Slate Pattern

[MdB]

Option 1

Option 2

This is causing a bit of an argument between Mrs MdB and myself so we thought a few additional viewpoints would be useful. We are at the stage of fitting the slate floor and the pattern we use is up for debate. We can either run the same pattern throughout or we could change the pattern as it goes through each doorway using a strip of slate as threshold between the two areas. The utility room (bottom right hand room) already has the slate fitted into it so that is fixed but the rest can be changed.

 

[Pford75]

Have voted for same pattern throughout. Without this, the view from one room to another will be incongruent and the rooms will seem smaller

 

[Feltwell]

That's a tough one. My initial inclination is for the same throughout - but then, the problem is the pattern goes out of centre. Your utility room has the tiles centred such that the width of the cut tile on the left is the same as on the right, but as you move into your main and other rooms that effect will be lost and you'll have odd sizes round all 4 edges. As to if you'll notice it or not - that's down to you! My OCD means I would!

Because of that, my vote is for Option 2 using a slate threshold in the doorways - it will also help the rooms appear more seperate.

 

[Penners]

I would go with option 2, primarily because with that layout you have the longer dimension of the tiles running across the room in every case. Received wisdom suggests that if you have the longer dimension running down the room, it will look longer and narrower. Set across the room, however, they will tend to make it look wider.

But it's pretty difficult to tell from a drawing*.


*As a matter of interest, what software did you use for the drawing?

 

[Penners]

Hmmm - so far the poll shows 50/50. No help at all!

 

[Sue Wilkinson]

Same throughout or I think it would look incongruous. Not to the point of obvious, but on a subliminal level it would jar a bit for me.

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Are there going to be doors in each of the doorways? remaining closed much or most of the time? Then option 2.
Option 1 is popular with people who want to pretend that by having simply removed the internal doors they now have a sweeping open-plan interior.

 

[robgil]

I best go and put them doors back on then.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Can I vote for option 3?

The same orientation in each room, but a random repeat rather than regular? I think it helps make a large expanse look less intimidating - and if your room is not exactly square, it helps disguise the tiling being off centre.

 

[MdB]

Additional votes from elsewhere are 50:50 either way.

It is looking like we will go for option 2 as it allows more adjustment to the positioning of the slates such that you don't end up with small sections near the wall. It has also been suggested that we turn a few of the slates through 90 degrees in random positions so as to break up the pattern a bit.

The drawing package used was Sketch up. I'm still getting to used to it but it doesn't take long to get the hang of most things especially if you watch the tutorials (annoying American voice though).

 

[Penners]

The drawing package used was Sketch up.

OK - is that the free one that integrates with Google Earth? I've heard of it but never got round to having a go. It looks rather good (in the hands of someone competent!).

 

[Moo]

Serves me right for voting before reading the comments. Please sir, can I change my mind and vote for option 3?

 

[BlueC]

No real opinion on the direction of the tiles, but can I vote for dark grout instead of light?

 

[CliffordPope]

Seconded - dark grout!

In any case they are the wrong dimensions for a period look. Square tiles, offset, look nicer.

 

[MdB]

First bit is now done ready for Christmas. Thankfully...

 

[Feltwell]

Very nice!

 

[Zebra]

Wow, very nice MdB!! You posted that at 1:22 am on Christmas Eve, are you going flat out to get it done before Christmas?!

 

[MdB]

Wow, very nice MdB!! You posted that at 1:22 am on Christmas Eve, are you going flat out to get it done before Christmas?!

Never believe posting times they can sometimes be a little inaccurate...

(just back from the pub at 1:15 am on Christmas Day!)

First time the sofa has been downstairs for three and a half years.

 

[AMc]

I'd go the same throughout but probably a little late

RE Sketchup - it's a very powerful tool and very easy to use but you need to follow a few of the video tutorials or you'll be hopelessly lost.
I used it extensively to visualise the autocad 2d plans for our place and make some key decisions about layout and the vinery glazing.
The older free versions import DWG files but the newer ones don't. The Pro version (which is still cheap for 3D software) is/was time limited for 8 hours use and will output scale drawings - so if you need scale plans you can use the free one to draw them, then fire up the pro version to output them - as long as you're quick each time

 

[MdB]

Sorry for all the pics (I know how you hate them) but Mrs MdB just found a before picture. (Including me with hair - well at least some...)

During:

And now:

It has taken us 3 and a half years but I was just thinking what we have done in that time in this room (not in order):

• Front wall replaced (left hand wall in pics).
• Rear wall replaced and doorway moved (right hand wall in pics). Walls removed were 1970s badly built concrete block.
• Floor dug up (concrete) and replaced with underfloor heating included.
• Multiple layers of cement/render/tanking removed from old wall.
• Repoint old wall.
• Old fire removed, fireplace opened up with collapsed part rebuilt.
• Granite hearth and slate floor fitted.
• Chimney lined and stove fitted.
• Floor joists in ceiling doubled up.
• Ceiling plastered between joists.
• Complete rewire.