That doesn’t look 20% offset though is it? Not sure 20% would make huge difference…I think people on here would recommend more random lengths so you’d have to cut some down - think hardwood floor layout
I tried to make it random so it’s actually a mix of 20%, 15%, and 10% offsets. Do you think I should just max it out at 30% offset then just do an even stair step pattern? Like the typical 1/3 offset step pattern I see online?
Stair step is also not a good solution either. I’d like some others to chime in. But there’s a better way than static patterns.
[try this](https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/tiling/wood-look-plank-flooring)
Tbh, the architect was fine with the initial layout so I don’t really trust his feedback anymore on this lol. But I’m really liking it! Though it’s not really random like in the link you sent, this pattern repeats after 8 rows. I do agree that this looks pretty good and we are gonna go with this! :)
Jesus F- ing christ its just a recommendation. If they recommend a 3/8 joint are you just going to listen to it? You know how many planks I have done that laid flat and was recommended to not do it. Make your own choices, your the pro, not some freaken tile company you don't even know just covering their asses. Sick and tired of sheep setters who can't make their own professional decisions
I’m going to assume that those are 4’ lengths. Personally, I’d break them into 1’, 2’, 3’, and full lengths then stagger my pattern/seams from there.
A constant pattern of 6” overhang like this one ends up looking worse than if you just did them in a four column line.
The tiles are 38” long.
You’re right, the overhang needs to be mostly 12” or 1/3. I think we’ve laid it out with the stagger too close to each other and that’s why it looks off?
Long axis of tile should follow long axis of room if possible. I can’t think of any reason you can’t do a 33% offset… weird that the tile manufacturer specifies that.
Our architect wanted this orientation, although I did mention to him that what you said seems to be the recommendation. Our home is a bit narrow and he said he didn’t want the bowling alley look. I am kinda digging it though. Should I insist?
You should insist on whatever you prefer. I don’t have the “whole home” context and I’m not an architect, but I always follow the long axis of the spaces.
I second that input. Always follow the long axis, can’t go wrong. Also lay them next to each other at 30% offset and check the lippage. If it seems reasonably flat, use that layout. 20% probably just covers their ass because it’s a long piece, but that layout looks like shit no offense so I’d do what makes it look good as long as it doesn’t cause crazy lippage
Architects are a waste of money, I don’t know how many projects I’ve had to rip out my own work because when they sell the property or lease it the tenants can’t stand the god awful crap they put in. And have it all re done. Pick your own style and what you like and save yourself a ton of money to spend on doing it the way you want.
I started when engineered hardwood was the go to in my area. As soon as glue down plank and wood look tile came in style we just kept everything random. I think it looks more natural and if you have an island or something to go around, you can use the “random to your advantage to avoid unnecessary, difficult cuts.
Jesus people. The minimum should be at least the width of the tile. If ur tile is 5 inches wide. Than the joints shouldn’t come closer than 5”.
What you have here is like another Redditor said, u played out maximum when it was clearly asking for minimum. Ur way over thinking this. Random is exactly what it means within certain rules and limits. Go with random.
These tile are too short to random lay without it looking goofy, even if you cut some down shorter in the middle, I've seen it many times and just looks bad but people with attention to detail like the installer and designer (good ones at least) and now you will notice it.
Just do a 1/3 stagger zipper or step pattern. Or you can get a longer tile, minimum 36" if you want to achieve a random lay that won't look jarring.
Whatever the width of the board is? Do that minimum offset.
8” plank do 8” offset.
The planks look to be about 36”x8” planks?
You can do random pattern just try not to come with in 4”-6” of the next offset grout joint. If they were 48” planks random works very well.
Absolutely not
Oh no. Can I please ask what you would recommend? Considering we cannot do more than 20% offset..
That is not 20% and where did you see that rule.
That 20% rule would seem to go against pretty much everything I know about tile layout.
i see that now on long tile. they are bowed so thats reason for 20% offset.
That could make sense. 20% on a long tile is still a good amount of distance. These shorter tiles and only 20%, seems like it wouldn’t be enough lap.
What the hell? Are you sure it isn't a *minimum* 20% offset?
That doesn’t look 20% offset though is it? Not sure 20% would make huge difference…I think people on here would recommend more random lengths so you’d have to cut some down - think hardwood floor layout
I tried to make it random so it’s actually a mix of 20%, 15%, and 10% offsets. Do you think I should just max it out at 30% offset then just do an even stair step pattern? Like the typical 1/3 offset step pattern I see online?
Stair step is also not a good solution either. I’d like some others to chime in. But there’s a better way than static patterns. [try this](https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/tiling/wood-look-plank-flooring)
Thanks for the link! We tried to copy the pattern a bit and [this](https://imgur.com/a/FwPVPvA) is what it looks like.
