Any offset can work, even a stacked, no offset. As to what might look best in your space, I’d need to see an image. There’s a mental math that takes place figuring out how much open space there is, how long your longest uninterrupted space is, how high the cabinets, etc... There’s also a stylistic factor; no offset gives a modern vibe, while 1/2 offset is solidly traditional. The 1/3 offset can look odd if you don’t have enough rows showing.

Post an image of your space. If you’re not sure how to do this, check out the New to Kitchens thread.

Speaking of math, you have 8” oF wall space and 9” tiles. If you don’t want skinny slivers of tile, you’ve got to talk with your installer to see what he plans to do about it. Installers are not mind readers as a rule. Even with planning and communication, [things like this happen.[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/new-kitchen-backsplash-i-can-either-cry-or-laugh-dsvw-vd~4293827)

I like no offset or 1/2 offset, and have used both, but I have never seen a 1/3 offset installation that appealed to me. The 1/3 offset just looks wrong to me!

The 1/3 offset would bother me. Just looking at the picture above bothers me. I also don’t like the look of no offset so my vote would be half.

All I see in the 1/3 offset is the stair-step effect it creates. I focus on those grout lines and don't really see the tile.

A 1/3 is sometimes suggested due to lipage. I'm not a huge fan of the look, but I would consider it with the longer tiles.

If you use good quality tiles and a good installer lipage should not be a problem.

Thank you for all the comments...never even thought about lipage. I will post the space once I get a few more tile samples and my doors back...major issues with profile cutter and finishing....big, big grrrrrr and sigh!

Rebunky: thank you fir the photo...it helps to see an installed 1/3 offset. Your backsplash looks lovely.

I have a similar dilemma with 3.5 x 14 subway tile - since this is so much longer I would assume 1/2 offset would look weird? Does anyone have experience with this size tile?

We installed these 4" x 10" tiles ourselves, and changed from a 1/2 offset to 1/3 at the last minute. I was not confident in my ability to get the offset perfect, so I thought the ~3" offset would help disguise layout imperfections. Our range backsplash is similar in appearance to the photo above. I prefer the randomness, as no layout was going to allow perfect symmetry there, while not causing slivers elsewhere. Sometimes you just have to work with the wall space :)