Advice

Discover everything you need to know about Herringbone and parquet flooring.

Written by: Yarl Christie

Published on: November 19, 2021

Herringbone Vs Parquet Flooring

Parquet style flooring has remained popular with homeowners for decades. Providing an elegant, luxurious design, this style of flooring is available in several variations.

When shopping for a parquet style floor, you have a number of options available. Due to the different types on offer, it can be confusing trying to figure out which one is right for you. For example, should you choose Herringbone or parquet?

Here, you will discover everything you need to know about Herringbone and parquet flooring.

Is Herringbone Flooring the Same as Parquet Flooring?

Parquet is typically an umbrella term that is used to describe a variety of patterned floors. Herringbone is one of them, so technically it is the same thing.

Herringbone is a type of parquet flooring. It is said to have been developed in Rome by city architects. They discovered that the roads were more stable when bricks were laid facing the same way as foot traffic. It was first used as a flooring pattern back in the 16th century and remains just as popular today.

All types of Herringbone and parquet floors are distinguished by their small planks that run in diagonal patterns. However, there are a lot of different designs and types of floors you can choose from with this design.

Herringbone Flooring in a Living Room

What are the Different Types of Parquet?

There are two main types of parquet flooring including Herringbone and Chevron. Upon first glance, they can appear the same as one another. However, there are some slight differences to be aware of.

Herringbone floors have a staggered plank design. This means the end of each plank meets the side of the next plank when they are installed. They are fitted at right angles to one another, creating a staggered zig-zag design.

Chevron floors are also laid in a zig-zag pattern. However, they also feature a distinctive V shape where the ends of the planks meet. This produces straight lines, rather than a staggered effect.

Both Herringbone and Chevron parquet floors come in a huge choice of designs. You can choose from aged, walnut, oak, and brushed style finishes. The type of finishes available depend upon the type of flooring you choose.

Herringbone Flooring in a Living Room

What Types of Flooring are Available in Herringbone and Parquet Designs?

If you want to add a Herringbone or parquet effect to the home, you have a lot of options available. Traditionally, parquet floors are created with hardwood. However, these days you can find them in a variety of flooring types. These include:

Solid wood parquet flooring – If you want to go with the most traditional parquet flooring design, solid wood floors are the best option. Created from hardwood, these floors ooze luxury and style. They can also add value onto the property, great for those who plan to sell their property further down the line. Most solid wood Herringbone and parquet floors are created from oak. However, you can also find floors made from more exotic woods for a more unique finish. You can browse our herringbone solid wood floors here.

Engineered parquet flooring – Engineered parquet flooring is ideal for those who want the solid wood effect without the high price tag. They are more practical than solid wood floors, capable of withstanding changes in temperature and moisture. The top layer is created from real wood, giving these parquet floors an authentic appeal.

LVT parquet flooring – Thanks to advancements in flooring technology, you can now invest in realistic parquet effect LVT floors. These are some of the most practical floors on the market and they are simple to install. These floors achieve their realistic looks through a photographic layer. They are easy to maintain and come in various designs and thicknesses. If you are on a budget and need something practical, LVT parquet flooring is ideal.

Laminate parquet flooring – Featuring a tough surface, laminate parquet style floors are great for high-traffic spaces. Like LVT flooring, they produce a realistic wood effect through a photographic top layer. High-quality laminate floors are scratch resistant and simple to maintain. You can find them in different sizes and designs. Some also come with a waterproof feature, allowing you to install them in areas such as the bathroom.

Empty Room with Herringbone Wooden Flooring

Herringbone Vs Parquet Conclusion

Herringbone floors are a type of parquet flooring. They feature beautiful, distinctive designs that add elegance and luxury to the space. Discover our full range of parquet flooring here.

About The Author

Yarl Christie

Yarl is the Managing Director of Stories Flooring. started his career in the flooring industry by becoming a floor fitter at the age of 18 (2004). Yarl finally decided to move with the times and set up an online flooring store (Flooring Yorkshire, 2018). He works closely with the business managers and resource team to source new products from wholesalers, which in turn brings down the sale price. This enables Stories Flooring to be one of the leading UK flooring retailers.