What is offset tile pattern?

Offset tile is also known as brick pattern or running bond. Traditionally used by masons as an easy and strong pattern for building walls, offset works with both rectangular and square tiles. Each line of tile is offset by the width of half a tile.

Should tiles be offset?

Industry standards and manufacturer recommendations of 33% or less offset for tiles with one or more sides 15” or greater are required because of the manufacturing process for tile. When ceramic tile is heated and cooled in the kiln, warpage can occur. This is a normal result of the manufacturing process.

Why is 50% offset tile not recommended?

“… problems are most common when 50% offsets are used, or wherever the center of one tile is beside the end of another. When such is the case, even minimal warpage can create lippage, because the highest point on the surface of one tile is directly beside the lowest point on another.”

What is a offset pattern in tile?

For even more excitement, offset patterns may include rows of varying widths and tiles in two or more colors or contrasting finishes. If you’d like to use this offbeat look with today’s larger tiles, in place of the customary half-tile offset, expert tile contractors are now recommending a variation — third stagger.

What is a half offset tile joint?

Each joint is offset by one-third (rather than a half) from the preceding row. This avoids matching the lowest point of a tile to the highest point of the tile above it, creating an unsightly effect termed “lippage.”

How do you offset a tile wall?

Traditionally used by masons as an easy and strong pattern for building walls, offset works with both rectangular and square tiles. Each line of tile is offset by the width of half a tile. This unexpected layout adds interest to a single-colored tile installation.

How to manage lippage when installing offset tile?

4 – It’s vital to pay attention to tile offset during installation. This is the easiest way that you can manage lippage when you wish to install an offset tile pattern. When you’re designing your offset tile installation, try and make sure that the pattern offset is less than 50% of the tile’s length.