The cabochon lay: octagons and small squares on the point

Geometric patterns · 5 min read · updated 5 November 2026 · Written by Tilelico

A large tile with clipped corners leaves a pointed space at each joint crossing, where a small cabochon sits. This is the classic entrance floor, and it is ordered size by size.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Entrance hall of 3.50 × 3.00 m, Octagons and cabochons, 2 mm joint

WholeCutCut under 100 mmStaircase

Almost all the cabochons stay whole, while a much larger share of the octagons is cut along the edges and the stairs. The two quantities are not proportional at all: the summary gives them size by size.

Calculated result

Room area: 10.50 m²
Area covered: 9.24 m²
Whole pieces: 140
Cut pieces: 66
Actual need: 206
To order (+12%): 232
Waste with no offcut reuse: 21.8 %
Narrow cuts: 30

Order by size

330 × 330 mm126
110 × 110 mm106

Most frequent cuts

66 cuts in 7 different sizes.

C01 · 328 × 179 mm× 20
C02 · 99 × 328 mm× 16
C03 · 44 × 44 mm× 10
C04 · 328 × 284 mm× 8

Setting out and products

Starting point 100 mm from the west wall and 180 mm from the north wall, then a 330 × 330 mm repeat. Estimated products: 32 kg of adhesive and 1.7 kg of grout.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 3.50 × 3.00 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Staircase.
2Choose the covering: Octagons and cabochons, 2 mm joint.
3The module sets the pattern: there is nothing else to pick.
4Set the distribution to “Balanced cuts” and the margin to 12%.

Open this example in the editor

When to choose it

It suits entrances, corridors and classic-style bathrooms, with a matching or contrasting cabochon.

Best forSimple rooms, with an octagon three times larger than the cabochon, such as 33 × 33 with 11 × 11.
Avoid ifYour proportions differ: Tilelico currently calculates this three-to-one ratio.

Continue with: The checkerboard lay: two shades in alternation →

Preparing the job

Check the sheet for the sizes of the octagon and its cabochon: they must fit together with the planned joint.

Count one cabochon per crossing: their number does not directly follow the octagons’ area.

Continue with: The hexagonal lay: a honeycomb with no straight joint line →

Step by step

Step 1 — Mark the axesCentre the grid on the room’s entrance and check the square.
Step 2 — Dry-lay four octagonsAdd the cabochon in the middle: this confirms the joint lands correctly.
Step 3 — Work in rowsLay the octagons, keeping the cabochon spaces clean.
Step 4 — Place the cabochonsLay them along with the octagons, to avoid digging out adhesive later.
Step 5 — Cut the edgesCut the edge octagons, and fill corners with cut cabochons if needed.

Continue with: The pinwheel lay: four planks around a small square →

Mistakes to avoid

Ordering by areaTwo separate quantities are needed: the area does not give the number of cabochons.
Leaving the cabochons until lastHardened adhesive prevents laying them at the right level.

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

Can a cabochon be another colour?

Yes, that is common. The layout does not change; only the order is split by colour.

Is it the same as a diagonal checkerboard?

No: here the two pieces differ in size and shape.

Technical references

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