Herringbone Flooring FAQ's
What Is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone flooring is the most popular style of parquet flooring, referring to the pattern in which a floor is laid. Inspired by nature, the name originates from the Herring fish as the pattern closely resembles the structure of fish bones. It is available in all types of flooring including solid and engineered wood, laminate, and LVT. Herringbone flooring is usually laid at 45° angles, creating an alternating 'V' shape pattern.
Is Parquet Flooring The Same As Herringbone?
No, parquet flooring is a general term for this style of intricate flooring. The term refers to all styles of parquet, from Herringbone to Chevron and more.
Are Herringbone Floors In Style?
Herringbone flooring is a classic yet timeless design, so we can't see it going out of style anytime soon. It offers a design twist on traditional flooring, so if you're looking for a floor that stands out from the rest, it's definitely recommended.
If you want something truly timeless, consider neutral herringbone flooring, such as Natural Oak.
Are Herringbone Floors Expensive?
Herringbone flooring (or any parquet floor) is usually more expensive to buy, but not by a huge amount. The small increased costs usually come from the construction, where two separate boards are needed. For example, with herringbone floors, 'Left' and 'Right' or 'A' and 'B' boards are needed for the installation. However, thanks to modern advances in flooring technology, there are cost-effective alternatives. If budget is your main concern, you’ll want to browse through our laminate herringbone options or LVT herringbone options.
If you plan on having a professional installation, you may find the installation cost is higher too. You’ll want to keep this in mind ahead of your project, so you’re not taken by surprise.
Why Choose Herringbone Flooring?
Our customers often choose herringbone flooring when looking for a finish that delivers all the benefits of other wood floors, such as being hard-wearing and easy to maintain, that's also a little 'outside the box' with the added charm and flair that herringbone brings.
It's worth noting that the term 'herringbone flooring' simply refers to the pattern in which the flooring is laid and not the type or material of the flooring itself. Therefore, the benefits of the flooring will be directly related to the type. For instance, an LVT herringbone will have different qualities to a solid wood herringbone.
Types Of Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone flooring is available in a variety of flooring types, including solid wood, engineered wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). All parquet, including herringbone, is available in a number of colours and wood finishes too, from contemporary greys to striking smoked oaks.
If you're looking for a niche finish, consider a natural, unfinished oak parquet that can be finished with any bespoke lacquer or oil.
Is Laminate Flooring Available In Herringbone?
We have a range of laminate herringbone floors available, offering the perfect budget-friendly alternative to traditional herringbone floors. These laminates have been specifically manufactured with left and right alternating planks, designed to be laid in a herringbone style.
Is LVT Flooring Available In Herringbone?
As with most flooring types, several styles of LVT Herringbone floors are available. Our vinyl herringbone floors are perfect for adding an element of class to rooms where solid wood may not be the most conventional, such as bathrooms.
Herringbone Flooring For Underfloor Heating?
Engineered parquet flooring is suitable for use with most water-based underfloor heating systems, as it's structurally stable enough to deal with fluctuations in heat.
However, we don't recommend electric underfloor heating systems, regardless of flooring style, type, or finish, as these systems create 'heat spikes' which can create long-term damage.
If you are considering an underfloor heating system with your parquet flooring, we recommend using a specifically designed underfloor heating underlay.
Is Herringbone Flooring Waterproof?
No matter whether you opt for a herringbone or any other pattern of flooring, the water resistance is based upon the flooring type; meaning some herringbone floors are waterproof and some aren't. If you are looking for a waterproof floor, opt for one of our LVT herringbone floors. All of our LVT floors are 100% waterproof.
How Hard Is It To Lay Herringbone Flooring?
Even though herringbone flooring looks far more complex than other flooring types, it's still relatively easy to lay. As always, preparation is key when laying your flooring, but once you've got started it's a pretty simple process.
Most herringbone flooring comes in either two separate packs; 'A' and 'B' or mixed packs with 'Left' and 'Right' planks. If you alternate between the two when fitting, you'll end up with a stunning finish.
What Direction To Lay Herringbone Flooring?
There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to laying herringbone flooring, however, most professional floor fitters recommend laying herringbone towards focal points such as windows or fireplaces. Laying parquet at a 45° angle to walls is also an easy way to ensure an impactful finish.
Should Herringbone Flooring Have A Border?
Using a border with herringbone flooring (or other parquet styles), in most cases, is a matter of preference. Whilst laying herringbone without a border is considered much easier, single-line and double-line borders can add an extra touch of elegance, outline focal points within a room and smooth the transition from one room to another.
In larger rooms or on bigger flooring projects, some customers choose to elevate their parquet further with a thinner 'inset strip' of contrasting wood (or metal), which creates a sharp border and clearly defines the room.
If you are considering using a border with your herringbone it pays to do your research! Find a style that really suits you and remember it will add time and difficulty to your installation.
How Much Wastage For Herringbone Flooring?
When purchasing and installing a herringbone floor, we always suggest that you have an extra 10% for wastage. This is common practice for most floor types and will allow you to get the most from your installation. It will also cover you should you (or your fitter) make any mistakes whilst cutting.
How To Protect Herringbone Floors In High Traffic Areas
Flooring is an investment, and in order to protect your investment there are some general rules you should follow.
To keep your flooring in top condition you should:
- Avoid using a wet mop or large amounts of water during cleaning (this doesn't apply to LVT as it is waterproof).
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scourers (particularly with wood flooring).
- Use mats or rugs in high traffic areas such as entrances.
- Add felt floor protectors to chair and table legs or any furniture that might move around and scratch your floor.
For more information on how to maintain or refinish your floors, visit our maintenance centre.