Top 5 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Herringbone Flooring

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Are Herringbone Floors More Expensive?

Does Herringbone Make a Room Look Bigger or Smaller?

When Should I Not Use Herringbone Flooring?

Is Herringbone Harder to Install?

How Do I Maintain and Clean Herringbone Flooring?

So many people adore herringbone flooring with its visually attractive appearance and differing designs.

But there’s always considerations to take such as cost and practicality before purchasing herringbone flooring.

To help you decide if herringbone floors are the best option, below we’ll address the 5 most frequently asked questions.

Are Herringbone Floors More Expensive?

Many people wonder if herringbone flooring is expensive. The truth is, herringbone floors do generally cost more than regular straight-laid floors due to the extra materials and precise cutting required. The additional pieces and labour contribute to the higher overall price.

Remember that some types of herringbone floors are going to be more expensive than others. If you choose a traditional hardwood herringbone floor, you'll pay a lot more than you would for a vinyl herringbone floor.

At Stories Flooring, we wanted to make even hardwood herringbone flooring an option for those on a budget. That’s why we introduced our exclusive Lusso flooring range. 

Whether you choose the divine Lusso Verona collection, or the rustic and elegant Lusso Genoa range, you will fall in love with our affordable, high-quality collection. 

Does Herringbone Make a Room Look Bigger or Smaller?

Herringbone floors give the impression that spaces are larger. The sight is directed away from the centre of the room by the angles and diagonal lines. However, certain rooms can feel smaller with a herringbone floor.

A huge herringbone design can feel a little crowded or overdone in a tiny space. Meanwhile, dark herringbone patterns can simplify the area, giving it a tight, cramped sense.

There are a few things to think about when fitting the floor if you want to alter how people perceive the space. Installing the pattern set across the longest wall and lengthwise, for example, could create the illusion of more space.

A small herringbone pattern can look cluttered in a large or open room, like a hall or a huge living room. However, a large pattern will give the space a refined aspect. The colour scheme, the room's dimensions, and the furniture layout will all influence how open the space feels.

When Should I Not Use Herringbone Flooring?

While herringbone flooring looks fantastic in most spaces, there are some scenarios where it shouldn't be used.

The design may overpower a room that's small or has a unique shape. Herringbone's sharp angles can sometimes clash with big furniture or the way the room is set up. 

You ought to factor in potentially replacing or restoring the flooring too. The herringbone design makes matching during repairs almost impossible. So, you may want to go with something simpler like LVT, if you anticipate making modifications easily. 

Is Herringbone Harder to Install?

As a rule, herringbone flooring takes more planning and precision during installation than traditional single planks. To be sure that every plank fits together flawlessly, the angled design requires careful measuring and placement. Given this extra difficulty, the whole process typically takes longer.

Some types of herringbone floors are simpler than others to install. Compared to traditional wood, many laminate and LVT floors, for example, incorporate click-lock systems. Still, compared to standard floor installations, herringbone still calls for a higher degree of attention to detail.

You can install most herringbone floors yourself if you're a pro at DIY. However, we do recommend calling in the professionals help to guarantee all angles and overlaps are correctly positioned. The finished product, a gorgeously placed herringbone floor, often justifies the cost of hiring professional fitters.

Does Herringbone Add Value to a House?

Herringbone flooring is seen as a luxurious feature in a home. The skilful workmanship and distinct look of a herringbone floor frequently impress buyers. Its sophisticated, classic design can significantly boost your home's overall desirability. 

Installing a herringbone floor may increase the market value of your home too. The materials used to create the floor, and the quality of installation dictate the added value. A poor-quality herringbone floor or botched installation for example, won't have the same beneficial effect. 

How Do I Maintain and Clean Herringbone Flooring?

Preserving the attractiveness of your herringbone floor doesn't have to be a challenge. The trick is to clean it regularly. Begin by using a hoover attachment to give it a gentle brush, or a soft broom to sweep away dust and dirt.

Using a damp, rather than wet mop, along with a gentle cleaner, is effective for every day cleaning. Just use just a tiny bit of water to prevent any damage to the seams or the wood. In order to prevent stains, any spills should be mopped up immediately. 

Unless you choose a solid wood option, Herringbone flooring doesn't need to be waxed or polished. You just need to follow the manufacturer's care directions.
There may be extra guidance for more advanced collections to maintain that flawless finish.

Conclusion

Herringbone flooring is a wonderful choice that can add character and potentially value, to your house. While it may come with certain extra considerations, like increased costs and a more complicated installation process, it offers an agelessness that many homeowners adore. 

Think about how the floor will function in the room. Consider what you can afford, the shape and size of your rooms, and how much time you're prepared to commit to installation and maintenance. 

If you're ready to explore whether a herringbone floor may be right for you, check out our unique collection or chat with one of our friendly experts today. 

We'll be more than happy to help you find the right design that complements your space.