Lay an area out "dry" in a random fashion so that you get an "overlap" of a minimum of 1/3 and a maximum of 1/2 stagger of the tiles. You do this for (1) asthetics and (2) to avoid/minimize lippage. Often this type of tile has issues with "cupping" ....a slight bowing of the product, and you want to minimize that.

It's also critical that your floor be quite flat. Try for no deviation of more than 1/8" over ten feet, and, if not on slab, that your floor meets a maximum of L360 deflection.

Actually the deflection for stone is recommended to be L / 720. I got that info off of John Bridge's forum, using the Deflectolator. I have done a lot of planning for deflection limits with my bathroom remodel. I will be installing slate.

Actually the deflection for stone is recommended to be L / 720. I got that info off of John Bridge's forum, using the Deflectolator. I have done a lot of planning for deflection limits with my bathroom remodel. I will be installing slate.

Good "Catch." I missed the Travertine part. Thought we were talking ceramic. You are correct, L720 us appropriate for natural stone. Their Deflectolator will give you the proper values if you plug in the essentials. Generally, you need TWO layers of plywood with a face grade of "C" or higher. I would use one 3/4 and one 3/8" sheet. Do NOT glue them together. Put them in perpendicular to the joists and stagger the two layers. Make an effort to NOT drive the screws of the second layer into the joists.

Once this is done, you'll need to install either Schluter's "Ditra" as per their installation recommendations, available from the Schluter.com site OR a layer of 1/4" Durock (or equivelant) over the plywood. If you go this route, you need to mix up any cheap thinset, use a 1/4" trowel and "Bed" this to the plywood. "Walk it down" and screw it in at once. You NOW have a proper, isolated bed upon which to tile. Use a good, modified thinset for the tiles.....

Thanks for all the help.. I should have given you more info -- this isn't a DIY project A tile professional will be doing the installation. I'm just looking for design and layout ideas. Should they be random? Should they be more uniform? I haven't been able to find many examples of plank tile in pictures.

For example, this is would be one way to do it: http://freckleschick.blogspot.com/2012/03/plank-bathroom-floor-tiles.html

But my planks are coming in two sizes.

I would definitely post your question on the John Bridge forum. You will get more answers from the pros there.

I forgot to mention, that I prefer the random look to the uniform look in that linked picture.

Steven, Steven, Steven. I'm glad I'm not the ONLY one who makes oopses!! LOL