Professionals Approach to Multi-Room Tile Layout

[TexasTiler]

Hi,

I have approx 850sqft of floor space consisting of one large shared space for the kitchen (110sqft), nook (150sqft), and family room (270sqft). The corner of the family room connects to the foyer (200sqft) and the same corner also has a short hallway (24sqft) leading to the powder room (18sqft) and utility room (66sqft).

I am using a hopscotch pattern with 18x18 and 6x6, and have been focused on trying to center the tile pattern across the hallway as it is approx 36" wide and is right adjacent to the foyer/family room entrance as well. Unfortunately the hallway walls are not square and the far end would require a 1" tile sliver.

After dry laying different options, I have come to the conclusion, I will end up with tile slivers along some of the walls or obstructions no matter what I do.

The previous 12x12 tiles in the exact same floor space used the approach of full tiles at the far foyer wall and family wall (what a person would see entering the room), and did end up with tile slivers of 1", 2" and 3" on the close walls, hallway walls, and in some other areas.

How does a professional tackle the best way to layout this hopscotch pattern? Do you purposely place tile slivers where furniture will most likely obstruct its view?

Doesn't a hopscotch pattern kind of camouflage tile slivers at wall edges, since the eye focuses on the actual hopscotch pattern? In a grid pattern, I notice tile slivers as soon as I enter a room...

I have been thinking about offsetting the tile in the hallway such that I get 3" slivers on either side of the hallway and seeing how that flows out to the foyer and family room...

Any guidance or advice is greatly appreciated!

TexasTiler

[Davestone]

If it's possible to avoid 1' slivers i would especially down a hallway.But in general on a busy multiroom pattern i go for what looks best down the hall and the view at the front door.

[B Luv]

it seems like on a multiroom patterned layout you will most likely get hosed somewhere. Sometimes it's just unavoidable, but, like Dave said, I will try to focus on entry's or hallways, or longest runs in the room. Sounds like you've got a good eye, try to avoid those small ones, but nobody will crucify you if you don't.

[Davy]

Yeah, with that pattern you will have several different size cuts along each wall. It's hard to avoid small cuts everywhere.

[fltileguy81]

If the slivers are unavoidable then try and put them on your shortest wall.

[TexasTiler]

Thanks everyone,

I am going to try again, and center the 18"in the middle of the hall which will result in 3" slices on hallway walls every 3 feet. I will see how this flows out to the entrance and adjacent walls.

Thanks!
TexasTiler