitant to go forward using him for anything tile related.
Related Discussions
White subway shower tiles in a herringbone pattern?
Q
Comments (6)
That one of Bill's, is of course gorgeous. Bill- don't you remember though the one that was similar in tile design, and the person made these really awesome cuts around the chair, great close up pics... I know you were giving them some advise, especially on the floor and even commented on the tile cuts... they didn't have end caps for the chair, so they bevel cut them, ended the chair on BOTH sides of the glass, really precise cuts around the ogee... anyway... I am sad all the photos are gone from all those lost links. Anyway...
...See More
pics of herringbone tile pattern - bill v, johnmari, others?
Q
Comments (3)
FWIW, I love the herringbone pattern. Short grout lines, elegant, simple yet always interesting. Try going to google, switch to 'images' [in the upper right corner], and searching for 'herringbone tile': you'll get hundreds of pictures.
...See More
Herringbone Pattern BS: use handmade tile or modular tile?
Q
Comments (16)
They'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.
...See More
Help with floor tile for herringbone pattern in master bath
Q
Comments (17)
I think a lot of people use larger tiles (e.g., 12 x 24) cut down for herringbone. That said, I'm going for the same effect, and I found this one: https://www.flooranddecor.com/porcelain-tile/dimarmi-bianco-stone-look-porcelain-tile-100434638.html I didn't want real marble because this will be the laundry/mudroom that the dog will run through when she comes in the doggie door. I made an attempt to lay it out herringbone-style on the floor of the store to see how it would look: Here is my inspiration, but this is real marble: Good luck!
...See More
chispa
3 years ago
Using your contractors logic, wouldn't it be more dangerous to use the bigger tiles if they are going to fall off at some point! He just wants to lay a few big pieces instead of lots of smaller pieces in a herringbone pattern! He probably isn't good enough to keep a herringbone pattern level throughout the whole installation ...

Buyer beware!

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Bang for Your Buck: Herringbone Tile Floors

By Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

Make an Ordinary Tile Extraordinary for Extra Pizzazz Underfoot

BATHROOM OF THE WEEK White Paint and Patterned Tile Freshen Up a 5-by-11-Foot Bathroom

By Jeannie Matteucci

A designer uses a light palette and hardworking cabinetry to update a couple’s 1970s hallway bathroom

BEFORE AND AFTERS Room of the Day: Tile Patterns Mix It Up in a Master Bath

By Jeannie Matteucci

Contemporary and classic elements mix in a boldly detailed San Francisco bathroom makeover

SHOWERS Shower Design: 13 Tricks With Tile and Other Materials

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Playing with stripes, angles, tones and more can add drama to your shower enclosure

TILE Celebrate the Rectangle With This Very Contemporary Tile Pattern

By Becky Clarke

There are so many ways to work with stack bond tile. Here's how to keep the look super sleek — and how to change it up

BATHROOM DESIGN Designer Trick: Take Your Shower Tile to the Ceiling

By Jennifer Bishop Design

Tile the whole wall in your shower to give your bath a light and lofty feel

DECORATING GUIDES A Dozen Ways to Work In Patterned Tile

By Laura Gaskill

Use colorful and eclectic tile motifs to add interest to flooring, walls and fireplaces

REMODELING GUIDES Top 10 Tips for Choosing Shower Tile

By By Any Design Ltd.

Slip resistance, curves and even the mineral content of your water all affect which tile is best for your shower

PATTERN Fit to be Tiled: Get Some Pattern on the Floor for Excitement Underfoot

Get all the visual delight of a rug with more durability by treating your floors to a pattern done up in tile

TILE New Tile Trends Play With Pattern and Geometry

By Becky Harris

See tile designs from brazen stripes and plaids to delicate florals, as manufacturers around the world show their latest

Sponsored

Davidson Builders

1 Review

Franklin County's Full-Scale General Contractor

More Discussions

Any photos of Daltile Valor Gold Quartz

2

Bathroom countertop material

4

Powder Room design

1

Master Bath Remodel

4

Shower curtain rod height

4