This is a strange question. I am about to lay 2000 square feet of Saltillo Tile in my house. The question is: what is the best layout, completely square or every other row offset by half a tile. In most decorating books it seems like they are completely square but on the other hand I have seen homes with the half offset and they both look great. Is there a reason for laying it out one way or the other?
Thanks, I appreciate any input.
Replies
my thought on the staggerd layout is it will hide screw ups better.maybe takes just a little bit more work to do. larry
hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.
It's personal preference really, the best way to see what you like is to set out 20 square feet in a standard grid pattern and a running bond pattern and see what style best fits in your house. I've always set sautillo in a grid pattern with a 3/8 - 1/2 grout joint, IMO that is what looks best. If you didn't get the pre-sealed tiles, you will want to seal them ahead of time, it will make it easier to clean up any thinset you may get on the tile when setting. Sautillo must be sealed before grouting.
Personal prference. Don't forget that, looking from one direction, even a staggered pattern has straight lines.
Ditto what was said about pre-sealing. Soem folks seal before laying them, which is an option. You absolutely must seal before grouting. The saltillo is so pourous that it sucks the moisture and color right out of the grout, and ruins the tile. Don't ask how I know.
I prefer the cheap saltillo, the ones that are not really flat. Much more traditional, lots of character. The higher priced ones, very flat and uniform color, really don't offer any advantage over ceramic tiles.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt