Home Renovation Blog

If you’re looking for a versatile and hard-wearing flooring option, then a set of good quality tiles are a great choice. Tiles can be used for many different applications such as wall coverings, stove splashes, fireplaces and more. It’s no surprise that many homeowners choose tiles because they come in a wide variety of colours, styles, and patterns. Regardless of your home décor, you can find a set of tiles that fit perfectly with your interior design.

That said, choosing the right tiles that complement your home’s aesthetics is key to a successful tiling project. This is where tile patterns come in. The pattern of the tile (as well as the layout itself) plays a huge role in how a certain space is felt and viewed. By knowing the different tile patterns out there, you can make your next tiling project a complete success.

Let’s take a look at the 10 most common tile patterns that every tiler should know about.

Getting started

If it’s your first time laying tiles, it can feel a bit overwhelming when dealing with the more complicated patterns. Just give yourself enough time to learn the basics first and over time, you’ll find the complex patterns achievable. A quick tip before purchasing tiles: make sure they all have the same batch numbers to ensure even consistency in both sizing and colour.

1. Straight pattern (or stack bond)

The simplest (and arguably the most popular) tile pattern is the straight pattern. The tiles are laid out in a straight line with the grout lines forming a grid once completed. A straight pattern is relatively easy to install and requires the least thought and preparation out of all the tile patterns. For beginner tilers, we recommend starting with a straight pattern before progressing to other tile variations.

2. Diagonal pattern

A diagonal tile pattern is quite similar to a straight pattern except the tiles are laid out on a 45-degree angle, thus turning the square tiles into diamonds in appearance. This pattern is commonly used by tiling contactors in bathroom and kitchen splashbacks as a border feature. Typically, diagonal patterns are utilised in small rooms to accentuate the space and make them look bigger.

3. Herringbone pattern

A herringbone pattern is an arrangement of rectangular tiles that are commonly used in pathways and outdoor spaces. The pattern is a fancied resemblance to a herring fish’s bones, hence the name. The “V” in the herringbone pattern acts like arrows that point to a specific direction which explains why it’s used for footpaths more often.

4. Basketweave pattern

Much like the herringbone pattern, the basketweave pattern also uses rectangular tiles. Only this time, the tiles are laid next to each other to form a square. The term basketweave refers to the way the tiles seemingly disappear under other tiles that they meet perpendicularly before reappearing on the other side — just like how woven baskets appear.

5. Windmill pattern

The windmill pattern is an aesthetically pleasing tile layout that arranges four rectangular tiles around a square tile in the centre. This creates a “windmill” effect that immediately stands out at first glance. A windmill pattern is best utilised as an accent border on a wall or a shower as using it on a larger floor can make the space seem too busy.

6. Pinwheel pattern

The pinwheel pattern is a variation of the windmill pattern wherein a small square tile is surrounded by much larger square tiles. This creates a spinning pinwheel effect which can be accentuated even further by using tiles in contrasting colours. Like with a windmill pattern, the pinwheel layout can look a bit busy on large spaces so make sure to utilise it on smaller spaces like kitchen and bathroom floors.

7. Stretcher bond

A stretcher bond pattern utilises square/rectangular tiles and is laid in a fashion similar to bricks in a wall. The end of each tile is lined up with the centre of the tiles that are above and below it to create a staggered look that’s clean and consistent.

8. Cobblestone

The cobblestone tile pattern is a variation of the herringbone pattern wherein rectangular tiles are arranged herringbone-style. The difference is that the cobblestone pattern uses smaller square tiles around the edges and is then repeated to create a cobblestone look. Such patterns work perfectly on homes with traditional styling as it resembles more of a classic appeal.

9. English bond

An English bond tile pattern makes use of alternating rows of square and rectangular tiles. The square tiles are centred around the rectangles and the ends of the tiles line up between rows. You’ll often see an English bond pattern on bathroom walls or on classical architectures since it carries that same traditional appeal as a cobblestone tile pattern.

