Tile patterns & module reference

Reference

Identify common arrangements and record a confirmed repeating module before allocating tile groups.

By Kevin

Plan the material purchase

A pattern name describes an arrangement, but it does not always define the quantities of each tile size. For a mixed-size layout, the pattern calculator needs the installed coverage and piece counts for one complete repeat. Those inputs must come from the particular product layout you intend to use.

A retail kit and a complete repeat can be different units. The documented example below combines three kits into one repeat before calculating group quantities. This preserves the size ratio when the purchase is rounded upward.

The recorded MSI example uses three kits per complete repeat. Four repeats preserve the A:B:C:D ratio and correspond to twelve kits. This is a quantity diagram, not a placement plan.

How to use this reference

Choose the product layout and identify one complete repeat. Keep the exact product and diagram with the estimate.
Record the declared installed coverage of that repeat in square feet. Do not reconstruct it from nominal face dimensions if the layout supplies its own coverage convention.
Assign each size to group A, B, C or D and enter the whole count per repeat. Group A must contain at least one piece; use zero for unused groups.
Enter the installed project area and an explicitly chosen allowance. The tool does not add a pattern-specific waste rate.
Round the number of complete repeats upward once, then multiply every group by that same repeat count. Convert repeats to retail kits or boxes separately using confirmed package contents.

Recognize the arrangement

Straight grid · schematic only

Half-offset illustration · confirm permitted offset

Recognize the arrangement
Arrangement	What repeats	What to confirm
Straight / stacked grid	Aligned rows and columns of tile	Actual tile dimensions, joint requirements and edge cuts.
Running bond / offset layout	Staggered rows; the chosen offset is part of the design	The product-approved offset. The half-offset drawing below is illustrative, not a recommendation.
Herringbone	Rectangular tiles placed in alternating directions	Actual dimensions, joint geometry and a confirmed repeat; no universal piece-count module is supplied.
Multi-size / modular layout	A product-specific repeat containing two or more tile groups	Module area and the number of each tile group in that complete module.

Prepare a module record

Give the pattern and confirmed repeat a clear name.
Record the full module area and its unit from a supported layout.
Record the integer count of each tile group A–D in that repeat.
Keep pack or kit contents separate: a kit may cover only part of the layout repeat.
Use the existing pattern tool for group quantities only after this record is confirmed.

Use the pattern within its estimating limits

A pattern name alone cannot determine a material allowance or a cut schedule. Manufacturer pattern sheets may use nominal dimensions or a specific product set. Do not transfer a module to other tile sizes without confirming the geometry and installed coverage.

The documented Versailles example below uses a specific MSI kit and repeat. It is not a universal module for every product sold under that pattern name.

Convert a three-kit repeat into group quantities

Example inputs

Example inputs
Input	Value
Measured project area	100 sq ft
Elected allowance	10%
Recorded MSI kit coverage	9.36 sq ft per kit
Kits in one documented repeat	3
Repeat coverage / A:B:C:D	28.08 sq ft / 3:6:3:6

Calculation steps

The recorded MSI Versailles kit contains A: one 17 1/4 × 26 in tile; B: two 17 1/4 in squares; C: one 17 1/4 × 8 2/3 in tile; D: two 8 2/3 in squares.
Combine three kits: 3 × 9.36 = 28.08 sq ft per repeat. Multiply the piece counts by three to obtain A/B/C/D = 3/6/3/6.
Adjust the area: 100 × 1.10 = 110 sq ft. Divide by repeat coverage: 110 ÷ 28.08 = 3.9173789174 repeats.
Round upward to 4 complete repeats, then multiply every group by four: A = 12, B = 24, C = 12, D = 24; total = 72 pieces.
Four repeats contain 4 × 3 = 12 kits and represent 4 × 28.08 = 112.32 sq ft of declared coverage.

Checked result

Checked result
Result	Value
Complete repeats	4
Corresponding retail kits	12
Tile groups A / B / C / D	12 / 24 / 12 / 24 pieces
Total pieces / declared coverage	72 pieces / 112.32 sq ft

This example uses the recorded MSI collection brochure’s kit and three-kit repeat; it is not a universal Versailles specification. Retain the declared coverage rather than recomputing it from nominal dimensions. Round the unrounded repeat requirement upward once. The tool allocates pieces; it does not produce placement, cut or border plans.

Start calculator

Before you order

Confirm the complete repeat before estimating a mixed-size pattern. Keep the size-to-group mapping with the result, and translate repeats into the product’s actual sales packages. A correct group ratio still needs a separate review of cuts, borders and available stock.