In the world of those who build out the web platform, and CSS in particular, there’s some drama.
- The Webkit team at Apple have put forth a compelling proposal for how to make the Pinterest-style layout (aka, ‘masonry’) by building on CSS grid.
- The Chrome team at Google have an alternative approach to the same problem, introducing a new ‘masonry’ display type as a peer to flex and grid.
The folks at the ShopTalk Show talked through the state of the debate with a Google rep in episode 614.
My take is lukewarm:
- “Masonry” layout is too specific a use case and not valuable enough to build in to the web platform.
- I needed grid and flex a million times before they came along. I don’t think I’ve ever found myself needing masonry layout.
If you need it, that’s great. It doesn’t have to be for everyone. There is a cost to adding to the platform though.