Herringbone Flooring

Herringbone is a parquet pattern of rectangular blocks laid at right angles, so the end of one block meets the side of the next. The result is a broken zigzag that resembles the bones of a fish, which gives the pattern its name. It has been used in grand houses for centuries and remains one of the most popular patterned floors.

Most people run the zigzag along the longest dimension of the room, which draws the eye through the space and makes it feel longer. In a hallway, this is almost always the best choice. In a square room, point it towards the main entrance or a focal point such as a window or fireplace.

Add 10% to the measured area for cuts and waste, as the calculator does. Every row ends in an angled cut at the wall, and those offcuts are rarely reusable. Versailles panels also need extra for perimeter cuts. Rooms with many corners or doorways may need a little more.

Herringbone usually costs more to install than planks, because it takes longer to lay and produces more waste. The material price depends on what it is made from: laminate and vinyl are the most affordable, engineered oak sits in the middle and solid oak is the premium choice.

Yes. The diagonal lines lead the eye across the floor, which can make a small room or narrow hallway feel wider. Choose a lighter colour and a slightly longer block to keep the pattern calm, and point the zigzag along the room's longest dimension.