Basket Weave Tile Pattern Ideas

Traditional Basket Weave

• The traditional basket weave pattern mimics the same pattern often seen using brick and can be described as two rectangular tiles placed side by side vertically followed by two rectangular tiles placed together horizontally -- same size as the vertical ones -- in a checker board layout. This type of basket weave is ideal for rooms with lots of exposed floor space, such as a living area or game room. Tiles sized 3 inches by 6 inches or 6 inches by 12 inches are ideal for use in a large basket weave pattern.

  Two distinct colors, such as an off-white and a green or a brown and a golden yellow create a visually distinct basket weave pattern. Using two similar tile colors, like tan and brown creates a more subtle effect. A single color used throughout the basket weave pattern works to add texture to a floor where a two- or three-color pattern may be too distracting.

Basket Weave Variations

• Tile sizes can be varied to add further visual appeal in a basket weave tile pattern. A 6-inch square tile used with a 3 inch by 6 inch tile is one such variation. A 12-inch square tile used with a 6 by 12-inch tile is another. In this variation the square tile replaces two of the smaller tiles in an alternating checkerboard pattern -- one square tile, two rectangular tiles, one square tile, two rectangular tiles. Another twist to this variation alternates the direction of the rectangular tiles between horizontal and vertical. Adding a third color tile creates a more detailed and intricate pattern.

Mosaic Basket Weave Design

• A classic look for a bathroom or kitchen is a mosaic style basket weave. This small, intricate pattern is pre-made and attached to 12-inch square mesh sheets for easy installation. The pattern is more elegant in detail than a basket weave using square or rectangular tiles and provides the illusion of a woven basket. A variety of color patterns are offered by each manufacturer. Retail tile stores or manufacturer's representatives can address special order color combinations. Off the shelf basket weave patterns start at $20 a square foot.

Types of Basket Weave Tile

• The basket weave pattern can be created using a variety of tile materials, including stone, glass or ceramic. Tiles of stone with rich texture or color variation, such as marble, granite or slate, placed in a basket weave pattern provide a particularly sophisticated design. Glass tile basket weave patterns work well as a backsplash in kitchens or bathrooms and can add texture and visual interest when placed with solid surface countertops.