When it comes to wood flooring, Australians today are spoilt for choice. You’ve got dozens of options, and despite its many drawbacks, timber continues to be one of the best ways to add a touch of class and character to any room.
Sure, we’ve been using solid wood for hundreds of years, and over that time, they have certainly evolved, and they continue to be a crowd favourite. In fact, parquet floors, in general, have consistently remained in fashion. Think of it this way: what if you were looking for something traditional with that bit of uniqueness? What would you do to add a stroke of additional style and class to your flooring? That’s where Parquet flooring comes in. It is a herringbone-engineered flooring that, for many people, is exactly the flooring they always wanted.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about herringbone flooring, starting with what it is and why you need to care.
What Is Herringbone Timber Flooring?
It is also referred to as Herringbone engineered flooring, there are also some that call it herringbone floorboards, but regardless it is one of Australia’s most popular hardwood options. In fact, there is a good reason why people choose this over any other type of hardwood flooring. We’ll try to unpack most people’s buying decisions in this article but suffice to say that it does much more than just look like wood flooring!
Herringbone-engineered flooring dates back as far as ancient Roman times. It was when the Romans first started to lay down bricks in what we call the herringbone tile pattern. As it turns out, they discovered that bricks that pointed in the same direction as flowing traffic tended to last significantly longer than if they used any other pattern.
The name Herringbone comes from the herring fish, and that’s down to the pattern, which resembles the fish’s bone structure. This places a herringbone floor under the parquetry flooring category. Now for those unaware, parquet flooring is mainly hardwood floors laid out in such a pattern that opposes the traditional straight plank of wood. So, it is like timber floors in general but with a pattern.Â
It is also worth mentioning that parquetry isn’t limited to this pattern; there are several styles like Haddon Hall, chevron, Versailles, block parquetry and the all too familiar basketweave. Despite all these patterns, homeowners in Australia and globally have chosen this herringbone pattern over others, which is known for its beauty and simplicity today.
How Is Chevron Different From Herringbone and Other Parquet Flooring?
Now, this has to be one of the most common questions, and we’ve seen hundreds of people asking this same question online. So, we’ll start by addressing it, which is especially important for people in the market for a timber floor. Â
You probably already heard of chevron, which is similar to herringbone flooring but has a slightly different timber flooring pattern. So, how is herringbone different from chevron and which pattern is better? If you pull up an image of each one of these parquet flooring styles, it’s not hard to see that they both have a zig-zag pattern repeated over and over again, providing a neat, vintage look.
Chevron parquetry is a series of planks, often sustainable real oak timber, that has been cut at a certain angle and then laid down in a line that forms the zigzag pattern. On the other hand, a herringbone flooring pattern uses straight-cut planks with the edges aligned to the side of the preceding plank.
So, which is better for a new timber floor? It depends mainly on the style you prefer or the look you want. The chevron pattern provides a continuous look with its angled cut planks. Herringbone patterns tend to give a more youthful look, thanks to their dynamic placement, which continues to look traditional but will complement any modern interior design plan.
Herringbone Pattern Types
Most interior designers, and even homeowners will choose herringbone floors because they can add depth and a sense of space in a small space. However, they work equally well in a small space too. In the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in the popularity of European Oak hardwood floors, mainly because of the sustainability features associated with them. But they also give the home a more distinctive look.
The most significant feature of European Oak timber is that designers can utilise it in various finishes to create flooring that suits the overall design aesthetic of the space. These are available in everything from traditional elegant floors to dark stained varieties and blonde planks, with old-world charm. Suffice it to say there is an extensive range.Â
The latest staining techniques ensure buyers can get them in any colour they need while still giving the flooring a more natural look. That’s why you can buy herringbone flooring from ones available in grey tones to light blondes and chocolate browns, which showcase the beauty of the real wood used.
Herringbone floors ensure that the size of the planks used can also complement the space’s interior design. For instance, you may use narrower planks for a more urban or industrial-type look. A broader plank is best suited to contemporary interiors. You can search from the latest herringbone collection to pick out the latest design, which is quite frankly a slight spin over the original one.Â
Many newer designers may take risks, often mixing and matching timber shades when using herringbone flooring. If done right, it can help pull off a dynamic and unique look without spending too much. That makes this type of pattern great for both domestic and commercial applications.Â
What if you want something more modern than traditional? Well, in that case, herringbone planks can be used with borders; the borders can utilise a customised pattern designed to suit to the size and even the shape of the space. Again, being creative can help pull off a unique look that makes the space look the way you want it.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Herringbone Flooring?
