Choosing a tile pattern can feel just as important as choosing the tile itself — and two of the most popular classic layouts are herringbone and basketweave. Both have been used for centuries and suit a wide range of NZ homes, from villas to modern new builds. Understanding how they differ will help you pick the right look and avoid surprises during installation.
What Is a Herringbone Pattern?
Herringbone is created by laying rectangular tiles at 45-degree or 90-degree angles to each other in a V-shape, so that the end of one tile meets the side of the next. The result is a continuous zigzag that resembles the skeleton of a fish — hence the name. It's a dynamic, directional pattern that draws the eye along a surface, making it a popular choice for hallways, kitchen splashbacks, and bathroom floors.
There are two main herringbone variations:
- Standard herringbone – tiles are laid at 90 degrees to each other, creating a classic zigzag.
- Chevron herringbone – tiles are cut at an angle so the points meet perfectly, forming a sharper, more seamless arrow shape. Note that chevron requires specially cut tiles, which adds cost.
What Is a Basketweave Pattern?
Basketweave mimics the over-under weave of a woven basket. It's typically made using pairs of rectangular tiles arranged alternately in horizontal and vertical groups, often surrounding a small square tile in the centre. The effect is a repeating, interlocking grid that feels orderly and traditional.
Basketweave works beautifully in bathrooms, laundries, and period-style kitchens. It has a more symmetrical, contained feel compared to herringbone's flowing movement.
Common basketweave formats include:
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Herringbone | Basketweave |
|---|---|---|
| Visual effect | Dynamic, directional, modern | Symmetrical, traditional, contained |
| Best for | Hallways, splashbacks, feature floors | Bathrooms, laundries, period homes |
| Tile shape needed | Rectangles (e.g. 75×150mm, 100×200mm) | Rectangles + optional square accent |
| Cutting complexity | Moderate–high (angled cuts at edges) | Low–moderate |
| Grout lines | Diagonal, prominent | Grid-like, regular |
| Tile waste | Higher (more offcuts) | Lower |
| DIY difficulty | Moderate–challenging | Moderate |
Which Pattern Uses More Tiles?
Both patterns generate more waste than a straight grid lay, but herringbone — especially the 45-degree version — tends to produce more offcuts at the edges and corners. As a general rule, allow for at least 10–15% extra tiles for herringbone, and around 10% for basketweave, to account for cuts and breakages. Always buy a little extra and keep some in reserve for future repairs.
Grout Joints and Wet Areas
In wet areas like showers and bathroom floors, grout joint width and waterproofing matter as much as the pattern. BRANZ and the NZ Building Code (specifically Clause E3 – Internal Moisture) require that wet areas be properly waterproofed before tiling. This applies regardless of the pattern you choose. Use a quality flexible adhesive and grout suitable for wet areas — products from Ardex or Mapei are well regarded in the NZ trade.
For herringbone in a shower, keep in mind that the diagonal grout lines can make waterproofing membrane laps slightly trickier to plan around — something an experienced tiler will manage confidently.
Setting Out: The Key to Getting It Right
Both patterns require careful setting out before a single tile is fixed. This means finding the centre of the room or wall, dry-laying tiles to check the pattern works symmetrically, and adjusting so you don't end up with tiny slivers at the edges.
- For herringbone, start from a central line and work outward, keeping your angle consistent.
- For basketweave, establish a clear grid reference and confirm your repeat unit fits the space evenly.
Rushing the setting-out stage is the most common cause of a pattern that looks "off" once finished.
Which Pattern Suits NZ Homes?
Herringbone has surged in popularity in NZ over the past decade, particularly in subway-tile splashbacks and timber-look floor tiles. It suits contemporary, Scandi, and coastal styles common in newer NZ builds.
Basketweave has a timeless quality that complements villas, bungalows, and character homes — styles you'll find throughout Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. It's a natural fit if you're restoring period features or want a classic bathroom look.
When to Call a Professional
While an experienced DIYer can tackle either pattern, both are more demanding than a standard straight lay. Herringbone in particular requires precise angle-cutting with a wet saw, consistent spacing, and confident setting out. Mistakes are costly in both time and materials.
If your project involves a shower, bathroom floor, or any wet area, we strongly recommend using a qualified tiler. Waterproofing in these areas is critical to meet the NZ Building Code, and poor installation can lead to leaks and structural damage. You can find licensed, experienced local tilers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
For rental properties, landlords should also be aware of Healthy Homes Standards requirements around moisture control, which proper tiling and waterproofing directly supports.