What is herringbone?
The herringbone design pattern is made by staggering planks in a zig-zag technique. Herringbone lengths must be a multiple of the width (i.e., 5x30, 4x20, etc.). This pattern is often confused with chevron where the planks are set on a diagonal and meet in the center line. This design dates back to the ancient Roman Empire and was usually seen in castles and ritzy buildings. Recently, there has been a rise in popularly amongst other finishes, such as more herringbone wall treatments, furniture, and tile work. This has increased the accessibility of this product which correlates with the pattern's increased traction on social media platforms as more people look online for home renovation advice.
We believe that the true beauty of herringbone lies in its versatility. Herringbone is able to create movement within an unadorned space due to the interesting design. The pattern also does a great job at dressing up a standard wooden floor, as seen in NYC photographer Allie Provost’s TikTok. In the video, @allie.provost shared a before and after TikTok of her herringbone transformation. The before shows her hardwood floors laid in a straight, modern design in her pre-war apartment. The after reveals Allie's apartment completely transformed with warmth and character.
Herringbone works well in a variety of finishes and plank sizes, so you can really customize your space to your personal style! We recommend White Oak Natural, Beach Sand, and Bare if you’re looking to change up your space with a design that is both classic and updated. However, as herringbone looks gorgeous in every stain - it can even lend itself to a more traditional stain from our gallery, such as Cognac and Toffee.
Things to keep in mind
- Higher cost
- The additional labor and material required to install this flooring will be more expensive than the traditional straight pattern. While it is possible to install herringbone without professionals, this task can easily go wrong for beginners. At Gaylord Hardwood Flooring, we can sell the boards pre-cut for herringbone, but we also have a video on how to make your own. Feel free to book an appointment with us here if you have additional inquiries.
- Does your space lend itself to a herringbone pattern?
- Do you have a long hallway, entry way, or a great room that herringbone floors will be able to show off? With the stunning look of them and the added cost, you want to pick an area where you are really able to appreciate it. That's not to say you can't do the whole home or space, but often you will see an inlay of herringbone used to highlight or show off a space.
- Good investment
- Although herringbone floors cost more initially, the value they add to your home is well worth it. Hardwood floors are highly sought after for most modern homes and has come to be a common expectation. Because herringbone creates character through the home investing in this design can add value to homes due to the materials used. Additionally, the design can draw attention to a particular architectural detail to highlight a wow factor, which can in turn draw in more buyers.