Like any other type of wooden flooring, the cost associated with buying and installing it varies depending on the amount of wood, finishing, staining, and who handles the installation. However, we think it is worth stressing the need to hire a professional with years of experience and a proven record of doing good work. Laying down planks in this pattern requires skill and precision above anything else because accuracy is everything. This is true even if they are being installed using the so-called tongue and groove technique.
The cost of installing these wood floors can vary depending on the complexity of the pattern you want and the space’s size. A pre-installation inspection will also need to be carried out to check if the subfloor is in good enough condition to install the herringbone flooring pattern. If not, then issues with the subfloor will need to be addressed first.
Depending on your chosen material, installing this type of floor will differ. For instance, if you use unfinished wood, the cost will be more per square meter. On the other hand, a herringbone-engineered flooring may work out to be a more affordable option compared to just using solid timber. That’s why you will want to look out for engineered flooring options.
Most flooring timber experts should be able to help you figure out the cost of what you want.
Once you have installed it, you will want to ask the installer to provide you with maintenance tips. They are the best people to advise you on how to take care of the flooring so that it lasts a long time. Though generally, they will advise regular vacuuming and cleaning, but only use approved products to clean the floor, so that the integrity of the wooden floor remains intact.
Why Choose Herringbone Flooring?
Well, there are many reasons to choose herringbone flooring; some you may already be aware of, but others probably not.
If you are on the fence about herringbone flooring, here are a couple of reasons you may consider it.
It Adds A Touch Of Character To The Home
There is a reason why herringbone flooring is so popular; in fact, it is the most popular wood flooring installation, mainly because it combines the natural look of wood with a bit of visual wizardry. The combo helps to add a bit of character and drama to the room without it taking over the visual appeal of the space like that of the furniture, wall, artwork etc. It can also be tailored to offer a more traditional look.Â
All homes, regardless of size or type, can do with a beautiful floor; in most cases, nothing comes close to what the herringbone can offer. Yet it would still be worth exploring options to compare and contrast what is available before deciding on a particular type of wooden floor.Â
Herringbone Flooring Lasts Long
If you want to buy wood flooring that lasts you a lifetime, you can’t go wrong with herringbone floors. If taken care of and installed correctly, a wooden floor can last a very long time. That’s why we strongly advise that you pay the extra money needed to invest in quality wooden floors, undoubtedly assuring you of excellent resale value and saving you money in the long term. Plus, these wood floors have never gotten out of style, which future-proofs your home.Â
The herringbone design of the pattern helps to absorb compression while increasing the structural stability of your floor. This translates to a more durable floor.
Get That Bespoke Look
Even though a herringbone layout is a classic in terms of design, it still offers a personalised look to the flooring, mainly if you use one with modern textures and colours. For instance, if you use unfinished hardwood flooring in a herringbone layout, this will create a rugged and elegant look that takes the appeal of your space to the next level. Plus, it can be further customised to suit other elements of the room.
Whether you use a wood-type finish or plank-size pieces, the herringbone pattern helps to make your floor stand out. Plus, it looks very different from the majority of straight layouts.
Get A European Look
We all know that the Europeans certainly have the best sense of style across all facets of life, with architecture and design being no exception. If anything, these style-conscious people choose the herringbone for their homes, so you know this is the right choice. Furthermore, it is highly popular in the so-called fashion centre of Europe, France, which means you almost certainly can’t go wrong by installing the herringbone in your home or place of business.
Helps Create A Sense of Space and Movement In The Home
The layout consists of a zigzag pattern, which creates several arrows on the floor, mimicking the look of movement. The intricate design adds fluidity and a bit of life to any space. It makes small rooms look larger and longer.
Our eyes are drawn to the most significant part of the design; this means that the design leads your eyes to where you want. That’s why they are the perfect choice for hallways, bathrooms, foyers and other places that can do with a grandiose feel.Â
Final Word
Herringbone flooring is often the best and safest choice for any home style. It is one of those designs you can’t go wrong with. However, as mentioned earlier, if you want to get the most out of your flooring, always choose the highest quality wood you can find. This will future-proof your home, eliminating the need for frequent repairs, thus saving you money in the long term.