Home renovation is an interesting task. It sounds good to renovate your home according to the latest trend. Herringbone tiles are overwhelming the renovation trend for homes. The charismatic view of herringbone tiles fascinates homeowners and designers. People like to make the installation of herringbone tiling projects a significant part of the home renovation. The real mess is laying herringbone tile accurately and neatly and avoiding the uneven patterns and wasted materials. So, the herringbone tiles share a fantastic view if you install them correctly.Â
Here is a detailed guide about how to lay the herringbone tile perfectly. You will have easy-to-understand and easy-to-follow tips about laying herringbone tiles. The guide will make you comprehend all the steps from the beginning to the end of the installation. A comprehensive explanation of all steps will make your task easy if you intend to install herringbone tiles as a DIY project.Â
The guide will help you learn how to install herringbone tiles flawlessly whether you are a homeowner, doing a DIY renovation, or new to the field of installing tiles. Let us begin the journey to the perfection in laying herringbone tiles:
Tools and Materials Needed
Here are the tools and materials that you would need to start and complete the tile installation process accurately:
ToolsÂ
Angle Grinder
It is used to cut tiles according to the required size.Â
Dust Mask
Dust mask helps you avoid dust particles during cutting and installing tiles.
Ear Muffs
Earmuffs make you safe from the unpleasant noise during the cutting of the tiles.
Markers
Markers make it easier to indicate the installation places. You can mark lines on the tiles to cut them.Â
Safety Glasses
Glasses work as shields for your eyes from dust particles on tiles.
Spirit Level
Spirit level helps you put the tiles in a harmonized line.
Square
Square makes it easier to assess the right angles for laying the tiles.
Tape Measure
Measuring tape helps assess the sizes of the area, tiles, and fixtures in the installation place.
Tile Cutter
A tile cutter is necessary to cut tiles flawlessly. It prevents tiles from chipping and breaking.
Tile Trowel
Tile trowel helps you in applying mortar and grout before laying the tile in its intended place.
Sponge
You can use it for cleaning the excessive amount of mortar and grout from the tiles.
Water
Water is used for making the mixture of grouts. Water is also used for cleaning tools from time to time during the installation process.
Materials
Spacers
Tile spacers help in devising a harmonized gap between the tiles.Â
Tiles
You will need tiles that you would like to install.Â
Tile Mastic
Tile mastic ensures a strong bond between the tiles and the floor or the wall. You can choose a good quality tile mastic to strengthen the adhesive ability of grout and mortar.Â
Preparing the Surface
The surface should be cleaned thoroughly before starting the installation. The spirit level to maintain a balanced level is recommended.Â
A good standard filler is good to repair all uneven blemishes on the surface. The filler needs to be completely dried before proceeding further.
The primer is necessary to add a good adhesion level.
You should use precise measurements to ensure neat and harmonized lines to draw the herringbone pattern. A speed square can help you best in this regard. You can have a mock-up tile installation without applying mortar to mark the accurate places for laying tiles.Â
How to Determine and Mark the Starting Point?
The starting point is significant to make the installation look symmetrical. In the case of a herringbone pattern on a floor, you need to start from the middle of the space and go outwardly. However, in the case of walls, you need to start laying tiles from the bottom, as if you start from the center point of the wall, and gravity will make tiles slip down. You can use a ledger board to install tiles on the wall if you want to start laying tiles from the center of the wall.
Ensure that the corners of the floor and the wall are at a 90-degree angle. If corners are not at a 90-degree angle, then you may cut tiles differently on each side.Â
Dry Tiles First
A dry tile first is the process that refers to drawing a mock-up view of the herringbone pattern without applying mortar or grout. You need to lay dry tiles on the intended surface according to the marked lines. Then you will know how to adjust this point. If you find any flaw in the lines, you can mark lines again to devise a harmonized layout. It is significant for devising a perfect herringbone pattern. You will know in advance where you are going to lay a tile and how many tiles will contribute to delineating a neat herringbone design. The process of drying the tiles first helps in creating a precise and perfect herringbone pattern and avoid problems such as uneven subflooring or irregular tile sizes.
First, lay tiles in the herringbone pattern on the ground. You can use cardboard that is exactly the size of your wall. You can use a spirit level to assess and mark the midpoint from the wall onto half of the cardboard. Then, start installing tile from 45 degrees to have perfect aligning angles for the herringbone pattern.Â
Lay the First Tile
Be careful in laying the first tile. The first tile provides a perfect base for the whole design. If you lay the first tile precisely, you will be able to finish the pattern successfully. A combination square without ruler or drawing a line with a trim square can help you in getting a perfect 45-degree angle on the reference line. Follow the below given picture to set the right angle of the first tile.Â
Lay the Next Tile
Take spacers to put an equal gap between the tiles. Place the spacer and lay down the next tile. The next tile should be laid down at an angle of 90 degrees to the first tile. The further installation of the tiles will follow the same process as laying the first and the second tiles. Ensure using spacers for a harmonized gap between all tiles. Just continue this process, then you will reach a point where you need to trim tiles.
