More than a pretty tile...

You're about to embark on that much anticipated renovation and you know exactly which tiles you'd like to use (watching The Block and skimming Pinterest has sealed the deal for you) and then your tiler asks - how would you like these laid? Brick Bond, Vertical Stack, Offset, (what on earth?) You thought the hard part was done right? And then they're gonna ask - which direction do you want them, what size junctions and what grout to use?

Need a hand? Here's a little explanatory guide. Popular tile laying patterns.

Lets take a look at some of the most commonly used methods;

Horizontal Stack: The most commonly used tile lay method, grid like in formation. Works well for large format rectified tiles where you don't want the grout lines to be a feature. Depending on the shape of the tile, we recommend running these lengthways across a room to elongate and minimise the need for cutting.

Brick Bond (Horizontal Bond): The tiles are laid in a traditional brickwork like pattern. Great for creating an industrial look or classic look. Often associated with subway tiles. This can be run horizontally or vertically.

Vertical Stack: Increasingly popular, your tiles can be stacked vertically which helps to draw the eye up and create a sense of height. Here are 2 examples, the first using finger or kit kat tiles, the second using a subway tile.

Herringbone Pattern: Often used in traditional and classic homes, the lovely Herringbone pattern brings a timeless elegance to a space. Some mosaic tiles will come in sheets already laid in a Herringbone pattern. Herringbone pattern can be run horizontally or vertically or in 45 degree pattern creating more of a Chevron look. You can also double the tiles up to create a Double Herringbone pattern.

Offset Lay: Your tiles can also be laid with a quarter or 3/4 offset. Works well with larger tile sizes.

French Lay: A lovely traditional way of laying tiles - often used with natural products such as Travertine - great around gardens and pool areas to create an "old world" feeling.

Grout: Your choice of grout colour is going to depend upon whether you're trying to emphasize the lines and pattern created or pair it back. It also depends on the size of junctions between the tiles. A matching grout colour will make the grout lines less obvious. And conversely, a contrasting grout will make them pop. Here's some examples where we used contrasting grout.