If you’re wondering how much is herringbone flooring, you’re likely weighing the perfect combination of style, durability, and budget. Known for its timeless zigzag pattern and elegant appearance, herringbone has become one of the most sought-after flooring designs for modern and traditional interiors alike.
However, it is often more expensive than standard flooring options. The reason goes beyond the cost of materials installing a herringbone floor requires skilled craftsmanship, precise cutting, careful alignment, and more installation time. Every plank must fit perfectly to maintain the distinctive pattern, which adds both labour and material costs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down herringbone floors cost in detail, including different materials, installation expenses, hidden costs, and real-life project examples. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to plan your herringbone flooring project efficiently and confidently.
Table of contents
What is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone flooring is a parquet style where rectangular planks are laid in a staggered zigzag pattern. Each piece is placed at a 90-degree angle, creating a distinctive “V” shape across the floor.
This layout adds:
- Visual depth and movement
- A premium, designer look
- A sense of space in smaller rooms
However, this same pattern is also what increases herringbone flooring cost, especially when it comes to installation. Now that you understand the structure, let’s look at pricing.
Herringbone Flooring Cost Overview
Before diving into details, here’s a quick overview of typical costs:
| Flooring Type | Material Cost (per m²) | Installed Cost (per m²) |
| Laminate | £18.99 – £27.99 | £45 – £70 |
| LVT / SPC | £29.99 – £34.99 | £60 – £90 |
| Engineered Wood | £32.99 – £69.99 | £80 – £140 |
| Solid Wood | £44.99+ | £110 – £180+ |
As you can see, how much does herringbone flooring cost depends heavily on the material and installation method. Let’s break down each option in detail.
Types of Herringbone Flooring
Choosing the right type of flooring is the biggest factor affecting your total cost. Each material offers a different balance between price, durability, and appearance.
Laminate Herringbone Flooring
Price: £18.99 – £27.99 per m²
Laminate herringbone flooring is the most budget-friendly way to achieve the classic and elegant herringbone look without the higher cost of real wood. It combines a high-resolution photographic layer that mimics the natural grain, texture, and colour of timber with a durable wear layer that protects against scratches, dents, and daily wear.
Modern laminate flooring comes in a wide range of finishes—from light oak and grey tones to rich walnut and darker stains—making it versatile for contemporary and traditional interiors alike. The realistic surface textures ensure that even close inspection gives the appearance of genuine wood.
In real homes, laminate herringbone is particularly popular in areas such as:
- Hallways: Durable and scratch-resistant, perfect for high foot traffic
- Living rooms: Offers a premium look at a fraction of the cost of solid wood
- Rental properties: Easy to maintain and replace if needed
One of the biggest advantages of laminate is its installation. Most laminate herringbone floors use a click-lock system, allowing for quick and straightforward fitting without adhesives. This not only reduces installation time but also significantly lowers herringbone laminate flooring installation cost compared to glue-down or solid wood options.
Additionally, laminate is highly low-maintenance: a regular sweep or vacuum, combined with occasional damp mopping, keeps it looking new for years. Unlike natural wood, it is resistant to warping and moisture, making it suitable for kitchens, basements, and other areas where solid wood may not perform as well. Overall, if your goal is to achieve the distinctive herringbone style without a premium price tag, laminate is usually the smartest choice, offering style, durability, and cost-efficiency in one package.
Luxury Vinyl Herringbone Flooring (LVT & SPC)
Price: £29.99 – £34.99 per m²
Luxury vinyl herringbone flooring (LVT & SPC) is a versatile and practical option that offers a step up from laminate in both performance and durability. Its key advantage is water resistance, making it suitable for areas that are prone to moisture, such as:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Ground floors
Luxury vinyl is designed to replicate the appearance of real wood or stone, with realistic textures and finishes that give a premium look without the high cost of solid or engineered wood. It is available in a wide variety of colours, styles, and plank sizes, allowing homeowners to match any interior aesthetic.
There are two main installation methods:
- Click system: Quick to install, reduces labour costs, and allows easy replacement of planks if needed.
- Glue-down (dry back): More stable and durable, ideal for commercial or high-traffic areas, but increases installation time and cost.
This distinction is important when calculating the overall herringbone flooring cost per m2, as click systems generally reduce labour expenses while glue-down installations add to the total.
In practical terms, a 20 m² kitchen with LVT herringbone flooring typically costs around £1,200–£1,800 installed, depending on the choice of material, installation method, and any preparatory work needed for the subfloor.
Luxury vinyl is also low-maintenance: it resists stains, scratches, and spills, and can be easily cleaned with a damp mop. Its combination of durability, water resistance, and realistic appearance makes it an excellent choice for both modern homes and high-traffic areas.
Engineered Wood Herringbone Flooring
Price: £32.99 – £69.99 per m²
Engineered wood herringbone flooring is one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking for a premium wood finish without the full cost and limitations of solid wood. It features a real wood veneer on top of a stable multi-layer core, which significantly reduces movement caused by changes in humidity and temperature. This stability makes it ideal for a wide range of living spaces.
Key advantages include:
- Underfloor heating compatibility: The multi-layer construction prevents warping, allowing safe installation over underfloor heating systems.
- Open-plan layouts: Engineered wood’s stability helps maintain a smooth, even surface across larger rooms.
- Long-term residential use: Durable and robust, engineered wood can withstand daily wear and tear, while still offering the authentic look and feel of real timber.
Engineered wood comes in a variety of finishes, from natural oiled to brushed and waxed, allowing homeowners to choose the right balance of aesthetic and durability. Maintenance is simple: regular sweeping or vacuuming, occasional damp mopping, and periodic oiling or polishing depending on the finish.
