There's more to a floor than the tile itself; how you lay out your tile can change the look and feel of the room
After you have selected new tile for your home project, think about how you would like it laid out. Here is a guide of basic patterns to get you started. Most tile showrooms have displays of floor patterns and the sales staff can recommend sizes and configurations to suit your space.

 1. Straight lay

This is the simplest tile pattern and it showcases the beauty of the tile.
2. Diagonal

Tile is set on a 45-degree angle. It add a little interest and makes the floor feel expansive.
3. Running bond

This basic layout is also called a brick or offset pattern. The tiles are offset by half the width of the tile.
4. Checkerboard

Two colours of square tiles alternate to create this pattern. They can be set straight or diagonal.
5. Diagonal with dots

Large tiles are notched at regular intervals with smaller accent tiles.
6. Pinwheel

Also known as Hopscotch, a small square tile is surrounded by four larger ones.
7. Basketweave

This classic pattern is made with squares and rectangles to create a woven effect.
8. Modular

Three or more different-sized tiles are used to form a pattern. This one is called Versailles.
 9. Herringbone

This pattern adds sophisticated visual texture to the floor. In this kitchen, bright glass tiles were added to match the glass backsplash behind the cooktop.
10. Windmill

In this pattern, a square tile is surrounded by four rectangles. The effect is like a grid of dots.

All trades have their jargon – a language that professionals understand but that can bewilder consumers – and the tile industry is no exception. Although buying tile doesn’t require a degree in tile talk, it’s a big bonus to know some basic vocabulary. Bone up here.
Abrasion resistance

A tile’s ability to withstand foot traffic and friction. The Porcelain Enamel Institute’s abrasion scale goes from 0 (not recommended for floors) to 5 (heavy commercial) to help you determine how well a tile will wear.

Absorption
The amount of moisture a tile absorbs, expressed as a percentage. Vitrified porcelain rates low (less than 0.5 percent), semi-vitrified tiles absorb 3 to 6 percent, and standard glazed wall tiles absorb 10 to 20 percent. This figure dictates where tiles should be used and affects their durability with temperature fluctuations
Batch
A lot of identical tiles from the same production run. Colours vary from batch to batch. For a consistent look, use tiles with the same batch number in one area, especially with plain tiles.

Body
The primary structural part of a ceramic tile, excluding the glaze.

Bullnose
Trim tile with a rounded finished edge, often used on kitchen counters. Also known by its Italian name, battiscopa.