Parquet flooring comes in many styles, most of which we have looked at in previous blogs including mansion weave, chevron and herringbone, but there is one very popular pattern that we are yet to explore and it’s called basket weave.

From its captivating pattern and beauty to its complexity and unique charm, this is the type of wood flooring that will elevate any space in which it is fitted...

The history of basket weave

Basket weave was first established when parquet flooring rose to popularity in France in the mid to late 1600’s.
It was used in the homes of the rich and the royal which is why it is often associated with elegance and lends itself best to more classic interiors and period homes.

Basket weave designs were originally created by hand which was a difficult and time-consuming process; however, we now have the tools and technology to fit basket weave flooring with ease.

It’s most commonly used when fitting exotic wood species, such as Jatoba, Teak and Iroko, which further emphasises the luxury associated with the basket weave design.

Basket weave flooring was out of style for many decades but has returned to the forefront of interior trends with a vengeance in recent years.

What does basket weave look like?

Basket weave is a complex pattern that lives up to its telling name with the grain and wood colour playing a critical role.

There are several different versions but the idea behind each one is to create the effect that your floor planks are interwoven so the wood panels look as though they are weaved under and over one another.

The simplest version is made up of small squares that contain planks of wood running in the same direction which are then fitted perpendicular to one another. See an example below:

Versailles basket weave is when the planks of wood look as though they are literally intertwined which creates a repeated diamond shape that is filled by a square block of flooring. It’s a more traditional basket weave pattern.

As with any parquet flooring, it makes for an interesting alternative pattern to straight wood flooring planks and it is one of the most popular parquet styles thanks to its stunning and unique aesthetic that can make any space look, and feel, opulent.

Where can you fit basket weave flooring?

Basket weave can work in almost every space but it is best suited to larger rooms where the design can be seen in its full potential.

You will most often find basket weave flooring in schools, village halls and older, traditional commercial/public buildings as this is when basket weave flooring became a huge trend for these kinds of spaces.
It also works best in period properties or homes that lend themselves to classic interior rather than contemporary/modern because of its grand nature and regal elegance.

You do need to keep in mind that, due it’s complexity, this style of flooring will need to be finished (i.e. sanded, filled etc.) after it has been fitted rather than installing prefinished boards that will result in gaps.

This means that you will need to factor in additional time and costs for the installation of basket weave flooring wherever you choose to have it.