rectangle tile - pattern?

i keep seeing not to lay rectangle tiles in the subway pattern, instead to offset by 30%. anyone know why?

Re: rectangle tile - pattern?

Edited- in rereading your question, I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "offset by 30%"- can you post a pic of what you mean

Message edited 3/2/2015 6:37:13 AM.

Re: rectangle tile - pattern?

You mean a herringbone pattern ?

rectangle tile - pattern?

We have the wood look tile in our kitchen and that is how they laid it. (30% offset) They said it mimics real wood planks. Wood planks aren't placed in a subway pattern. It looks good.

Re: rectangle tile - pattern?

1/3 offset, is lining up the end of one tile about 1/3 of the way in to the one below it, instead of lining it up with the middle of the one below it , which is 1/2 offset& the traditional subway tile look.

Style wise, I really don't think there is really a wrong or right, but it depends on use. I think 1/2 is more common on the wall & 1/3 is more common on the floor, especially with larger tiles.

Also, it seems that with larger tiles, if you do 1/2, they may not lay flat if the floor underneath isn't completely flat.


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