Continue to Lay the Rest of Tiles
Spacers are necessary for devising harmonized and equal lines between all tiles. Place the leveling clip after laying down the tile. You need to adjust angles during the installation to ensure that the tile edge does not make messy and rough appearances. You can continue the tile installation taking care of all tile corners until you reach the top of the tiles at a 45-degree angle. It would be good to start from the center if the wall is not perfectly squared. You can also use chalk to draw and adjust marks to have a neatly lined installation. It would be in your favor to review periodically to solve any flaws.
Cutting Techniques
It is important to follow the perfect cutting techniques for precise tile cutting. Here is the step-by-step guide about the tile cutting:
You need to take measurements precisely before starting to cut pieces of tiles. It would be good to check the measurements twice to avoid further mess of the cutting edges with the faulty measurement. You can use a measurement tape or ruler to attain the exact sizes. Start by measuring the space, then measure the tile. Measure the space between tiles. Keep in mind the fillers need ample space.Â
A good-quality tile cutter is recommended. The tile cutter is important in completing the cutting task precisely. A good quality tile cutter provides clean and straight cuts that avoid the chipping and breaking of the tiles.
You can use a marker or pencil to mark the tiles for cutting. Mark the tiles clearly with neat lines for accurate cutting. The herringbone pattern needs the tile cutting at 45 degrees. It would be good if you use an angle ruler or protractor to draw angles.
The herringbone pattern needs an angle of 45 degrees for tile cutting. You can adjust the setting of your tile cutter accordingly.Â
Add some support to the tile before cutting. The support will ensure that the tile will not move during the cutting process. You can use the tools that are specifically designed to hold the tile during cutting.
It is necessary to use the even pressure while cutting a tile. A manual tile cutter must be used carefully, as the uneven pressure can cause chipping or breaking of the tile.
Grouting and Finishing Touches
Grout should complement the beautiful look of the herringbone pattern. You need to care about some points while opting for grout for the herringbone tile pattern. Grout color has a significant visual impact on your interior design. You can select a grout color that looks harmonized with the entire color scheme. Grout is available in many varieties, like cement-based, epoxy-based, and premixed grout. Cement-based grout is affordable and durable. Epoxy-based grout costs more than cement-based grout. However, they share the utmost durability and stain resistance and are moisture-resistant. Premixed grout is easy to use. You can select between sanded or unsanded grout according to the type of tiles.
First, apply grout precisely. Fill all gaps between tiles thoroughly. Clean the excessive grout with a damp cloth. Once you are done with grout, give it ample time for drying according to the instructions of manufacturers. Once you ensure that the grout is dried properly, you can apply a sealer. A sealer is necessary to protect grout from grease and moisture.
The herringbone tile pattern is versatile enough to make your kitchen, bathrooms, and rooms splendid. Here are amazing images of herringbone tile patterns for your home interior:
Herringbone Tile Looks Amazing on the Bathroom Floor
White tile floor is arranged in a wonderful herringbone pattern. The exuberant shower backsplash shares refreshing and glossy blue hues. The sleek tub looks sophisticated. The rustic accent offers a majestic ambiance. The trendy chandelier pours energetic lights. The shower glass door adds a smooth texture. The view of nature looks lovely from the white windows.
Mosaic Herringbone Tile Adds Elegance to the Shower Wall
The shower backsplash looks gorgeous with gray glass tiles. White grout neatly exposes the beautiful herringbone pattern. White tiles on the shower wall share a smooth view. The white shower floor adds a sleek layout. The silver hardware adds a glossy glaze. The trendy pendant offers an energetic ambiance with yellow lights.
Bathroom Herringbone Tile Creates Beautiful Backsplash
A sleek white basin shares a contemporary interior style. The beautiful backsplash tiles are arranged in a stunning herringbone pattern. Bathroom accessories devise a harmonized view with the entire white bathroom interior. The rustic faucet adds a majestic accent. The smooth marble countertop complements the gorgeous color scheme.
Herringbone Ceramic Tile Shares a Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash
The herringbone white tiles look awesome. Brown lines create a neat layout. Beautiful white marble countertops look sleek and splendid. The vintage-styled chairs offer an amusing view. Trendy pendants offer a classy style. The lament floor complements the elegant interior. White cabinets look gorgeous. The rustic hardware seems harmonized with the splendid kitchen design.
