Tile Layout & Grout Colour — Make the Right Call

Pattern, joint width, offsets, edges, and grout tone change how a room feels. Use this guide to pick with confidence, then start your estimate.

Choose Your Pattern

Each pattern creates a different feeling and has specific installation considerations. Select a pattern below to see details and guidance.

Pattern Preview
tile layout patterns

Stacked

Modern, crisp lines that show levelness

Installation Notes
Great with profiles at edges. Creates clean, contemporary look with emphasis on tile quality.
Best For:
Pattern Preview
Diagram of subway tiles in a 50% running bond with light grey grout on a neutral board.

Running Bond

Classic offset pattern

Installation Notes
Hides slight variations in tile size. Consider offset percentage for best visual balance.
Best For:
Pattern Preview
Diagram of tiles in a herringbone layout with light grey grout on a neutral board.

Herringbone

Energetic, dynamic pattern
Installation Notes
Plan symmetry and edge terminations carefully. Adds movement and visual interest to any space.
Best For:
Pattern Preview
tile layout patterns

Grid (LFT)

Calm, architectural feel
Installation Notes
Demands flatness and precise coverage. Perfect for large format tiles in modern spaces.
Best For:
Pattern Preview
tile layout patterns

Mosaic

Texture and visual grip

Installation Notes

Blends seams with sheet staggering. Excellent for adding texture and slip resistance.

Best For:

Joint Width Matters

Joint width affects both look and installation tolerance. We’ll recommend the right width based on your tile size, calibre, and aesthetic goals.

Visual Impact
tile layout patterns
tile layout patterns
tile layout patterns
Key Considerations

Tighter joints = Cleaner lines

Require truer tile and flatter substrate

Wider joints = More forgiving

Can add character or match rustic styles

Living room with large-format 36×36 porcelain tiles laid in a precise grid with tight 1/16-inch grout joints.
1/16" - 1/8"
Tightest joints
Requirements
Requires precise tile sizing and flat substrate
Best For
Consider
1/8" - 1/4"
Standard residential
Requirements
Balanced tolerance and appearance
Best For
Consider
1/4" - 3/8"
Wider joints
Requirements
More forgiving of variations
Best For
Consider

Need help choosing the right joint width for your project?

Offset Rules for Rectangles

To reduce lippage on larger rectangles, a 1/3 offset often looks better than 1/2. For very long tiles, minimal offset with straight lines can be the calmest look.

Offset Comparison
50% Offset (Traditional)
tile layout patterns
33% Offset (Recommended for Large)
tile layout patterns
Minimal Offset (Contemporary)
tile layout patterns
Why Offset Matters

Lippage Control: Smaller offsets reduce the appearance of height differences between tiles

Visual Flow: Different offsets create different movement patterns across the surface

Tile Size: Larger tiles benefit from smaller offset percentages

Bathroom showing 50 percent, 33 percent, and stacked tile offsets with 2 mm grout joints

Large format tiles with 50% offset — notice the reduced visual impact of joint lines

50% (Half)

Traditional brick pattern
Equal offset creates classic look

Best For
Considerations
33% (Third)

Reduced lippage pattern
Less noticeable joint alignmen

Best For
Considerations
Minimal (Running)
Straight-line minimal offset Clean, linear appearance
Best For
Considerations

Offset Recommendations by Tile Size

Small to Medium

Up to 12″ long

Classic brick pattern works well

Large Format

12″ to 24″ long
Reduces lippage appearance

Extra Large

24″+ long planks
Clean, contemporary lines

Grout Tone Strategy

Grout colour dramatically changes how your tile looks. Choose blend for seamless flow, mid-tone for balance, or contrast to make your pattern pop.

Preview:
tile layout patterns
Grout blends with tile colour
Colour Swatches:

Light Blend

Warm Blend

Grey Blend

Blend (Tone-on-Tone)

Quieter, more seamless; joints recede
Visual Effect:
Creates unified surface appearance
Best For:
Examples:
Preview:
tile layout patterns
Grout blends with tile colour
Colour Swatches:

Light Grey

Medium Grey

Warm Taupe

Mid-Tone

Balanced definition without high contrast
Visual Effect:
Subtle pattern definition
Best For:
Examples:
Preview:
tile layout patterns
Grout blends with tile colour
Colour Swatches:

Charcoal

Dark Grey

Pure White

Contrast

Graphic, highlights pattern; great for subway or mosaics
Visual Effect:
Emphasizes tile pattern and joints
Best For:
Examples:
White subway tile with light grey blend grout and tight 2 mm joints in a modern bathroom

Blend Example

White subway with light grey grout — quiet, seamless

Stacked porcelain wall tiles with mid-tone grey grout creating subtle pattern definition

Mid-Tone Example

White subway with light grey grout — quiet, seamless
Herringbone porcelain floor with charcoal grout emphasizing the pattern

Contrast Example

White herringbone with dark grout — pattern forward

Professional Tips

Test First

Always test grout colour on a sample area or spare tiles

Consider Maintenance

Lighter grout shows dirt more; darker grout hides wear better

Room Size Matters

Contrast can make small spaces feel busier; blend opens them up

Pattern Emphasis

Contrast highlights pattern; blend emphasizes tile itself

Edge Finishing Options

How you finish tile edges affects both appearance and durability. The right edge treatment creates clean transitions and protects your investment.