10. English cross bond

A variation of the English bond where the rectangular tiles in the alternating rows are laid out in a staggered pattern. This type of tile pattern is rarely used except for when designing old-school architectures and wall pieces.

There are plenty of other tile patterns out there for you to explore and these are just 10 of the most commonly used patterns today. Make sure to select the right pattern that suits your specific applications to accentuate the space that you plan on using the tiles for.

Plenty of homeowners steer clear from diagonal tile layouts for many reasons. One is that they fear it might look out of place in a bathroom floor and secondly, the DIY enthusiasts worry that cutting small diagonal tiles might prove difficult to execute. But the truth is that a diagonal tile layout works great for bathroom floors and anyone with enough experience can cut the tiles cleanly and accurately.

If you’re wondering whether or not a diagonal tile layout is good for your bathroom, then this article is for you. Here are a couple of benefits to using a diagonal tile layout that makes it an ideal choice for bathrooms and other small areas in your home.

Why use a diagonal tile layout
A diagonal bathroom tiling layout gives a unique look to your bathroom floor. Compared to a square tile layout, this style of tile pattern can actually make your bathroom appear roomier thanks to the orientation of the tiles. While it’s true that a diagonal tile layout requires a bit more effort to install, it does make the extra labour feel that much more rewarding. Some of the advantages of using a diagonal tile layout include:

• It opens up a small room – Squares and parallel shapes feel limited and constricting. Just think about a prison cell where the tiles are laid out in a straight pattern. The last thing you want is to make an already small room feel even tighter, which can affect your bathroom’s comfortability factor. This is where diagonal tiles come in. Because of their V-shape, diagonal tiles create an opening effect, much like how a harlequin-style tile pattern makes a room feel more spacious.
  
  
• It conceals out-of-square walls – With a straight tile layout, an out-of-square room will look even more prominent due to the appearance of the trimmed tiles along with the ways. But this isn’t the case with a diagonal tile layout. They make room imperfections less noticeable to the naked eye, thus enhancing the aesthetics of your bathroom or any other small room.

Layout and installation

One knock against diagonal tile layouts is the need to cut tiles for all four corners. In reality, many square patterns also need tile trimming to fit on all four corners of the wall, so the tile cutting process isn’t actually that much different from one another. While it’s true that most wet saws and manual tile cutters are more suited for parallel cuts, you can use a variety of tile templates that will add diagonal cutting marks along with the tiles. From there, you simply follow along the marked lines when cutting and you should have no problems with making clean cuts.

Another concern with diagonal tile patterns is that they’re much more difficult to layout than square patterns. But this couldn’t be further from the truth as you can pretty much install a diagonal tile layout by simply snapping diagonal lines across the bathroom floor. 

Lastly, there’s a common misconception that it’s somehow harder to outline a diagonal pattern on the floor than it is to lay out a square pattern. In reality, however, a diagonal design starts by simply breaking diagonal design lines across the flooring from each pair of opposite edges. At the crossway of the lines in the facility of the space, you’ll begin by installing full-size tiles, using the lines as an overview. As you progress towards the wall surfaces, you’ll be mounting full-size ceramic tiles until you reach the surface and from there, you can start trimming floor tiles along the diagonal to fit against the wall surfaces. Besides the cutting, a diagonal pattern is not much harder to implement than a square pattern.

Using a wet saw is a good idea

Although you can cut ceramic tiles diagonally with a score-and-snap tile cutting, it will be much easier when you use a motorised wet saw. This works well if you’re setting up natural rock tiles, or porcelain tiles, which are harder than a typical ceramic floor tile. When working with hard surfaces, a wet saw is ideally the only option you should go for to achieve a clean cut. You can find plenty of wet saws available for around $100 and they make an excellent financial investment if you do periodic tile work. You can also choose to lease wet saws rental electrical outlets as well as big-box residence enhancement facilities if you don’t want to purchase one.