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Herringbone Floor Tile Looks Beautiful on the Entryway Flooring
The rustic vibes are devised with a tremendous limestone tile floor in the herringbone pattern. The wooden bench shares a functional aesthetic. White cabinets under the bench work well to provide ample storage space. The beautiful white shiplap looks gorgeous. The rustic hardware and hooks enhance the warm tones of the color scheme.
Herringbone Tiles Make the Shower Room and Backsplash Stand out
The herringbone tiling on the bathroom backsplash looks distinctively gorgeous. The smooth quartz countertop adds a smooth texture. The rustic faucets add elegance to the bathroom interior. A mirror in the rustic frame adds minimalist traits. The white shower wall looks splendid. Natural light makes the bathroom glow beautifully.
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Herringbone Flooring Tiles Devise Fantastic Parquet Flooring
The living room shares a beautiful interior design. The parquet floor in the stunning herringbone pattern adds a mystical charm. The trendy chandelier shares contemporary vibes. White walls share a smooth layout. The splendid wall artwork complements the majestic interior. The cozy furnishing looks comfy and stylish. The study corner adds a functional aesthetic.Â
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Herringbone Bath Tile Looks Fantastic on Shower Room Floor
The amazing wooden accent adds a warm tone to the cozy white bathroom. The neat tiling in the herringbone pattern adds a lush view. The smooth tub offers a sleek vibe. The white quartz countertop shares a majestic feel. Rustic faucets look stylish and beautiful. A chandelier shares the fantastic styling trait. The backsplash shares lovely floral patterns.Â
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Herringbone Pattern Floor Tile Adds Warm Tones
The vinyl floor of the kitchen shares an awesome herringbone pattern. The quartz countertop offers sleek white hues. Black stools and the smooth black stove add a stunning visual contrast. White cabinets and the white sink look gorgeous. The rustic hardware and faucets look fantastic. The backsplash has graceful gray tiling in the herringbone pattern.
Herringbone Pattern Tile Looks Gorgeous on the Kitchen Floor
The beautiful kitchen floor shares trendy herringbone tiling. Dark wood cabinets add a mystical charisma. The quartz countertop looks lush and splendid. The vintage-styled faucet and the hardware add a rustic accent. White pendants offer modern styling traits. Open cabinets provide ample storage space with an aesthetical fantasy.
FAQs
How Should Herringbone Tile be Laid?
It is easy to lay a herringbone tile pattern if you follow the given instructions. You can take accurate measurements of the room length and width. Then, draw clean lines to find out the middle point on the walls. Join the lines on the walls and find out the intersection point of the lines to mark the middle point of the room. Start laying the first tile on the line by setting it at a 45-degree angle. Place the second tile with the first one at a 90-degree angle. You need to complete the tiling project by placing all tiles in this way. Ensure harmonized space lines between all tiles and use a spirit level to make all tiles lay on the same level. After laying all tiles, apply mortar, grout, and sealer.
Is Laying Herringbone Tile Hard?
Laying the herringbone tile pattern is easy. You need to have all the necessary tools and materials for the installation. After getting all these, start laying the tiles on pre-drawn lines precisely. The angle of tile alignment is the most important thing while you are devising a herringbone pattern. Ensure harmonized gaps, symmetrical lines, and precise periodical adjustments during the installation. You can consult an expert before starting your DIY project to have a better understanding of tools, materials, and the laying pattern.
How Do You Center a Herringbone Tile Pattern?
Assess the size of the room. Then, mark the middle point on each room wall. Then, join these midpoints across opposite directions and walls by using markers. Devise intersecting clean lines at the center of the room. Make adjustments if the lines are not intersected perfectly at the room center. Now, you can start tiling from the center point that is the center of your room. You need to double-check the flawless intersection of the lines before starting the installation to avoid any mess later.
Which Way Should You Lay Herringbone Flooring?
The first tile job is to clean the floor thoroughly. Measure the room floor. Mark the center point of the floor. You need to start laying the herringbone floor from the center to outwardly. Dry lay tiles first to ensure that you have assessed the right angles and lines. Start laying tiles at a 45-degree angle and continue the process to the end of room corners. You can use space gapers to ensure consistent space between lines. Make sure that all tiles are laid on pre-drawn lines to confirm the symmetrical installation. Apply grout after laying tiles to fill gaps. Once the grout is completely dried, you need to apply a sealer to protect the grout from moisture and grease. Clean the floor with a damp cloth to wipe off the tiles.
