Anyone choosing a format for limestone or marble will sooner or later come across the term falling lengths. For most people it is an unfamiliar expression – unless you happen to be a stonemason. Here we explain what it means and why it is one of the most classic ways of laying stone.
Fixed width, varying length
Falling lengths means that the tiles all have the same width but different lengths. The width is fixed, for example 20 or 30 cm, while the length normally varies between 40 and 80 cm. If you order 30 cm falling lengths, you get tiles that are all 30 cm wide but may be, say, 45, 64 and 78 cm long.
The lengths are not distributed according to any scheme. The tiles are picked at random from production, which gives a natural, even spread of lengths in every delivery.
A classic way of laying stone
Many of the stone floors you see around you are laid in falling lengths, often without you noticing until you look more closely. The variation in length gives the floor life and rhythm, while the fixed width holds the whole together. The result is calm and harmonious – lively without being restless.
The sketch below shows what a layout with 30 cm falling lengths can look like. The principle is the same on walls as on floors and works just as well in bathrooms as in hallways and kitchens.
Minimal waste
Falling lengths are also a resource-efficient way of using the stone. Already at the quarry, as much as possible of each block can be used when the tiles are cut in varying lengths, and when laying, practically every tile can be put to use. Waste is minimal – both in production and in your home.
In the picture, one of our customers is laying a floor with Lindanäs with a brushed finish in falling lengths. The layout gives the floor a classic look, and the brushed surface adds a soft, rustic feel.
Tip: mix widths
If you want to add even more variation, you can combine falling lengths with several widths, for example 20 and 30 cm in the same floor. This gives an even more lively, handcrafted result.
