There is nothing wrong with that floor.

Flo Mangan: Nope, the shower floor wasn't started before the main floor. Yes I agree, I do think it looks wider now. Just a bit taken back! I will discuss with him tomorrow. Thank you!

I can surely appreciate your frustration. Makes me crazy when you go to such extra lengths to get exactly what you want and then for some unexplainable reason the crews do something else. I'll bet he will have an explanation. Do tell us what he says?

You are actually very lucky to have found a competent tiler who has done a beautiful job. Whilst it isn't what you expected, you only have to scroll through these pages to see some of the terrible tiling jobs others are left with. It does make the room look wider and I'm sure you will grow to like it. Look at the positive - it is an intricate floor done well.

Flo Mangan: Exactly! Yes, I'll be sure to.

Janelle: That is definitely true! Thank you. I'm sure it will grow on me. I was just very surprised.

P.S. Is there a more proper way to tag people on here or no?

In my opinion your eye travels better the way he has installed it. So, yes. To me it looks better than originally planned (not that it looked bad the way you had planned it, just different and personal preference)...

That would be quite frustrating. It seems you did all you could to ensure that it was right and they still got it wrong. It does look very good though. He did a great job. I think the flow is better since it leads into the space next to the shower instead of being squished in there (how I assume it would look if it were the other direction). I would look at this and the way you wanted it and decide which you prefer. If you want it the other way, have him redo it. Just don't let him grout it before you decide.

I love that floor! Simply gorgeous... in either direction. :)

I think your goal of wanting your floor to flow smoothly in and out of the room was better achieved with this layout of tile. I would give the installer a big thank you, after mentioning he reversed the layout from what you wanted.

Leave well enough alone please. It looks great!!

IMO this is a perfect job layout and all do no rock the boat , you are very lucky to have this pro.

Respondents already know my opinion concerning this so I won't repeat myself. If this is the job I believe it to be, then one thing I can say is that at least your tiler is consistent, he ignores your desires and just does it his way.

Graham

It is a beautiful installation. Looks much better than the original plan. Thank the guy for correcting that and move on to the grout. A very light gray, I'm assuming? And sealing. What sealer are you depending on here to keep most of the stains at bay?

I like it. nice job.

On the plus side, when you're sitting on the toilet, you'll be looking at the tile the direction you prefer! :)

I'd be super-mad about this, but I'd also let it be because the job is beautifully done and matches the shower. But I'd want him to dot every i from here on out!!

Had the same problem with our hallway leading to the bedrooms. I wanted to emphasize the length of the hallway and when it was installed crosswise, it shocked me also so I asked them to redo. Looking at the two photos side by side, I am not sure if I made the right decision.

He definitely should've told you before he switched things, but it does look better this way. Congrats on your new floor!

As beautiful a job as that is, it is not as planned. A quick discussion, with appraisal for the workmanship and a reminder that it is NOT the direction you had wished is a good way to start. Start with the compliment about workmanship (it is very good) and then move towards the "concern".

I would allow the tiler to come up with his/her own solution. Perhaps a small discount on the job or a "freebee" on another project (like kitchen backsplash or something).

This is a beautiful job with lovely craftsmanship...but poor listening skills. A little nudge to remind the person that another outcome was desired. I would suggest that you keep it - it is quite lovely - yet humbly accept a small discount for the "not listening" part.

As someone in the flooring business, I know WHY s/he did it this way: herring bone likes to have a longer, wider floor to "stretch it's legs". And his/her direction allows the pattern to stretch out and show off. That's the reason behind the "not listening". S/he was trying to show off the work to the best advantage = the direction you see.

That being said, it would have worked just fine the way you had wanted it...which is why a small amount of discount can be looked for/asked for (doesn't have to be big...but it should be there). It is a reminder that a homeonwer's vision should be respected and only when it is NOT technically possible to work the vision should a tile setter over rule the vision....and ONLY with a frank discussion with homeowner.

Lovely flooring BTW.

@GreenDesigns: Using Laticrete Pro Premium grout in Silver Shadow (light grey). They said they'd use 511 Impregnator to seal.

@acm: LOL, very funny. I will be sure to check out the pattern while on the toilet!

@jj_boschi: Thank you for sharing the photos. Very tough choice! I still think yours looks great.

@Cancork Floor Inc: Thank you for the insight. Much appreciated.

We spoke with him and he said he switched it because he was having awkward cuts going the other direction. He offered to redo it the other way but we will be keeping it as is. It has grown on us a lot.

Here's a slight update photo:

For anyone curious about the off-center drain, this is in a high-rise and we cannot move the drain. The previous shower had a 5" wide curb lining up with the pony wall. We removed the curb to make the shower both level to the main floor and slightly wider for improved wheelchair access.

Looks beautiful, enjoy your new bathroom!

Thank you!

Yes, you and nyc designer will be happy when all is done :)

Very beautiful and so great to have a "functional" space be so beautifully done! Glad it worked out.

That came out so lovely....

Not buying the "awkward cuts" excuse by him because I can't see why....but it really does flow well and it looks beautiful.

Ahhhh...awkward cuts. Yes. That will happen with herring bone and pony walls. Still, he should have let you know that it was his only option to prevent weird cuts.

And some of the BIGGEST complaints from clients come from "awkward" cuts. You should HEAR the screeching that happens when weird cuts happen on installs like this. Still, a heads up would have been wise - on his part.

That's a gorgeous job. The shower tiles point toward the drain I believe which is better for drainage. And the floor tiles align with the shower tiles at the grout lines which shows craftsmanship. Beautiful marble.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

It came out beautiful and so glad for you!

Looks great. Hard to do a herringbone of a natural stone with a small grout but it turned out really well done.

Mark, are those 4x12 or 4x16? I'm getting the exact same thing on my floors and ordered 4x16 honed carrara. It's a square area in front of the vanity, which faces the door when you walk in. Also wondering which way to lay them. Long-wise or short-wise, going from front to back (or side to side). do you have a larger pic?

He did a good job. But why he keeps defying you without communicating is mysterious. But the top of the stairs hallway does look better in the first pic... both ways are fine there too... just saying he does probably pick better than you. But that's not his job without communicating unless he wants to keep having to redo things if he upsets the customer!