Offset Comparison

50% Offset (Traditional)
tile layout patterns
33% Offset (Recommended for Large)
tile layout patterns
Minimal Offset (Contemporary)
tile layout patterns
Closeup comparisons of a stainless profile, a tile return, and a colour-matched silicone joint.
Profiles
Slim, protective, clean termination at exposed ends
Applications
Benefits
Material Options
Returns/Caps

Where tile turns a corner or meets paint

Applications
Benefits
Material Options
Silicone Lines
Colour-matched at changes of plane to keep corners tidy
Applications
Benefits
Material Options

When to Use Each Option

Choose Profiles When:

Use Silicone When:

Choose Returns When:

Professional Tip

The best installations often combine multiple edge treatments. Profiles for exposed edges, returns for inside corners, and silicone for movement joints create the most durable and attractive result.

Real Project Examples

See how different patterns, grout tones, and finishing details work together in actual installations. Each combination creates a unique look and feel.

Stacked + Blend Grout
Large format tiles with tone-on-tone grout create a calm, seamless look
Application:
Modern bathroom
Specifications:
Running Bond + Mid-Tone
Classic subway tiles with balanced grout definition
Application:
Kitchen backsplash
Specifications:
Herringbone + Contrast
Dynamic pattern with contrasting grout emphasizes the design
Application:
Entryway floor
Specifications:
LFT Grid + Tight Joints

Large format grid creates an architectural, seamless feel

Application:
Living room
Specifications:

Mosaic + Blend

Small mosaic tiles with blended grout for even texture

Application:
Shower floor

Specifications:

Backsplash Feature

Full-height backsplash with professional edge finishing

Application:
Kitchen Feature

Specifications:

Popular Combinations

Contemporary Minimalist
Large Format Stacked

Clean, seamless appearance

+ Blend Grout

Grid (LFT)

Architectural, minimal

+ Tight Joints

Classic Traditional
Subway Running Bond

Timeless, versatile

+ Mid-Tone Grout

Herringbone

Statement, character

+ Contrast Grout
Ready for your Transformation?

Send us photos of your space and dimensions of each area — we’ll help you get started ASAP

Quick Reference Guide

Common questions about choosing patterns, grout colours, joint widths, and edge finishing for your tile project.

PatternBest GroutJoint WidthEdge Finish
Stacked GridBlend/Mid-tone1/16" - 1/8"Profiles
Running BondMid-tone1/8" - 1/4"Bullnose/Returns
HerringboneContrast1/8" - 1/4"Profiles
Large FormatBlend1/16" - 1/8"Profiles
MosaicBlend/Mid-tone1/8"Silicone

Layout & Grout FAQs

Common questions about choosing patterns, grout colours, joint widths, and edge finishing for your tile project.

Blend grout (tone-on-tone) creates a calm, seamless look where joints recede. Contrast grout emphasizes the pattern and adds visual energy. Consider your room size, lighting, and overall design aesthetic.
For large format tiles (12″+), stacked grid or running bond with 1/3 offset work best. These patterns minimize lippage appearance and showcase the tile’s scale effectively.
Joint width depends on tile type and look desired. Rectified tiles can use 1/16″-1/8″ joints for modern appearance. Standard ceramic needs 1/8″-1/4″ for tolerance. Handmade tiles work with 1/4″-3/8″ joints.
Profiles provide clean, professional edge finishing and protect exposed tile edges. We recommend them for backsplash ends, shower niches, and step edges. Returns work well for inside corners.
Absolutely. Send us room photos and inspiration images—we’ll recommend patterns, joint widths, grout tones, and edge treatments that work best for your space and tile choice.
Small tiles (under 6″) work well with any pattern. Medium tiles suit running bond or herringbone. Large format tiles (12″+) look best stacked or with minimal offset to reduce lippage.

Ready to lock your layout?

Use this guide to make informed decisions about pattern, grout tone, and edge finishing.
Then get a detailed estimate for your project.

Still deciding? Send us photos and inspirations for personalized recommendations.

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