Anyone want to help with tille? I'm overwhelmed...

16 years ago

First a confession. I'm 47 years old and I've never had to choose tile before. I thought I would be so easy. HAH! It was easier to pick names for my children. And the most pathetic part is that we're not talking about a 500 square foot master bathroom with sufaces galore. I'm am absolutely paralyzed with indecision over a 4x6 powder room. I will take any and all help offered with deep appreciation!

So my little powder room needs a new floor. The house is a 30 year old colonial in coastal New England. The pedominant flooring in the rest of the house is a medium stained oak. I have two kids and two dogs, so I would like a floor that is a.)appropriate to the style of the house, b.) able to withstand the rigors of my family and c.) isn't too much maintenance.

I am leaning toward a porcelain tile that mimics slate or other natual stone in a medium to darkish gray color. I have actually seen a seen some from Dal Tile, American Olean, and a couple of others that I like. BUT...how do you decided on a tile size and pattern? I think I'd like something that is different from the standard square layout. Any suggestions? Are there patterns that would be more suitable? I love the look over bigger tiles...but are they too modern? What size grout lines?

I used to think "oh for pete's sake, it's only tile!" Now I know better.

Thanks in advance,

Alida

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Comments (6)

melissa0607
16 years ago
One thing that looks kind of pretty and is still subtle but different from the square layout is to lay the tiles on the diagonal (grout lines run at 45 degree angles to the wall instead of parallel or perpendicular). This will also give you a border of triangle tiles. By the way, I don't know what your budget is, but for a space that small you could splurge and get 12" X 12" soapstone tiles. They would be the color you like, and feel soooo nice.

-Melissa
oruboris
16 years ago
Here's a version of 'Versailles', a favorite of mine because it looks random without being random. Keeps all your grout lines short, which I like:

As you can see, it uses four different sizes. If you wanted to use something like this, it would be wise to choose a line of tiles that offer the necessary dimensions rather than trying to cut them to fit. It's also a nice pattern to mix 2 or more colors if [like me] you can't decide on just one.

So my advice would be to choose a color pallet you like, make note of the sizes offered, and seek a pattern accordingly.

Keep in mind you can also do medallions, insets, borders... tile is ideal for creative thinkers.

Here is a link that might be useful: some tile patterns
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cubmaster
16 years ago
I like the pattern very much. I think though, that is is a bit overkill for a 4x6 bath. You will only get one pattern x 1.3 pattern of this design. I think that you will find also that each size of the tile will need to be purchased seperately. If you have to buy minimums by the box, you will have a lot of wasted tile to get enough of each size piece. A pattern in a 4x6 area is not a great idea unless it is something simple (i diagonal, brick set etc.).
alida_gw
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi all,

Thanks for the replies. Certainly, some good ideas which I would like to follow up with some questions....but I am already really late for an appointment and have to run. BUT I will be back later to pick your brains a bit more if you're around. I Just wanted to acknowledge your replies and let you know that I really appreciate your time and ideas. Be back soon.

Thanks,
Alida
alida_gw
Original Author
16 years ago
I'm back.

Melissa, I hadn't considered soapstone. Is it soft and would it be prone to chipping? Does it need to be sealed?
If the answers are no, I'd certainly like to check it out.

Oruboris, I googled that pattern and it is lovely. Like cubmaster mentioned, my tile store sells by the box so it might get pricey for this room. But in the not too distant future I hope to retile a very large sunroom and it would be awesome in there. I'm saving the pattern for sure.

Diagonal is classic and in the running but cubmaster's idea of brick or running bond sounds interesting. How about any of these options...

The tiles I like come in 20 and 13 inch squares and 20x13, 10x13, and 12x18 rectangles. I love the larger format tiles but is the room too small for 20 inch tile? On the short side it would be only 2.5 tiles wide. What do you think of a brick/running bond pattern with the rectangles? Would the 20x13 or 12x18 work or are they too large? I'd run them parallel to the short side.

Opinions welcomed.
Thanks,
Alida
lmhall2000
16 years ago
How about a travertine floor...there are some good examples out there...this site has some pictures of darker to med grays...http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://files.turbosquid.com/Preview/Content_on_11_1_2004_23_47_35/texture%2520pack1.jpgcf66c87f-ab05-463c-8922-0771d64f293dLarge.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.turbosquid.com/FullPreview/Index.cfm/ID/246190&h=257&w=400&sz=27&hl=en&start=6&tbnid=7yMLGxteLCLQRM:&tbnh=80&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3DTravertine%2Bfloor%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

If you google travertine floor under images you'll find other shades as well...it will hold up nicely and soapstone is prone to chipping, it's very soft compared to marble or granite...

Tara