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

Opus and multi-size · 6 min read · updated 5 November 2026 · Written by Tilelico

This module fits a square three units wide. Its simplicity makes it easy to lay, at the price of a more regular look than the travertine arrangement.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Kitchen with an island of 4.90 × 4.20 m, Roman opus, 4 sizes, 4 mm joint

WholeCutCut under 100 mmIsland

The island forces the module to be cut in the middle of the floor, as well as at the edges. Many narrow cuts appear, flagged on the plan: shifting the grid may reduce them. The plan also shows the module staying recognisable from end to end.

Calculated result

Room area: 20.58 m²
Area covered: 17.89 m²
Whole pieces: 163
Cut pieces: 80
Actual need: 243
To order (+12%): 275
Waste with no offcut reuse: 21.7 %
Narrow cuts: 31

Order by size

400 × 400 mm78
200 × 400 mm69
400 × 200 mm68
200 × 200 mm60

Most frequent cuts

80 cuts in 24 different sizes.

C01 · 200 × 276 mm× 8
C02 · 200 × 68 mm× 8
C03 · 400 × 276 mm× 7
C04 · 322 × 200 mm× 7

Setting out and products

Starting point 322 mm from the west wall and 276 mm from the north wall, then a 608 × 608 mm repeat. Estimated products: 63 kg of adhesive and 6.1 kg of grout.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 4.90 × 4.20 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Island.
2Choose the covering: Roman opus, 4 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 a multi-size floor without complexity, in a kitchen, an entrance or a living room.

Best forMedium-sized rooms, and installers new to multi-size patterns.
Avoid ifYou want to hide all repetition: the travertine arrangement does this better.

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

Preparing the job

Check the stones’ actual dimensions and how the joint is handled: this module is calculated with the joint added between pieces.

Sort the sizes into stacks near the work area so you are not hunting for stones.

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

Step by step

Step 1 — Mark the module gridTransfer the module pitch in both directions, from the plan’s starting point.
Step 2 — Lay the first moduleAlways start with the large stone, then complete in the same order.
Step 3 — Repeat the moduleKeep the same orientation: a module turned by mistake is noticed immediately.
Step 4 — Take care around the islandCut as accurately as possible and dry-fit the stones along it.
Step 5 — Finish the edgesGroup cuts by reference before cutting starts.

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

Mistakes to avoid

Ordering equal numbers of each sizeQuantities depend on what the cuts consume: follow each size’s line.
Mixing joint modelsA joint-added module and a joint-included module are not set out the same way.

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

Is a full module needed along the walls?

No: stones are cut where the wall falls. Only the module grid stays continuous.

How should colours be spread?

Mix stones from several lots, without grouping similar shades.

Technical references

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