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In progress photo of laying herringbone pattern with ceramic tile inset with subway tile surround.
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5 from 4 votes

How to Tile a Herringbone Pattern

Step by step guide for tiling a herringbone pattern that shows you how to measure, mark, cut and lay the herringbone tiles for a perfect job.
Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 1 wall
Author: Rachel
Cost: $300

Materials

Instructions

  • Find the center point on the wall. Measure the length of the wall and mark the halfway point from top to bottom.
    How to Lay the first herringbone tile.
  • Put up a ledger board. You can either start at the bottom or use a ledger board in the middle. A ledger board is just a very straight board you screw into the wall that the tile can rest on. When you are done, unscrew the ledger board and tile in it's place.
    In progress photo of laying herringbone pattern with ceramic tile inset with subway tile surround.
  • Lay the first tile. The first tile is the most important because it sets the pattern for the rest of the tile. In order to make the pattern perfectly even on both sides, start with the centerline in the center of the short side of of the tile. To get a 45 degree angle, use a combination square (without the ruler) or draw a line with a trim square.
    How to Lay the first herringbone tile.
  • Continue up the wall. Every few rows, I check for level by putting a level across the top points of the tile as I lay. This means the tile hasn't set long enough so that I can make adjustments. Make sure to wipe any excess mortar off before it dries.
    Laying herringbone pattern up a wall.

Notes

Does it take more tile to make a herringbone pattern?
Yes. With a geometric pattern, there are generally far more cuts involved. When calculating how many tile you need, go with at least 15% for herringbone and 10% for a straight lay.
What size tile is best for a herringbone pattern?
Herringbone pattern only works with tiles where the longest side is relatively divisible by the shortest side + grout width. A  3 x 12 tile works best. However, a 3x6, 4x12, or other variations will work, but look slightly different. 
With any pattern, especially intricate ones, use tile spacers. I usually keep two kinds on hand - T-shaped like these and Wedge tile spacers. I much prefer the T-shaped ones over other shapes like these cross ones, because the T fits well into staggered joints and they are easy to remove. Wedges come in handy because you can trim them to size, so I use both.