Roman opus in 3 sizes: a simple, economical band

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

One large stone and two stacked small ones form a repeating band. It is the simplest opus in this catalogue, and it lays quickly.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Entrance hall of 3.50 × 3.00 m, Roman opus, 3 sizes, 4 mm joint

WholeCutCut under 100 mmStaircase

In this small entrance, the staircase and the edges often cut into the band: narrow cuts are numerous and waste is high. This simple module is more at ease on an open area: shift the grid or compare with another pattern before ordering.

Calculated result

Room area: 10.50 m²
Area covered: 9.12 m²
Whole pieces: 98
Cut pieces: 55
Actual need: 153
To order (+12%): 173
Waste with no offcut reuse: 30.4 %
Narrow cuts: 37

Order by size

400 × 400 mm69
200 × 200 mm104

Most frequent cuts

55 cuts in 16 different sizes.

C01 · 396 × 98 mm× 10
C02 · 248 × 396 mm× 7
C03 · 48 × 396 mm× 7
C04 · 196 × 98 mm× 6

Setting out and products

Starting point 250 mm from the west wall and 100 mm from the north wall, then a 600 × 400 mm repeat. Estimated products: 32 kg of adhesive and 3.1 kg of grout.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 3.50 × 3.00 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Staircase.
2Choose the covering: Roman opus, 3 sizes, 4 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 small and medium areas, particularly entrances and wide hallways.

Best forEntrances, small areas and jobs where you want an opus that is easy to memorise.
Avoid ifYou want a very irregular look: the band stays visible.

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

Preparing the job

As its dimensions include the joint, the delivered stone is one joint smaller: check this with your supplier.

Prepare the two sizes in separate stacks near the work area.

Continue with: Alternating bands in 2 sizes: breaking regularity simply →

Step by step

Step 1 — Mark the bandsTransfer the module pitch from the plan’s starting point.
Step 2 — Dry-lay one bandCheck the vertical joint between two modules: it must match the others.
Step 3 — Lay in orderLarge stone, then the two small ones, always in the same sequence.
Step 4 — Check alignmentThe large stone crosses the line of the two small ones: check it with a straightedge.
Step 5 — Cut the edgesThere are few sizes: prepare them in one go.

Continue with: Travertine Roman opus: the laying and ordering guide →

Mistakes to avoid

Calculating the module without the jointThe vertical joint at the connection would double, and it would show across the whole area.
Treating the band as a free patternReversing the module changes the joints at the connection: always keep the same direction.

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

Are the two small stones identical?

Yes, the same size: they are ordered as one item, even though the module distinguishes their position.

Can this module be laid diagonally?

Yes, orientation remains adjustable in the editor. Edge cuts then increase noticeably.

Technical references

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