As soon as you learn the strategy for laying out diagonal ceramic tile and cutting, you may also want to apply the technique for other projects such as wall installations, showers, or cooking area backsplashes. At the end of the day, a diagonal tile will give your bathroom a distinct look and enhance the visual space of it altogether. Give it a try and you’ll be surprised as to how easy diagonal tile installation can be.

Taking on your very first tiling project? You may be surprised by the vast array of tiles available. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most popular one around while cement and metal tiles are less common. Different tiles suit different applications which makes it crucial that you understand each tile’s unique characteristics. To simplify your buying process, we’ve rounded up 10 types of tiles that are commonly used by tiling companies in remodelling projects today. Read on to find out which tiles best fit your intended applications.

1. Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles are very popular and for good reason. They’re affordable, they’re versatile, and they look good in almost any flooring you choose to install it in. Ceramic tiles are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and even entryways because of how durable they are. Add in the fact they’re easy to clean and it’s no surprise why many homeowners favour ceramic tiles over any other varieties. Ceramic tiles come in glazed and unglazed options, with the latter giving off a rustic finish while the former is coated with enamel for a longer-lasting finish.

2. Porcelain tile

The appeal with porcelain tiles that they can emulate a wide variety of materials like wood, stone, and brick. This, in turn, gives your home an elegant finish but without the added maintenance or upkeep. Porcelain is viewed as an all-purpose tile and comes in a wide range of styles and colour options. The only downside to porcelain tiles is that the installation process can be time-consuming and requires expert knowledge to install correctly.

3. Glass tile

Glass tiles are known for their stain-resistant characteristics which makes them suitable for kitchen applications. This type of tile also maintains a clean and simple look that homeowners may find attractive. If you’re looking for an alternative to natural stone, then glass tiles are a good choice. But since glass tiles can be slippery, use them only in low-traffic areas like tabletops, desks, and backsplashes.

4. Cement tile

Cement tiles have been around since the 19th century and are currently experiencing a resurgence in terms of interior design. Cement tiles provide you with stunning colours and designs for that truly distinctive look. But since they’re porous, they require more maintenance than your conventional tiles. For those reasons, cement tiles are best used in small quantities since they can also develop a patina over time.

5. Marble tile

Nothing exudes luxuriousness more than a marble tile. It adds a touch of elegance to any modern home by providing a mix of texture and depth for that sophisticated look. While marble tiles are on the upper echelon of tiles, they are prone to scuffs and scratches which equates to higher maintenance costs. You’ll often see marble tiles in countertops and decorative features because they’re very expensive and using them in large quantities is highly impractical.

6. Mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles have that artistic flair that many tile varieties simply don’t have. This makes them perfect for accent pieces that you want to highlight like walls and outdoor decor. But depending on the style you choose, mosaic tiles can look outdated fast so we recommend going for a timeless design that matches the design elements of your home.

7. Granite tiles

Natural stones like granite resemble marble quite well due to their inherent flecks. It’s a cheaper alternative to marble and is best used on secondary spaces such as laundry rooms and storage areas where cost and performance are your main concerns. Granite tiles are moisture-resistant, making them perfect for pool surrounds and the like.

8. Limestone tiles

Limestone tiles have been growing in popularity over the years and it’s because of its aesthetics and performance. Just like granite tiles, limestone tiles are a natural stone tile that creates a rustic-themed look which looks great on outdoor spaces like patios and verandas. Keep in mind that limestone is a porous material and will require resealing every few years to keep it in great shape.

9. Quarry tiles

Quarry tiles are made from earth materials like clay and feldspar. These materials have been processed similarly to bricks, albeit at a much stronger manufacturing process for durability and longevity. Although tough as nails, quarry tiles are prone to staining. We recommend using quarry tiles on footpaths and high-traffic areas since they’re very slip-resistant and won’t wear out easily over the long-term.

10. Metal tiles

Metal tiles aren’t that common in remodelling projects, but they do have their fair share of advantages. They offer superior durability compared to most other tile varieties and are guaranteed to last decades if properly cared for. However, metal tiles are notorious for getting scuffs and scratches which means its applications are fairly limited. For areas like kitchen bars and utility rooms, metal tiles are a worthy consideration.

