There’s nothing better than a beautifully tiled floor. We mean it. Ozburn-Hessey has seen a lot of floors in our day, and few can compare to the elegance and intrigue of tile. Tile is incredibly versatile. It can be minimal and inconspicuous, or it can be the focal point of the entire room. It all depends on the coloring of the tile, the arrangement and the grouting.
The color or design of tile you choose is entirely up to you. You can choose a minimal aesthetic with classic subway or penny tile. Or you can go for a stunning effect, with intricately designed tile that evokes royalty and style. Of course, there are many other options. We’ll leave the tile choice to you. What we’re here to talk about is the pattern in which you choose to arrange the tile. There are probably more options than you realize. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Grid. Gridded tiles are “stacked” on top of each other, with no overlap, and unbroken lines running in either direction. This is the most minimal pattern you can choose, but it doesn’t mean it has to be boring. You can choose to hold the tiles in place with a contrast-colored grout, or you can even alternate colors between the tiles, as is often seen in black and white tile floors. Tiles come in endless variations, so you can get as crazy as you like. Whatever you choose, grid patterns will always be a simple solution that’s easy to install.
- Offset. This is the other most common tile pattern. Tiles are arranged with overlapping edges, just the way bricks are arranged in the walls of your house. This is another simple pattern to install. Because it is an enduring classic, this pattern will never look trendy or outdated, which is a good consideration for people who plan to one day sell a home (or have a home that doesn’t look badly dated in five years’ time!).
- Harlequin. Typically found with square tiles in two alternating colors, harlequin patterning arranges the tiles tip to tip, to create the pattern seen on the Joker’s costume on a common deck of playing cards. Alternately playful, elegant, or even sophisticated, this is another easy pattern to install, but only for the right environment.
- Herringbone. Herringbone is most often seen in clothes and prints. As a tile pattern it is a fascinating way to arrange subdued colors.
- Basketweave. Another classic pattern, for use with rectangular tiles. Consider using two colors, but this pattern also works well with just one.
- Windmill, Basketweave and Hopscotch. These are more intricate patterns, and there are many other options we don’t have room for here. Complex patterns will require an experienced hand, or a great deal of time, talent and patience. However, you’ll have a jaw-dropping effect if you can achieve patterns like these.
If you’ve ever tiled a floor or a wall, you know that it is not easy. It’s time-consuming, painstaking work. Once a mistake is made, it’s often very difficult to correct. Ozburn-Hessey can craft a perfect tile floor for you. As Nashville flooring contractors, we understand how tile can integrate with other flooring types in your home, like hardwood flooring. If you are at all interested in how a tile floor can add beauty and utility to your home, talk to Ozburn Hessey today!
