Tips for Laying Tile in Herringbone Patterns

Installing a herringbone patterned tile floor can seem intimidating at first. However, with the right prep work, tools, and techniques, it's no harder to lay than other patterns. The angled arrangement adds visual interest and sophistication to any space. We'll walk you through how to properly lay tile in a timeless herringbone design.

Herringbone refers to the unique arrangement of rectangular tiles that resemble the bones of a fish. Unlike basic grid or brick layouts, the tiles overlap at angled joints to form an arrow-like effect. When properly installed, the precision symmetry and contrast makes a bold statement.

Plan and Calculate Your Tile Layout

Planning is crucial for executing the intricate herringbone pattern across your floors or walls. Before setting tile, determine the total square footage you need to cover based on room size and layout. This allows you to order the precise tile quantities needed. Having extra tiles on hand is also smart for filling in cracks or replacing damaged pieces down the road.

Choose Your Tile Type and Dimensions

Herringbone patterns work best with longer, skinnier rectangular subway tiles between 3x6 inches and 4x12 inches. Their shape enables both consistency and variety within the staggered rows. Consider finishes like marble, travertine and ceramic. Textured tiles add beautiful contrast and prevent the pattern from feeling too perfect.

Glass, stone and porcelain tiles can also create dazzling herringbone designs. Just ensure your material choice is appropriate for floors, walls or both. For high traffic areas like kitchens, select durable porcelain that withstands wear and tear. Softer textured tiles are better suited to lower impact bathroom zones.

Decide On the Tile Layout and Angles

Traditional herringbone arrangements involve tiles overlapping at 45 or 90 degree angles in consistent rows. You can customize the look by shifting every other row to 60 or 30 degrees. Experiment with layout patterns and angle options that best suit your personal taste and space.

Measure the floor area or wall space to find the central vertical and horizontal axis lines. These guide markings indicate where tile rows should start, ensuring the left and right sides mirror evenly. The smallest area that must fill is the width of one tile, so use this to plot dots along the guide lines. Connect dots on opposite sides to map each row position before installing any tile.

Prep and Level the Installation Surface

Preparing the floor or wall subsurface is paramount before setting even one tile. Any dips, bumps or uneven areas become clearly visible in a herringbone pattern. Using a long spirit level, identify imperfections needing smoothing with floor leveler products.

On wall installations, ensure moisture and leak issues are fully resolved first. Apply waterproof backing membranes to surfaces around showers or sinks for added protection.

Screed Floors for a Smooth Finish

If tiling onto concrete floors, self-leveling cement screeds help flatten minor variances. For plywood or OSB subfloors, construct a water-resistant tile backer board layer on top. This stabilizes the floor for preventing cracks between tiles.

Herringbone patterns require a perfectly level subsurface. So taking time to address trouble spots prevents problems appearing once tile are set. Ensure flooring or walls meet standards before mixing any thinset mortar adhesives.

How to Lay the Herringbone Tile Pattern

Once planning and subsurface prep are complete, the fun part begins - laying the actual tiles. Work methodically from a center point outward using tile spacers to maintain symmetry. Here's a step-by-step process to follow:

Step 1: Find the Central Starting Line

The central horizontal line mapped earlier that splits the floor or wall in half indicates your kick-off point. Mix adhesive mortar following manufacturer guidelines, then spread evenly along a two tile width section of the center line. This gives the first pieces stability to adhere from.

Step 2: Set the First Herringbone Tiles

Position the corner of one tile precisely on the axis. Use a level to ensure it sits perfectly straight in all directions before pressing firmly. Place the next tile at the desired angle against it, using spacers to guide consistent grout joint gaps.

Work outwards row by row, laying two tiles left, then two tiles right. Keep angles consistent and make gradual adjustments if rows start to drift. For walls, start at the bottom and overlap upwards to prevent slippage.

Step 3: Lay Rows Using Tile Spacers

Continue setting tiles in staggered rows, moving outwards from the center in all directions. Wedge spacers placed strategically in joints help align the intricate arrangement. T-shaped cross spacers also maintain even grout line spaces across each tile surface.

For stability when floor tiling, kneel on a finished section while working on surrounding areas. Don't walk on freshly laid tiles until adhesive mortar cures fully to prevent movement.

Step 4: Cut Edge and Border Tiles

The last row abutting a wall or perimeter typically requires custom cuts for an integrated finish. Place final row tiles atop the previous set row to mark cut lines needing removal. Angle edge cuts should reflect the staggered herringbone layout when possible. Allow space for added wall trim pieces or baseboard molding.

Grout Application and Finishing

Once all tiles solidly affix to the subsurface, properly grouting herringbone joints pulls the pattern together. Grout fills the spaces between each piece, creating clean symmetrical lines.

Apply Grout Between Tile Joints

Use non-sanded caulk in joints 1/8 inch and smaller, and sanded floor grout for larger gaps. Prepared grout mixes offer flexibility in colors from bright white to earthy grey. Spread grout across the surface forcing into crevices with a rubber trowel.

Apply at a 45 degree angle following the direction of tile rows for optimal filling in herringbone joints. Let the grout set slightly before wiping away residue with a damp sponge.

Seal and Protect Flooring

Once grout in tile joints cures fully, seal the entire surface to limit staining or moisture damage in high impact areas. For walls, use a penetrating sealant formulated for porous stone or grout. Choose top coats with maximum stain resistance and durability for flooring.

Allow tile sealants to cure completely before regular foot traffic resumes. Avoid swiveling furniture or heavy impacts that could crack grout joints. Place area carpets in entryways to capture dirt and debris quickly.

With careful planning, precise execution and proper care, herringbone tile installations are a stylish statement. Their timeless staggered arrow patterns create textural visual symmetry that instantly classes up any space. Just take the decorative arrangement one step at a time for gorgeous results sure to impress.