There are plenty of other tile varieties available on the market, but these ones are the most commonly used tiles for remodelling and interior design. Before purchasing tiles, make sure to conduct thorough research to see if the tiles fit your needs in terms of value, aesthetics, and performance. 

When choosing a tile for your flooring, there are plenty of factors to consider before hiring your tiling contractor. Things such as the shape, size, colour, and texture can affect the performance of the tile and how it feels underfoot. Tile texture is often an overlooked component when selecting tiles and this can make a huge difference in their overall look and feel. If you’re in the market for a brand new set of tiles, you want to make sure the tiles fit your specific requirements. These tips will let you know whether you should pick up rough tiles or smooth tiles.

Traction
Textured tiles provide better foot traction whether you’re barefoot or wearing slippers. This helps eliminate any potential slip hazards and make it a much safer choice for home floors. The more textured the tile, the grippier it’ll feel. Textured tiles are great for areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, and poolside where the tiles usually get soaked with water or grease.

Cleaning
What smooth tiles lack traction, they more than make up for it in terms of cleaning. Smooth tiles are very easy to clean and because they have a flat surface, dust, dirt, and debris won’t have anything to cling onto. Cleaning smooth tiles is as simple as running a vacuum over the surface and following up with a wet mop afterwards. Most porcelain or ceramic tiles are great at handling spills and you won’t have to worry about them getting stained over time.

Texture tiles, on the other hand, are much more difficult to keep clean. The little nooks and crannies on the tile’s surface can trap dirt, dust and other tiny particles which can accumulate over time. Rough tiles are generally made of stone and since these are porous in nature, they tend to absorb spills and stains. Porous tiles usually require a sealant to protect the surface from blemishes and discolouration

Design and aesthetics
In terms of design and aesthetics, both smooth and rough tiles have their own unique look. Smooth tiles tend to look more sophisticated compared to rough tiles, especially the glazed ones which give them a luxurious appeal. They come in a multitude of designs and some colour options make smooth tiles pop even more.

Rough tiles exude an antiquated aesthetic that some owners may find appealing. When paired with a vintage design choice, rough tiles look even better as they compliment an old-school appeal quite well. But that’s not to say that rough tiles are for the old-fashioned. There are numerous designs on rough tiles that are made to look contemporary and up-to-date.

You can utilize both smooth and rough tiles on different parts of your home. If you want a more upscale look on your shower or bathtub, then use smooth tiles. If you want a more laid-back appeal on your fireplace or entryway, then use rough tiles to match. It all comes down to your own personal taste and how you want your tiles to match your interior decor.

Temperature
Almost all tiles get cold during the winter months, whether it be a smooth tile or a rough tile. If you live in an area with a polar climate, we suggest installing in-floor heat to keep your tiles warm underfoot. If you don’t want to deal with underfloor heating, then you should opt for natural stone tiles. This type of tile absorbs heat fairly quickly and is able to retain that heat for longer periods as opposed to porcelain or ceramic tiles. All you need is a fireplace or wood burner and the tiles will feel warm and cozy.

Which tile should you choose
Both smooth and rough tiles have their own pros and cons and choosing between the two will mostly depend on your needs and preferences. Most homeowners use a combination of both tiles to mix things up and add a bit of variety to their home floors. For example, you can use a smooth tile on the living room to make the area look more elegant and use a rough tile for the bathroom for safety purposes. Before you purchase a set of tiles, make sure to consider its intended applications to ensure optimal performance.

Planning on shopping around Perth for high-quality ceramic tiles? Before you do, you have to make sure the tiles fit your intended applications. Ceramic tiles are a popular flooring option in many Australian households due to their elegance and robustness. But not all ceramic tiles are created equal. Ceramic tiles vary in hardness, durability, slip-resistance, and shade variation, making it crucial that you understand how these qualities affect their overall performance.

