Alternating bands in 2 sizes: breaking regularity simply

Opus and multi-size · 5 min read · updated 5 November 2026 · Written by Tilelico

One large band, then two squares side by side, alternating: with only two sizes, the floor loses its monotony without becoming complicated.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Conservatory of 4.20 × 3.60 m, Alternating bands, 2 sizes, 3 mm joint

WholeCutCut under 100 mmPlanter

This is one of the leanest examples: few cut sizes, no narrow cut and low waste, because this conservatory’s dimensions land exactly on the module. Only the central planter really cuts into the pattern. Not every room works this well: try yours.

Calculated result

Room area: 15.12 m²
Area covered: 13.26 m²
Whole pieces: 100
Cut pieces: 24
Actual need: 124
To order (+10%): 137
Waste with no offcut reuse: 11.8 %
Narrow cuts: 0

Order by size

600 × 300 mm51
300 × 300 mm86

Most frequent cuts

24 cuts in 5 different sizes.

C01 · 299 × 297 mm× 14
C02 · 297 × 149 mm× 3
C03 · 297 × 149 mm× 3
C04 · 597 × 297 mm× 2

Setting out and products

Starting point 300 mm from the west wall and 300 mm from the north wall, then a 600 × 600 mm repeat. Estimated products: 46 kg of adhesive and 3.0 kg of grout.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 4.20 × 3.60 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Planter.
2Choose the covering: Alternating bands, 2 sizes, 3 mm joint.
3The module sets the pattern: there is nothing else to pick.
4Set the distribution to “Balanced cuts” and the margin to 10%.

Open this example in the editor

When to choose it

It suits conservatories, living rooms and bright rooms where you want rhythm without a strong pattern.

Best forModular 30 × 60 and 30 × 30 sizes sold to work together.
Avoid ifYour two sizes are not modular: the large band would not exactly cover the two squares.

Continue with: Roman opus in 3 sizes: a simple, economical band →

Preparing the job

Check that the large size really measures two small squares and a joint: that is what makes this lay accurate.

Choose the wall along which the first band will be most visible.

Continue with: Roman opus in 4 sizes: laying a module within a square of three →

Step by step

Step 1 — Mark the rowsTransfer the row pitch from the plan’s starting point.
Step 2 — Dry-lay two rowsOne band and one row of squares: the central joint of the squares is positioned at this point.
Step 3 — Alternate the rowsLay in order, without swapping rows.
Step 4 — Check end jointsThey line up from one large-format row to the next: check with a straightedge.
Step 5 — Cut the edgesWith few sizes, cutting can be batched.

Continue with: Half-offset tile laying: the brick pattern explained →

Mistakes to avoid

Pairing non-modular sizesThe joint grows with each module and never lands correctly.
Skipping the count by sizeAn overall area says nothing about the number of bands and squares to order.

These pointers describe common practice, not imposed rules. The data sheet for your covering and for your installation products always takes precedence, and measurements taken on site are the reference.

Frequently asked questions

Does this pattern work as an offset lay?

The module has its own grid: in Tilelico, only its orientation can be set.

Which size makes the room look bigger?

Discreet joints and a plain shade help more than the choice of sizes, which is a question of rhythm.

Technical references

This guide describes common installation practices. It does not replace applicable technical documents, manufacturer instructions or measurements taken on site.