Our Installer Mats sharing some wisdom on the job site! (watch the video)
Tile layout is one of those things that can make or break the final look of a shower.
Before the tile actually goes on the wall, it is worth taking a step back and asking: is this layout safe?
By “safe,” we mean a layout that gives you clean cuts, avoids tiny slivers of tile, and keeps the pattern looking balanced from one side of the shower to the other.
Why Layout Matters
It is easy to focus on the tile itself — the color, shape, pattern, and finish. But even the nicest tile can look off if the layout is not planned well.
If you start in the wrong spot, you might end up with skinny cuts along the edges, awkward pieces near the floor, or a pattern that does not line up the way you expected. Once the tile is set, those little issues are a lot harder to fix.
That is why the layout should be figured out before anything gets installed.
Dry-Lay the Tile First
You can see in the video that Mats takes time to lay out pieces, measure the pattern, and check where everything will land before setting the tile on the wall.
That dry layout helps answer important questions:
Will the pattern look balanced?
Are the cuts going to be too small?
Where will the tile land at the edges?
Does the layout work with the shower walls, floor, and niche areas?
A few minutes of measuring can prevent a lot of headaches later.
Use the Right Tools
A laser level is a big help when planning a tile layout. It gives you a straight reference line so you can see exactly where the tile will land as it moves across the wall.
This is especially useful with patterns like herringbone, where small layout changes can make a big difference in the finished look.
A Safer Layout Looks Better
The goal is not just to get tile on the wall. The goal is to make the whole shower look clean, intentional, and professionally planned.
A safe layout helps avoid awkward cuts, keeps the pattern under control, and makes the finished installation feel balanced.
We like to take the time to plan these details because good tile work starts before the first piece is set.
Thank you for reading!
If you’re interested in more tile content, here are some links you might like.
You can check out another tip from Mats about Shower Niches.
Or check out our blog page.