Thankfully, there is a floor tile rating system that classifies ceramic tiles according to these qualities to help consumers like you make an informed purchase. Here’s how you can determine the quality of ceramic floor tiles by looking at the floor tile rating system.

Tile slip ratings
Ceramic tiles are often prized for their hardness and durability. But one of the main concerns against tiles is their slipperiness. Some tiles are smoother than others, which can contribute to slips and falls. This is where tile slip ratings come in. As the name suggests, tile slip ratings determine how slippery a tile is by conducting a series of tests. This lets consumers know which tile is suited for areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, poolside, etc.

The first test is a wet pendulum test where a foot-shaped object with a rubber outsole is swung over a wet tile, thus mimicking the movement of a heel strike. This gives the tiles a P-rating. Here is how the ratings go.

Wet Pendulum Test (P-rating)

Pendulum Classification	Skid Resistance Value	Slip risk
P0	12 and below	Very high
P1	12-24	Very high
P2	25-34	High
P3	35-44	Moderate
P4	45-54	Low
P5	54+	Very low

The second test is called an oil-wet ramp test where the tiles are laid out on an incline and the testers walk on the tiles to determine what angle they become unsafe. The angle is then used to give the tile an R-rating which is highlighted by the table chart below.

Oil-wet ramp test (R-rating)

Slip resistance	Corrected Mean Acceptance Angle (degrees)	Slip risk
R9	6 -10	Very high
R10	10-19	High
R11	19-27	Moderate
R12	27-35	Low
R13	35+	Very low

Finally, the barefoot wet ramp test. This test is quite similar to the previous one, except the testers walk barefoot on an inclined tile surface sprayed with water. This gives the tile an A, B, or C-rating.

Barefoot wet ramp test (A, B, and C-rating)

Slip resistance	Corrected Mean Acceptance Angle (degrees)	Slip risk
A	12-28	High
B	18-24	Moderate
C	24+	Low

Tile wear ratings (PEI rating)
The next rating is tile wear ratings. Basically, this test determines how hard-wearing the tiles are from scratches and marks. Both glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles are subject to surface abrasion caused by moving objects, foot traffic, and other forms of friction. Here is how the rating goes.

Rating	Wear	Application
PE-1	Light duty	Bedrooms and bathrooms with soft footwear and bare feet.
PE-2	Regular duty	Bedrooms and bathrooms with normal footwear.
PE-3	Medium duty	Dining room, living room, kitchen, hallways, and entrances.
PE-4	Heavy duty	Public buildings, residential establishments, and retail spaces.
PE-5	Extra heavy duty	Commercial areas with plenty of foot traffic like hotel lobbies and airport concourses.

Shade variation (V-rating)
Thanks to digital tile printing technology, ceramic tiles have evolved from just plain, white tiles to intricately designed tiles that come in multitudes of colours. Some ceramic tiles emulate surfaces like stone, timber, and bricks for that truly distinct look. This is called a unique variation in the tile industry. The intricacy of the tile is also rated to give consumers an idea on the level of variation the tiles have.

Rating	Appearance	Look
V0	Very uniform appearance	Tiles look uniform and use a monochromatic colour with zero variations.
V1	Uniform appearance	Tiles have minimal differences between each piece from the same batch (production run).
V2	Slight variation	Tiles are clearly distinguishable from one another by texture/pattern while using similar colour tones.
V3	Moderate variation	Each tile has its own unique design, but the colour tones may slightly differ from one another/
V4	Substantial variation	Random colours and designs from each tile. This makes for a very unique look that creates an artful and colourful flooring.

It’s no surprise that ceramic tiles have found their way on many Australian properties and establishments. It combines both beauty and functionality into one package, thus giving you an elegant yet durable flooring option. But before you purchase ceramic tiles, make sure you understand the floor tile rating system to determine which tile best fits your specific requirements. It will also help you when contacting a professional tiling service. A high-quality tile will last you decades and this guide will help you determine the right floor tile to use.