How to Install Herringbone Floors

Cut two rectangular tiles in half using a tile cutter. Before spreading any mortar onto the floor, gather several full and half tiles to lay out the beginning of the pattern.

Place one full tile in the corner. Place a second tile perpendicularly to the first so that its short end is against the first tile's long end and its long side is against the second wall. Place a half tile at the open end of each full tile. Place another full tile in the corner formed by the first two full tiles.

Add another full tile perpendicularly, the same way you did with the second full tile. Place a full tile at the end of each side of this grouping to square off the pattern. Once you have the colors repeating the way you want, make notes on a piece of paper to help you determine where to place each tile.

Remove the tiles from the floor and spread a thin layer of mortar in the corner with a trowel. Spread only a small area of mortar so you can work your way out of the corner to the rest of the floor.

Lay the first two tiles as you did in step one and place tile spacers between each tile. Continue laying each tile as you did in step one, lengthening each row as you work out toward the center of the room.

Allow the mortar to dry according to the package directions. Once the mortar is dry, remove the tile spacers.

Mix the grout according to the instructions on the package. Apply the grout and allow it to dry. Wipe any grout residue away from the tile with a damp cloth.