Running bond (brick bond) pattern
Running bond — also called brick bond or staggered — offsets each row by a percentage of the tile length. The standard brick bond uses a 50% offset (each tile starts at the midpoint of the tile below). It's the most popular pattern for subway tile.
Offset options
- 50% (half-bond): Classic brick look. Works with any rectangular tile.
- 33% (third-bond): Common with larger plank tiles (6×24, 8×48). Creates a more random-looking stagger.
- 25% (quarter-bond): Subtle stagger. Recommended by some manufacturers for large-format tile to avoid lippage.
Why running bond wastes less than herringbone
In a running bond layout, cuts at the walls are simple straight cuts, and the off-cut from one end of a row can typically be used to start the next row. This makes it nearly as efficient as a straight grid.