Carpet tiles are manufactured in a range of shapes other than square, including:

• rectangular
  
  
• triangular
  
  
• hexagonal.

The installation procedures are basically the same as for square tiles, but the layout patterns are different because of the changed proportions.

Set out below are the main patterns and laying sequences used in rectangular tile installations.

Note that in these examples there are now three chalk lines marked on the floor. The third line allows you to offset every second tile to achieve the different patterns.

Brick

Start in one quadrant and lay the tiles in pairs, with the arrows facing each other, as shown in the diagram. Then allow the tiles to flow into the other quadrants.

Lay the tiles in the sequence shown in the diagram, starting either side of line B, at the intersection of lines A and B.

Boxed in

Start on either side of line B, where it intersects the lines A and B, as shown at right.

Note that this time, tile 1 is turned at right angles to tile 2, and that tiles 3 and 4 are boxed in by the tiles around them.

Allow the tiles to flow into the other quadrants as you work.

Basket weave

Start at the intersection of lines A and B, with the first two tiles facing in opposite directions. Lay the tiles in pairs, with each pair turned at right angles to the other pair, and the arrows opposing each other.

Half basket weave

Lay the tiles as you would for the full basket weave, but this time only place a single tile across the ends of the other pair. Work in columns as you form the half basket weave pattern.

Herringbone

Start in one quadrant and build up the herringbone pattern by laying each successive tile at right angles to the previous one. Let the tiles flow into the opposite quadrant as you go.

Other shapes

The rectangular patterns shown above are just some of the examples of different layouts that can be used with carpet tiles.

The range of patterns can be extended even further by triangular, hexagonal or non-symmetrical shapes.

The image at right shows a Shaw Contract hexagonal carpet tile floor.