Expert: Perry Vellenga - 10/16/2004

Question
Perry,

Thank you for your reply and great explanation.  I really appreciate it. Do you think that 18x18 tile would look better in the 20SF bathroom than the 13x13 tile?  We have heard two different sides on this one.  We have been told that 18x18 will make the 20SF bathroom look bigger and we have also heard that the 18x18 tile will make the 20SF bathroom look like it has one big tile and that's all.  Since we are having the tile installed diagonally, do we need to sit with the installer and figure out a pattern? or is there a special way to do this? or will the installer know what to do without us mixing in? The tile we have chosen has moderate color variations, it has some white and earth tones. It has some movement but it's not terribly busy. Thank you very much for your help.

Best Regard,
Robert  

Answer
Hey Robert,

   With design scheme's it always boils down to personal choice and what look's good to you. With me, looking at just about every design, pattern, angle, you name it associated with floor and wall coverings. The thing that I found most appealing was consistancy throughout a house. Too many sizes and style changes within a home (unless it is a really large home say 4000 sq. ft.) tends to lend an uncordinated view of things. If I could get one big tile to sit in my bathroom complete side to side I would think I had died and gone to Heaven. The whole idea of large format tile is to eliminate the only real maintenance issue in "any" tile installation....the grout. If you have selected an experienced "Tile man" then once you tell him you want things installed on a 45* you can let him go and he should know what to do. To give yourself some degree of comfort ask to see some of his work and then go and see. He will understand your desire to have a quality job and if he is worth his salt he will be glad to show you. Check for "current" insurance and a licence, although not all cities or counties require a licence to work but insurance is essential OK? You should be able to live your life as he performs the all the work. I hope this helps you Robert, feel free to return anytime. Let me know how it all turns out....

Perry