Two tiles can be made of the same material and look completely different in a room, simply because of their size and the way they are laid out. If you are searching for 12x12 tile, wondering about herringbone, or just trying to decide between small and large, this guide will help you plan before you shop.
Small tile (mosaics and tiles under about 6 inches) has many grout lines. It bends around curves and slopes, which makes it the right choice for shower floors, and the grout adds grip. It also gives a room a detailed, textured look.
Mid-size tile, including 12x12 squares and 3x6 subway, is the workhorse of tile design. It is easy to handle, easy to install and works in almost any room. A 12x12 tile suits small bathrooms, entryways, laundry rooms and kitchens, and it has a classic, timeless look.
Large tile, like 12x24 and 24x24, has fewer grout lines and a clean, modern look. It tends to make a room feel larger and is easier to keep clean. It does need a flat floor, because large tile shows any unevenness underneath.
Plank tile, such as wood-look porcelain, comes in long, narrow formats that give you the warmth of wood with the durability of tile.
The overage numbers are general guidelines. Your installer will give you a firmer number once they see the space and the layout.
Herringbone is made of rectangular tiles set at angles in a zigzag. It works on floors, backsplashes and shower walls, and it brings energy to any space. A small rectangle, like a 2x8 or a 3x12, gives a delicate look, while a larger rectangle looks more graphic.
Because herringbone involves many angled cuts, it takes more time to install and uses more material. That is not a reason to avoid it. It is a reason to hire an experienced setter and to budget a little more.
Long tiles can warp slightly in production. Setting them with too large an offset can make the corners of neighboring tiles sit at different heights. Many manufacturers recommend an offset of no more than about one-third for long planks. Ask your installer to follow the manufacturer's guidance for your tile.
Grout width affects the whole look. Rectified tile, which has precisely cut edges, can be set with very thin joints for a seamless surface. Standard tile needs slightly wider joints. Grout color matters too. Matching it to the tile makes the surface look calm and continuous, while a contrasting color highlights the pattern.
Visit our showroom to see sizes and layouts side by side, and our team can help you work out how much tile to order. Find us at our Lake Geneva location, 201 Geneva National Avenue South, or call (262) 348-1600.
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