Archway Contracting

Ceramic tile is a finishing material that has been around for thousands of years.  Some of the most primitive designs remain the most commonly used today.

 This picture shows a mixture of classic ceramic subway tile mixed with a modern glass tile.  This shower was installed by Archway Contracting in Minneapolis, MN.

This page will cover many common design techniques in tile installation today.  

Standard Pattern:

This pattern is the most common and often thought of the easiest to install.  However, this is not the case, because this pattern illuminates crooked grout joints and amateur installation techniques.  This pattern is the least expensive to install.

Brick Pattern:

Brick pattern closely resembles the standard tile pattern, but offsets the grout joints from one row to another.  This pattern works well when a tiled floor is adjoining a tiled wall.

Diagonal Pattern:

 This pattern takes the standard pattern and rotates it at a 45 degree angle.  Diagonal pattern is great for larger spaces where the standard pattern may seem a little dull and repetitive.

Pinwheel Pattern:

 This pattern associates two different sized tiles into a pattern together.  Pinwheel is an excellent pattern for smaller spaces.

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Combinations:

 Two patterns may be combined to create intricate and complex styles.  There are infinite possibilities, but here are a few examples:

• Diagonal brick pattern
• Standard border with versaille pattern in the center

 Random joint is a style that creates a natural look and is often used with a natural stone.  This pattern is harder to install than a standard pattern.

Cut-Outs:

 Cut-outs are when smaller tiles are inserted into corners or sections of larger tiles for decorative design.

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