Offset Floor Tile

This is a twist on the basic offset pattern where each tile s edge is only offset by one third of the width of the tile above or below.

Offset floor tile.

Traditionally used by masons as an easy and strong pattern for building walls offset works with both rectangular and square tiles. If you re using field tiles on your wall but want to add some interest try laying them out in an offset pattern. I just don t know how to do this where to start or where to cut etc. Offset tile is also known as brick pattern or running bond.

The offset brick pattern has several potential effects. Take any size square or rectangle tile lay them in rows and shift each row to create an offset pattern. A 50 50 offset the most common brick running bond pattern creates a strong traditional look. This unexpected layout adds interest to a single colored tile installation.

If you do 1 2 offset it often goes against manufacturer s recommendations because of bowing of large format tiles and resulting lippage. The manufacturer of the tile recommends a 15 30 offset pattern on laying out the tile. Each tile in this pattern offsets the tile below it by one third of its length creating a staggered diagonal effect. The tilesetter needs to be willing to take a lot of care and juggle tiles around and reject some in order to reduce the lippage problem.

Each line of tile is offset by the width of half a tile. Offsets and grout joints are particularly critical when you are installing larger tile sizes and rectangular tile such as a wood plank tile where the length is much greater than the width. Brick bonding field tiles is simple. A varied offset 40 60 30 70 etc creates a softer more natural look.

This layout is often used with one two or three color designs. Wood look and other plank tiles are frequently installed using this layout. The tiles are offset by half the width of the tile and can be teamed with mouldings and skirtings for more detail.