How to Design a Ceramic Tile Layout

Pick a tile project or projects and explore photos of similar tile projects in magazines, books or online at tile design websites such as Jerusalem Pottery or Villagio Tile & Stone (see links in Resources). You might want to design tile floors, wall murals, tub or shower surrounds, kitchen countertops or backsplashes, fireplace surrounds or table tops. Or you can combine projects, for example, with a matching kitchen floor and table top.

Learn about ceramic tiles. You’ll find that ceramic tiles are made from heated clay, minerals and water, and are usually sealed with glaze. Ceramic tiles come in all sizes from one-inch tiles called “mosaics,” to 12- or even 18-inch tiles, the most common size being 4¼-inch square. You’ll see mostly square tiles, but also specialty shapes and molded decorative tiles. You can choose unglazed, glazed (matte, glossy or slip-resistant), or hand-painted tiles in a variety of colors and designs for a tile project.

Consider the infinite kinds of patterns possible for ceramic tile layout. Think of the simple possibilities, the most common being squares in straight lines, or add a little complexity by alternating colors in a chessboard look or turning the square tiles diagonally. Use rectangle tiles for brickwork and basketweave patterns, or mix various shapes and sizes of tiles in a more complex arrangement of your own design.

Measure the space for the ceramic tile project with a tape measure and write the dimensions in a notebook. Look for possible obstacles such as bath spouts, electrical outlets or uneven floors. Stand back and survey the space to see if the tile layout you’re considering is consistent with the space esthetically and functionally. Taking pictures with a camera can help with this survey.

Draw out some initial ideas of possible ceramic tile layouts with colored pencils on drawing paper, keeping the ideas fluid. Experiment with different ideas until you have one that is relatively easy to execute, relatively inexpensive and beautiful to you personally. Adjust and add more detail.

Diagram the ceramic tile project you have chosen to scale on graph paper with a pencil and ruler, using the measurements you made previously. Check again to see if the measurements line up, and if you have dealt with any obstacles you noted earlier.

Study the actual installation of ceramic tile, and decide if you’re ready to buy and lay the tile yourself, or if you want to hire a professional to install your ceramic tile layout.