Oh nice. Thanks for the follow up! I think that looks pretty good - a big difference. Do you agree? What’s the designer saying?
Tbh, the architect was fine with the initial layout so I don’t really trust his feedback anymore on this lol. But I’m really liking it! Though it’s not really random like in the link you sent, this pattern repeats after 8 rows. I do agree that this looks pretty good and we are gonna go with this! :)
Don’t do patterns! And don’t stop at 20% or 30%. The only max should be 50%
That’s not random. Do some 50% do some 33%. Your pattern isn’t random when every row is within 3-4in of each other
> Do some 50% Did you miss the part where the manufacturer recommends a max of 20%? Jesus fucking christ man just don't comment.
Jesus F- ing christ its just a recommendation. If they recommend a 3/8 joint are you just going to listen to it? You know how many planks I have done that laid flat and was recommended to not do it. Make your own choices, your the pro, not some freaken tile company you don't even know just covering their asses. Sick and tired of sheep setters who can't make their own professional decisions
Nope.
Bad
This looks really bad. You need to pick an offset and pattern and stick to it.
I’m going to assume that those are 4’ lengths. Personally, I’d break them into 1’, 2’, 3’, and full lengths then stagger my pattern/seams from there. A constant pattern of 6” overhang like this one ends up looking worse than if you just did them in a four column line.
The tiles are 38” long. You’re right, the overhang needs to be mostly 12” or 1/3. I think we’ve laid it out with the stagger too close to each other and that’s why it looks off?
Long axis of tile should follow long axis of room if possible. I can’t think of any reason you can’t do a 33% offset… weird that the tile manufacturer specifies that.
Our architect wanted this orientation, although I did mention to him that what you said seems to be the recommendation. Our home is a bit narrow and he said he didn’t want the bowling alley look. I am kinda digging it though. Should I insist?
You should insist on whatever you prefer. I don’t have the “whole home” context and I’m not an architect, but I always follow the long axis of the spaces.
I’m so overwhelmed. Thank you for your input, really appreaciate it.
designers are dumb.
fuck designers... absolutely useless
I second that input. Always follow the long axis, can’t go wrong. Also lay them next to each other at 30% offset and check the lippage. If it seems reasonably flat, use that layout. 20% probably just covers their ass because it’s a long piece, but that layout looks like shit no offense so I’d do what makes it look good as long as it doesn’t cause crazy lippage
Architects are a waste of money, I don’t know how many projects I’ve had to rip out my own work because when they sell the property or lease it the tenants can’t stand the god awful crap they put in. And have it all re done. Pick your own style and what you like and save yourself a ton of money to spend on doing it the way you want.
I agree as long as the tile isn't supposed to flow into the other room without a transition. The other room might look better oriented that way.
No matter what I’m laying, I never put joints closer than 5-6 inches and never go over about 35 percent.
Do you think I should still try to randomize the distance between joints? Or just stick to an even 33% offset?
I started when engineered hardwood was the go to in my area. As soon as glue down plank and wood look tile came in style we just kept everything random. I think it looks more natural and if you have an island or something to go around, you can use the “random to your advantage to avoid unnecessary, difficult cuts.
Bad bad bad bad
It's your preference, but I wouldn't do that. Just do the normal split in the middle
No. The first step is to look on the box and follow the manufacturer recommendation, which is probably 33% offset
Yeah, no.
Jesus people. The minimum should be at least the width of the tile. If ur tile is 5 inches wide. Than the joints shouldn’t come closer than 5”. What you have here is like another Redditor said, u played out maximum when it was clearly asking for minimum. Ur way over thinking this. Random is exactly what it means within certain rules and limits. Go with random.
The box definitely says 20% maximum. But we might do 30% and 20% offset and a sort of random pattern like [this.](https://imgur.com/a/M0neTs7)
I would just do random with 30% max. I’ve never heard of 20% but I’m pretty young in the game. That just seems really small to me.
I start with a whole piece and throw my remainder to the next row for the random pattern. As long as it doesn’t take me far out of manufacture’s spec
I think I need to push it to 1/3 offset. I’ll ask to see [this](https://imgur.com/a/c5VOO9T) laid out tomorrow. Would this look better?
Are you asking your installer to dry lay the entire floor...twice?
These tile are too short to random lay without it looking goofy, even if you cut some down shorter in the middle, I've seen it many times and just looks bad but people with attention to detail like the installer and designer (good ones at least) and now you will notice it. Just do a 1/3 stagger zipper or step pattern. Or you can get a longer tile, minimum 36" if you want to achieve a random lay that won't look jarring.
Good stuff 👍🏼
Whatever the width of the board is? Do that minimum offset. 8” plank do 8” offset. The planks look to be about 36”x8” planks? You can do random pattern just try not to come with in 4”-6” of the next offset grout joint. If they were 48” planks random works very well.