30° chevron: a flatter, calmer pattern

Herringbone and chevron · 6 min read · updated 5 November 2026 · Written by Tilelico

The same principle as at 45°, with a more open V. Pieces lie flatter and columns are wider, for a less dramatic and more restful pattern.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Home office of 4.20 × 3.60 m, 12 × 60 cm, 2 mm joint

WholeCutCut under 100 mmFixed unit

Compare with the 45° guide: at the same size, columns get noticeably wider and the V flattens. As the office is small, edge cuts weigh heavily in the calculation and waste goes up: this pattern prefers fairly large rooms.

Calculated result

Room area: 15.12 m²
Area covered: 13.22 m²
Whole pieces: 148
Cut pieces: 134
Actual need: 282
To order (+15%): 325
Waste with no offcut reuse: 26.4 %
Narrow cuts: 38

Most frequent cuts

138 cuts in 22 different sizes.

C01 · 120 × 360 mm× 32
C02 · 120 × 362 mm× 24
C03 · 34 × 78 mm× 10
C04 · 120 × 558 mm× 8

Setting out and products

Starting point 254 mm from the west wall and 39 mm from the north wall, then a 923 × 141 mm repeat. Estimated products: 46 kg of adhesive and 3.6 kg of grout.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 4.20 × 3.60 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Fixed unit.
2Choose the covering: 12 × 60 cm, 2 mm joint.
3Select the “30° chevron” pattern.
4Set the distribution to “Centring” and the margin to 15%.

Open this example in the editor

When to choose it

It suits rooms where the pattern should be present without dominating, in living or working spaces.

Best forRooms where a 45° would feel too strong, and slim sizes sold for this angle.
Avoid ifYour product is made for another angle: the factory mitre sets the pattern.

Continue with: 45° chevron: the laying tutorial →

Preparing the job

Check the product’s angle: a piece mitred at 45° will never make a 30° V. In Tilelico, 30° means the angle between the piece’s axis and the perpendicular to the line of points.

As at 45°, make sure you have left and right pieces.

Continue with: Herringbone tile laying: the complete tutorial →

Step by step

Step 1 — Mark the point lineIt remains straight as at 45°: only the slope of the pieces changes.
Step 2 — Mark the columnsThe horizontal pitch is greater: transfer it from the project’s setting out.
Step 3 — Lay one columnCheck the vertical pitch, shorter than at 45° for the same piece width.
Step 4 — Lay the mirror columnMitres must close with no offset along the line.
Step 5 — Finish the edgesCuts follow the angle of the pieces against each wall: measure them in place.

Continue with: Laying wood-effect tile: offset, joint and direction →

Mistakes to avoid

Choosing the angle after the productThe angle comes with the product, never on site, since the mitre is made at the factory.
Reusing the pitch of a 45° planThe two angles have neither the same horizontal nor the same vertical pitch.

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

How is the 30° angle measured?

In Tilelico, between the piece’s axis and the perpendicular to the line of points. Some manufacturers state the angle differently: check their drawing.

Does 30° use more than 45°?

It depends on the size and the room. Compare both in the editor with your dimensions.

Technical references

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