Brick Pattern Tile-Setting

One way to make tilework look more expensive is to lay it in an unusual pattern (diamond, herringbone, brick, and roman are just a few) or to add a liner or other decorative element to break up a large expanse of tile.  We've found that the most cost effective way to amp up the appearance of a new floor, backsplash, or shower surround, is to use inexpense square tiles set in a brick pattern.  On a floor or in a shower, a brick pattern tile job can make the space appear larger if it's oriented in the right direction.  It is also the easiest and fastest of the patterns to lay, does not require expensive accent tiles (which can run well over $25 per square foot), and is uncommon enough that it is likely to draw an 'ooh' of admiration from potential buyers.  Our tried and true kitchen backsplash, for example, uses matte 4"x4" bisque tiles in a brick pattern - the combination of the unusual matte finish and the unusual tiling pattern makes this $0.69/square foot backsplash an easy rival to those costing $10 per square foot and higher.