SPC herringbone flooring brings the elegance of parquet flooring without the usual upkeep. This guide explains what it is, the shades available, installation methods, pricing and where it works best, so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your home.

SPC flooring explained

SPC stands for stone plastic composite, a rigid-core vinyl flooring made from limestone, PVC and stabilisers. The dense core makes it 100% waterproof, resistant to dents, and stable even with underfloor heating. Unlike laminate, moisture won't cause it to swell or lift. It fits over most existing subfloors using a click-lock system, with no need for adhesive. For a full breakdown of how SPC is made and where it performs best, read our guide to SPC flooring.

What is herringbone?

Herringbone is a laying pattern where rectangular planks sit at right angles to each other, forming a repeating zigzag. Named after the bones of a herring fish, it's one of the oldest patterns in flooring. The angled design adds movement and interest, working well in period homes, hallways and open-plan spaces.

Why choose SPC herringbone flooring?

SPC herringbone combines a striking pattern with genuine practicality. Here's what makes it stand out from other parquet-style options:

  • It's fully waterproof, so spills, humidity and steam won't cause the swelling or warping you'd get with wood or laminate parquet.

  • The rigid stone-composite core resists scratches and dents, handling heavy furniture, pets and daily foot traffic with ease.

  • Most planks include a pre-attached underlay, adding comfort underfoot and reducing noise transfer between rooms.

  • It's compatible with underfloor heating, since the rigid core stays dimensionally stable even with consistent temperature changes.

  • The click-lock system means no glue is needed, making fitting quicker and less messy than traditional wood parquet.

  • It needs very little upkeep. Regular sweeping and an occasional damp mop keep it looking its best, with no sealing required.

Which rooms are SPC herringbone flooring suitable for?

Thanks to its waterproof, stable construction, SPC herringbone works in more rooms than most patterned floors. Here's where it performs best:

  • Bathrooms: SPC herringbone handles standing water, steam and humidity without swelling or lifting, making it one of the few patterned flooring options suited to full bathrooms and en-suites.

  • Kitchens: The waterproof core and scratch-resistant surface cope well with spills, dropped pans and heavy foot traffic, while the pattern adds character to open-plan kitchen spaces.

  • Hallways: SPC herringbone's dense core and thick wear layer hold up well against daily wear and tear, including grit, moisture and constant footfall.

  • Living rooms and dining rooms: SPC herringbone copes well with furniture weight and everyday family life, while its wood-effect finish gives these rooms a striking, elegant focal point.

  • Utility rooms and home offices: The waterproof construction suits utility rooms exposed to appliance humidity, and in home offices, it resists wear from office chair castors.

How much does SPC herringbone flooring cost?

SPC herringbone flooring typically costs more than standard plank SPC, reflecting the extra cutting and precision needed to create the pattern. Across our range, prices generally sit between £35 and £45 per m², depending on plank thickness, wear layer depth and finish. Thicker planks (around 5mm to 6mm) and those with a 0.5mm wear layer tend to sit at the higher end. Remember to factor in underlay if your chosen product doesn't include a pre-attached layer, plus fitting costs if you're using a professional installer.

SPC herringbone flooring installation types

SPC herringbone can be installed in a couple of different ways, depending on the product and subfloor. Here's what each method involves:

  • Click-lock (floating): The most common method for SPC flooring. Planks interlock along their edges and float over the subfloor without adhesive, making it faster to fit and easy to lift later if needed.

  • Loose lay: A less common method that relies on the weight and friction of the planks to hold the floor in place, without a locking system or glue.

For a full step-by-step walkthrough, read our guide on how to lay SPC flooring.

What shades does SPC herringbone flooring come in?

Our SPC herringbone range spans light, neutral and grey wood-effect tones to suit different interiors. Linen Oak and Natural Oak offer a soft, warm base for bright, traditional spaces. Sahara Oak and Windsor Oak bring richer, mid-brown tones suited to classic schemes. Greywood Oak and Rustic Grey Oak give contemporary grey finishes, while White Oak and Slate Grey suit modern, pared-back interiors. Order free samples to see shades in your own space.

How to decide if herringbone SPC flooring is the right choice for your home

A few practical factors will help you decide if SPC herringbone is right for your space.

  1. Consider your room's moisture exposure: If you're flooring a bathroom, kitchen or utility room, SPC's waterproof core is an advantage over wood parquet.

  2. Think about your budget: SPC herringbone costs more than straight-lay SPC, so weigh the pattern's visual impact against your overall project cost.

  3. Check your subfloor condition: A flat, sound subfloor makes fitting easier and gives the best result, whichever installation method you choose.

  4. Factor in installation time: Herringbone takes longer to lay than plank flooring, so budget extra time or a professional fitter's day rate accordingly.

  5. Match the shade to your interior: Lighter tones suit bright, modern spaces, while warmer or grey finishes complement traditional or contemporary schemes.

SPC herringbone flooring gives you a striking pattern with waterproof, low-maintenance practicality built in. Browse our full SPC herringbone range or order free samples to see how the shades look in your own home before you buy.