By Lauren HollandUpdated November 2026
A herringbone backsplash in kitchen walls gives you a zigzag pattern that reads as tailored and dynamic at the same time. This guide walks through the layout decisions, tile sizing, measuring and installation sequence so the pattern lands square at the outlets and corners. Work through these steps before you mix any thinset, and you will avoid most of the rework that makes this pattern frustrating.
Choose the Tile Shape and Size First
Rectangular tiles are the standard choice for a herringbone layout, and the ratio matters more than the exact size. A 2:1 ratio, such as a 3 by 6 inch subway-style tile, produces a clean 90-degree zigzag when each piece is laid at a right angle to its neighbor. Ratios close to 1:1 look more like a basket weave and need different math.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Backsplash Tiles for Kitchen Walls in 2026.
Smaller tiles, around 2 by 4 inches, show more movement and suit a tight, busy kitchen. Larger tiles, around 4 by 8 inches, create a bolder, more open pattern that works well on a long, uninterrupted wall. Pick one size and stick with it across the whole field.
Plan the Layout Before You Set a Single Tile
Measure the backsplash area in inches, then mark the centerline of the wall. Start the pattern from the centerline rather than a corner so you can balance cuts on both ends. If the centerline lands in the middle of a tile, you will end up with thin slivers at each side, which look careless behind a range.
Dry-lay a few rows on the floor to check the rhythm. Pay attention to where the pattern meets the outlets, the window trim and the range hood. Cutouts for outlets should fall at a tile seam or inside a whole tile whenever possible, because a pattern broken by a small offcut is the first thing the eye catches.
Mark a Reference Line
Snap a level horizontal line at the height of your starting row, usually just above the countertop plus a small gap for caulk. Check it with a laser level if you have one, and verify it again before you move on. Everything in the pattern depends on this line.
Install the Herringbone Pattern in Order
- Set the first tile at the centerline with its long edge at 45 degrees to the reference line, then butt the second tile at a right angle to the first.
- Work outward in both directions, alternating the orientation so each new pair forms a V shape.
- Use tile spacers consistently, and check every few rows with a straightedge to confirm the zigzag stays aligned.
- Trim cut pieces at the edges with a wet saw, and keep cut tiles on the same side of the pattern when you can.
- Allow the thinset to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before grouting, then seal natural stone or porous tile as specified.
Recommended gear
A wet saw with a diamond blade makes clean angled cuts on tile edges, which matters when you are trimming at the ends of each row. View on Amazon
A laser level helps you hold the reference line and the vertical centerline across a long wall. View on Amazon
Plastic tile spacers keep joint widths uniform so the zigzag does not drift over several feet. View on Amazon
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting from a corner, which often leaves narrow, awkward cuts at the opposite end.
- Ignoring the reference line, which lets small errors compound until the pattern visibly leans.
- Placing an outlet cutout in the middle of a tile when a seam would hide it better.
- Mixing tile sizes or ratios within the same pattern, which breaks the geometry.
- Grouting before the thinset has fully cured, which can shift tiles out of alignment.
Is a Herringbone Pattern Right for Your Kitchen?
A kitchen with herringbone backsplash works best when the cabinets and counters are fairly plain, since the pattern provides the visual interest. Pairing it with a busy countertop or heavily veined stone can make the wall feel crowded. If you are comparing this look with simpler options, the guide to Backsplash Patterns for the Kitchen: 8 Layouts and How to Choose covers how other layouts handle the same space.
Material choice affects both the look and the upkeep. Ceramic and porcelain are the most forgiving for beginners, while stone needs sealing and more careful cutting. For a broader comparison of surfaces, see Stone Backsplash for Kitchen: 7 Best Options for Durability and Style and Kitchen Backsplash Guide: Tile, Stone and Easy Care.
If you are weighing other materials for the same wall, Quartz Backsplash for Kitchen: 7 Best Picks Compared (2026) and Kitchen White Backsplash Ideas: 5 Best Picks Compared for 2026 show how a clean backdrop changes the balance of a patterned wall.
FAQ
Is a herringbone backsplash harder to install than a standard tile layout?
Yes, it takes more planning because every cut has to match a 45-degree or 90-degree angle. Careful layout and a reliable reference line make it manageable for a patient DIYer.
Which tile size works best for a herringbone pattern?
A 2:1 rectangle, such as 3 by 6 inches, produces the classic zigzag most cleanly. Smaller or larger tiles of the same ratio work too, as long as you keep the ratio consistent.
Should I start the pattern from a corner or the center?
Start from the centerline of the wall so cuts balance on both ends. Starting from a corner often leaves a thin, awkward sliver at the other side.
Conclusion
A herringbone pattern rewards measuring and planning more than speed. Set your ratio, mark a true centerline and install in order, and the zigzag will hold its shape wall to wall. Consult a licensed tile installer if the wall has structural or plumbing concerns behind it.
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About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen design & remodeling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
