FAQ
What is herringbone flooring?
Herringbone flooring is a parquet style in which rectangular planks are laid at 90-degree angles to one another, creating a repeating V-shaped zigzag pattern. Named after the skeleton of a herring fish, it is one of the oldest and most enduring flooring patterns. Explore both engineered herringbone and solid wood herringbone flooring options.
What shades and finishes does herringbone engineered flooring come in?
Herringbone engineered flooring is available in a wide range of shades, from pale blonde and natural oak tones through to warm mid-browns, deep smoked tones and espresso finishes. Grey, white and black options suit more contemporary schemes. Finishes include brushed and lacquered, UV lacquered, brushed and oiled, and registry embossed, each offering a different look and level of surface protection to suit how the floor will be used.
What rooms and decors are herringbone wood flooring suited to?
Herringbone wood flooring works well in hallways, living rooms, kitchens and dining areas. The pattern adds visual interest to both period and contemporary interiors. Lighter shades keep smaller rooms feeling open, while darker tones add depth in larger spaces. For bathrooms and areas prone to splashes, we recommend exploring our LVT herringbone flooring range instead.
How thick should herringbone wood flooring be?
Our herringbone wooden flooring is available in thicknesses from 2mm to 18mm. Thinner boards (2–6mm) are suited to installations over underfloor heating or where floor height is a consideration. Mid-range boards (10–14mm) offer a good balance of stability and feel underfoot. For a more substantial, traditional finish, boards 15mm or thicker are worth considering. Check individual product pages for full specifications.
How to lay herringbone flooring
Laying herringbone parquet requires more planning and precision than straight-lay flooring. Boards must be carefully measured and cut to maintain the pattern, particularly around doorways and edges. For a neat, professional result, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced fitter. Our installation service connects you with trusted professionals who work to the highest standards.
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How to start herringbone flooring
Find the centre point of the room by measuring from opposite walls. Draw a chalk line along the central axis. This gives you a straight reference to begin your first row of boards. Starting from the centre and working outwards ensures the pattern remains balanced and symmetrical across the full floor area.
Which direction should you lay herringbone flooring?
In most rooms, herringbone floors are laid so the V-point runs towards the main source of natural light, typically a window or doorway. This draws the eye into the room and shows off the pattern to best effect. In longer rooms or hallways, laying the pattern lengthwise makes the space appear more expansive. If you need more guidance, our customer service team are happy to help.