In practical terms, engineered wood offers a strong compromise between style, durability, and cost, often making it the best balance for herringbone flooring cost per m². While slightly more expensive than laminate or vinyl, it provides a long-lasting, authentic wood appearance that can enhance property value.
Solid Wood Parquet / Herringbone Flooring
Price: from £44.99 per m²
Solid wood herringbone flooring represents the premium end of the market, offering unmatched authenticity, natural beauty, and long-term durability. Each plank is crafted from a single piece of hardwood, which can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan, allowing the floor to maintain its elegance for decades.
This type of flooring is ideal for:
- High-end homes: Adds a luxurious, designer feel to any interior.
- Period properties: Complements traditional architecture with a timeless aesthetic.
- Long-term investments: Durable and capable of increasing property value over time.
Solid wood floors require skilled installation due to the precise cutting and alignment needed for the herringbone pattern. This increases both labour costs and overall herringbone flooring cost, but the result is a floor that is visually striking, extremely durable, and highly customizable.
The wide range of finishes from smoked golden oak to natural oak and seashell light oak allows homeowners to match the flooring perfectly to their interior style. While the upfront investment is higher than laminate, LVT, or engineered wood, solid wood herringbone flooring offers a timeless, high-quality finish that can last a lifetime when properly maintained.
How much does it cost to install herringbone flooring?
Installation is one of the biggest cost factors. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Flooring Type | Installation Cost (per m²) |
| Laminate | £25 – £40 |
| LVT (Click) | £30 – £45 |
| LVT (Glue Down) | £40 – £60 |
| Engineered Wood | £40 – £70 |
| Solid Wood | £60 – £100+ |
Unlike straight flooring, every plank in herringbone must be carefully measured and aligned. This is why how much does herringbone flooring cost to fit per square metre is significantly higher than standard flooring.
Why Is Herringbone Flooring More Expensive?
Many people ask: is herringbone flooring more expensive? Yes and the reasons are practical, not just aesthetic.
Key cost drivers:
- More complex installation
- Longer fitting time
- Higher material wastage
- Need for skilled installers
For example, a standard floor might take 1–2 days to install, while herringbone can take 3–5 days. This added labour is the main reason behind higher herringbone flooring installation cost.
For a more detailed breakdown, see Is Herringbone More Expensive?.
Total Cost Breakdown: Supply, Installation & Hidden Costs
To fully understand cost of herringbone flooring, you need to look beyond materials.
Supply Only:
- Lower upfront cost
- You manage installation
Supply & Fit:
- Includes labour
- More predictable pricing
- Less risk of mistakes
Hidden Costs to Consider:
- Flooring underlay
- Subfloor preparation
- Adhesives
- Trims and edging
These elements can add £10–£30 per m² to your total cost.
Price Examples by Room Size
| Room Size | Flooring Type | Estimated Installed Cost | Notes / Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 m² Hallway | Laminate | £600 – £850 | Affordable, durable, ideal for high-traffic areas |
| LVT | £750 – £1,050 | Water-resistant, suitable for small kitchens or entrance areas | |
| Engineered Wood | £1,000 – £1,600 | Premium look, stable, compatible with underfloor heating | |
| 20 m² Living Room | Laminate | £900 – £1,400 | Cost-effective, easy to maintain, good for rental or family homes |
| LVT | £1,200 – £1,800 | Durable and stylish, handles spills and moisture better than wood | |
| Engineered Wood | £1,800 – £2,800 | Elegant, long-lasting, balances style and practicality | |
| Solid Wood | £2,500+ | Luxury option, can be sanded/refinished, highest material and labour costs |
Explanation: These examples demonstrate real-life costs for herringbone flooring in typical UK homes. Prices include both materials and professional installation. Smaller rooms like hallways are cheaper overall, while larger spaces like living rooms or premium solid wood floors significantly increase total cost. This table helps you plan your budget per m² and make informed decisions on material and installation choices.
Herringbone Flooring Wastage / Off-Cut Allowance
Herringbone flooring requires careful planning because of its zigzag pattern. To ensure a smooth installation, it’s recommended to allow 10–12% extra material beyond the measured room area.
This additional allowance covers:
- Cutting waste: Planks need angled cuts to fit perfectly in the pattern.
- Pattern alignment: Adjustments are often required to keep the zigzag consistent across the room.
- Installation mistakes: Extra material ensures minor errors don’t delay the project.
Skipping this step can lead to material shortages, delays, and increased costs, so always factor wastage into your budget. Proper planning ensures a professional finish and avoids unnecessary stress during installation.
Order Samples Before You Buy
Before making a final decision, ordering samples is essential.
It allows you to:
- See colours in your lighting
- Compare finishes with your furniture
- Check texture and quality
Working with trusted suppliers like Flooring Surgeons helps ensure you make the right choice.
Is Herringbone Flooring Worth It?
So, is it worth the cost?
In most cases—yes.
Herringbone flooring offers:
- Timeless design
- Increased property value
- Strong visual impact
While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term benefits often justify the investment.
Conclusion
So, how much is herringbone flooring?
- Budget projects: from around £45/m² installed
- Mid-range projects: £70–£120/m²
- Premium installations: can exceed £150/m²
The final cost depends on factors such as your choice of material, installation method, and room size. When planned carefully, herringbone flooring not only adds timeless style and elegance to any space but also offers long-term value, making it one of the most rewarding flooring investments for homeowners. Proper budgeting, material selection, and professional installation ensure your herringbone floor will remain beautiful and durable for years to come.
Mina Asgari
I’m an SEO Specialist and Content Strategist focused on sustainable business growth. I design data-driven content strategies by deeply analyzing user intent, search behavior, and SEO best practices, ensuring every piece of content serves a clear purpose for both users and search engines.
