Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website

Project list

Sign in to your account

White tiles in a kitchen.
Tiles are a versatile and hard-wearing floor and wall covering that can be found in many areas of the home. But making your next tiling project a success isn’t just about choosing the right colour and style - how the tiles are laid will have a big influence on how a space is viewed and feels.

Getting started

If this is your first time laying tiles, don't be put off by some of the more involved patterns. Just give yourself plenty of time to lay out the design carefully and you'll find that these patterns are achievable. 

Also, a quick tip when purchasing tiles, make sure all tiles used have the same batch numbers so there is no variation in colour or size.

Straight (or stack bond)

The most common and simplest tiling pattern. The tiles are laid in straight lines so the grout lines end up like a grid. A great tip when buying your tiles is to make sure that they all have the same batch number. Different batches may have slight colour variations that will show up in the finished product. You'll find the batch number on the packaging.
Straight (or stack bond) tile pattern

Diagonal

Diagonal is similar to the straight pattern except the tiles are laid on a 45-degree angle, turning square tiles into diamonds. This style can be used with a border as a feature in a kitchen splashback or for an entire floor to make a small room look bigger. It's perfect for the bathroom.
Diagonal Tile pattern

Herringbone

Perfect for hallways or outdoor paths, as the “V” in the pattern acts like arrows pointing you in the right direction, the herringbone pattern is achieved by laying rectangular tiles in a zig-zag pattern.
Herringbone tile pattern

Basket weave

Also using rectangular tiles, the basket weave pattern has two tiles laid next to each other to form a square. The following pair of tiles are laid at 90 degrees to the first and so on. The horizontal and vertical tiles then alternate on following rows. This gives the impression that the tiles are woven over and under each other like a basket. 
Basket weave tile pattern

Windmill

To create the windmill pattern, four rectangular tiles are arranged around a square tile in the centre. Using a square tile and grout in a contrasting colour to the rectangles really make this pattern stand out. It can look busy on a floor but is good for a shower or as a border.
Windmill tile pattern

Pin wheel (also called hopscotch)

Similar to the windmill, this design uses a small square tile surrounded by much larger square tiles to create the effect of a spinning pinwheel. Tiles in contrasting colours should be chosen for the best effect.
Pinwheel or Hopscotch tile pattern

Stretcher bond

Stretcher bond uses square or rectangular tiles that are laid like bricks in a wall. The end of each tile is lined up with the centre of the tiles that are both directly above and below it. This creates a staggered, but cohesive look.
Stretcher Bond tile pattern

Cobblestone

This pattern starts with rectangular tiles laid in the herringbone style. Around the edges of these it has smaller square tiles to create a larger pattern that is then repeated across the floor. This is a look suited to more traditional styles.
Cobblestone tile pattern

English bond

English bond uses alternating rows of rectangular and square tiles. The square tiles are centred on the rectangles and the ends of all the tiles line up between rows. 
English Bond tile pattern

English cross bond

Similar to the English bond except that the rectangular tiles in the alternating rows are staggered like the pattern in a stretcher bond.
English cross bond tile pattern

Shop the range

Check out our great range of tiles to complete your tiling project.

 

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.