Tessellated Tile Patterns Explained: Field, Borders and Corner Blocks
A tessellated floor has a main pattern, a border and smaller pieces that complete the design. Understanding these parts makes it easier to choose a new floor or describe an existing one.
Start with the whole layout. Then check the field, borders, corners and infill before ordering.
The four parts of a tessellated floor
1. The field
The field is the repeating pattern across the main floor area. Its shapes, colours and direction create the central design. Check how it fits inside the border, including cuts at doors and edges.
2. The border
A tessellated tile border frames the field. It can use plain strips, small squares or decorative motifs. Choose its width with the main pattern.
Ask whether the quote covers the complete border or separate bands. These are not always the same ordering unit.
3. The corners
Corners are where the border turns. Some designs use a separate corner piece; others continue or return in a different way. Mark both inside and outside corners on your sketch.
4. The infill
Infill fills the gaps between larger shapes. In Octagon & Dot, small square dots sit between the octagons. Confirm their colour and whether they are included in the pattern quantity.
Common tessellated tile patterns
Names can vary between suppliers. Use a photo and dimensions as well as the name when matching a floor. For a new design, compare the full repeat, colour contrast and border.
Checkerboard
Alternating square tiles form a checkerboard, also called chequerboard. Squares can run straight or diagonally. Changing direction affects the cuts where the field meets the border.
Octagon and dot
Octagon & Dot pairs octagonal tiles with small square dots. The dots can add an accent colour. Check octagon size, dot size and border width together, especially for a narrow entrance.
Hexagon
Six-sided tiles form a honeycomb layout. Different colours can create extra motifs. Compare a complete repeat and the edge treatment rather than a small cropped photo.
Basketweave
Basketweave uses pieces arranged in changing directions to create a woven effect. Some versions include small contrasting pieces at the joins. Check the actual shapes and dimensions in the chosen design.
Star and cross
Interlocking star and cross shapes create a detailed field. Review a full repeat and the cuts around the border. The name alone does not specify the components or installation work.
Diagonal field with a banded border
A plain or two-colour field can run diagonally inside straight border bands. Plan the joins at corners, doors and steps before confirming the layout.
Photos and measurements to send a supplier
Send a wide view and close-ups so we can assess the layout and individual tiles. Photos help us discuss the closest options, but cannot guarantee an exact match.
- Whole floor: show how the main pattern meets the border on all sides.
- Field: take a close-up from directly above, with a ruler in view.
- Border: show every band from the outside edge to the main pattern.
- Corner: show how the border changes direction.
- Measurements: include each tile shape, accessible thickness and overall floor dimensions.
- Loose tile: photograph any marks on its back if it is already loose. Do not lift sound tiles just for a photo.
Use daylight and tell us if the floor is wet, coated or stained. These can affect its apparent colour. Compare physical colour samples before confirming a replacement.
Plan where the pattern starts and finishes
Installers call this the set-out: the position and direction of the pattern within your floor. The same design can meet the edges differently when its starting point or border width changes.
- Check the centreline and edges. Compare cuts on both sides and alignment with the doorway. Agree how narrow edge pieces will be handled.
- Check the main views. Look from the entrance, street or adjoining room. Include any uneven boundaries.
- Plan borders and corners together. Confirm how the border turns, stops and meets each step before finalising quantities.
Ask to see a measured layout or suitable dry set-out. Base preparation, finished levels and drainage also need a separate site assessment.
Work out what to order
Mark the field, border, corners and feature tiles on a measured sketch. Our Octagon & Dot with Norwood planning guide shows how these parts work together.
Field tiles
Show the area inside the border, plus the pattern and colours. Keep the overall floor dimensions on the sketch so the field and border can be checked together. Ask how the selected pattern is supplied and measured.
Borders
Record lengths and the complete border design. Confirm whether the quote includes a finished border or separate strips. Do not multiply the perimeter by the number of bands unless that is how the supplier measures the order.
Corners, infill and feature tiles
Mark turns, curves, doors, posts and steps. Show where the border starts, stops or returns.
List dots, infill and any decorative EN feature-tile codes, including the size. Check whether each item is included in the pattern quantity or listed separately.
Cuts and spare tiles
Ask your installer to check the layout and agree the allowance. Floor shape, repeat and edge cuts all matter. Confirm whether the quote already includes cuts and spare tiles so they are not counted twice.
For worked area and border-width examples, use our tile measuring and cost guide.
For supply only, send your postcode and your installer’s measurements or tile schedule. For Sydney and Newcastle installation, also include photos of the base, steps and level changes.
Choosing a pattern when the original is missing
Decide whether you are recreating a documented floor or choosing a new heritage-inspired design. Old photos, surviving fragments and property records can help establish what was there.
- Use neighbouring floors for ideas, not as proof of your own home’s original design.
- Compare colour samples beside the brickwork, painted trim and front door.
- Choose the field and border together.
- Check a full repeat within your measured floor, including corners and steps.
For a listed home or a property in a heritage conservation area, check the applicable requirements before altering the floor.
Common questions about tessellated patterns
Do tessellated patterns have official names?
Not consistently. Names such as octagon and dot or basketweave are widely used, but suppliers may use different catalogue names. Photos and dimensions are more useful when matching an existing floor.
Can I have a custom pattern made?
We can discuss layouts, borders and colour combinations for your space. Send your design and measurements so we can check available shapes, sizes and components. Confirm any heritage requirements before changing a protected floor.
How wide should the border be?
Compare its width with the space left for the main pattern. Check both on a measured layout, including doors, posts and corners. There is no single percentage that suits every floor.
Do I need corner blocks?
It depends on the border and where it turns. Some designs use separate pieces; others continue differently. Show all corners on your sketch so we can confirm the components.
How much wastage should I allow?
Ask your installer to confirm cuts and spare tiles for the actual layout. Check whether they are already included in the quote. A generic percentage may not suit every pattern or floor shape.
Need help identifying or choosing a pattern?
Send photos of the field, border and corners with a ruler in view. We can discuss the layout, available options and the components needed for a quote.