Laying terracotta hexagons: planning a tomette floor

By covering type · 6 min read · updated 5 November 2026 · Written by Tilelico

A tomette is a hexagonal terracotta tile, often irregular and porous. The joint and protection matter as much as the layout: they absorb differences between pieces and guard against stains.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Kitchen of 4.20 × 3.60 m, 14 × 16 cm, 4 mm joint

WholeCutCut under 100 mmIsland

The small size produces many pieces, and many narrow cuts along the edges and the island, flagged on the plan. The margin here is higher than usual, because handmade terracotta is also set aside when sorting.

Calculated result

Room area: 15.12 m²
Area covered: 12.75 m²
Whole pieces: 690
Cut pieces: 156
Actual need: 846
To order (+15%): 973
Waste with no offcut reuse: 10.3 %
Narrow cuts: 118

Most frequent cuts

156 cuts in 19 different sizes.

C01 · 140 × 72 mm× 29
C02 · 140 × 108 mm× 28
C03 · 84 × 160 mm× 14
C04 · 80 × 160 mm× 14

Setting out and products

Starting point 84 mm from the west wall and 195 mm from the north wall, then a 144 × 247 mm repeat. Estimated products: 45 kg of adhesive and 9.4 kg of grout.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 4.20 × 3.60 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Island.
2Choose the covering: 14 × 16 cm, 4 mm joint.
3Select the “Hexagonal” pattern.
4Set the distribution to “Balanced cuts” and the margin to 15%.

Open this example in the editor

When to choose it

It suits kitchens, entrances and character renovations, if the product and substrate allow it.

Best forIndoor floors where the terracotta’s patina is part of the effect.
Avoid ifYou want a very uniform or maintenance-free floor: the material is living and porous.

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

Preparing the job

Measure a sample of your tiles: from one handmade batch to another, the size varies and changes the row pitch.

Check the manufacturer’s specified lay, joint and protection before applying adhesive.

Continue with: Laying cement tile: layout, protection and grout →

Step by step

Step 1 — Sort the tilesMix several boxes dry, and set aside badly damaged pieces.
Step 2 — Mark the row axisStart from the most visible wall and transfer the real pitch, measured on your pieces.
Step 3 — Lay by nestingWork row by row, letting the joint absorb size differences.
Step 4 — Protect as the sheet saysPorous terracotta stains easily: respect the order of protection and grout.
Step 5 — Grout and cleanClean without delay, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Continue with: Laying zellige tile: irregularity, fine joints and layout →

Mistakes to avoid

Calculating from the nominal sizeA handmade batch differs from it: a small repeated difference shifts the whole room.
Grouting without protectionGrout can permanently mark a porous surface.

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

Which joint suits terracotta hexagons?

It is often wider than on porcelain, to absorb differences. The manufacturer’s sheet gives the width.

Can they go in a wet room?

It depends on the product, its protection and the exposed area. Check the sheet before choosing.

Technical references

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