Parquet & Herringbone
A geometric pattern floor that stops people in their tracks. Available in LVT, laminate, engineered wood and solid wood. The pattern is striking — and getting it right takes precision. We've been doing this for over 30 years across Lancashire and the North West.
The Basics
Parquet is a geometric pattern floor made using individual blocks or planks laid in a repeating arrangement. The word comes from the French for "small compartment" — and the patterns can range from the classic zigzag of herringbone to intricate basketweave and Versailles designs.
The two most popular patterns today are herringbone and chevron. They look similar but are actually quite different. Herringbone uses rectangular planks laid at 90-degree angles to each other — the result is a classic zigzag. Chevron uses planks cut at 45 degrees so the ends meet in a sharp point, creating a cleaner, more contemporary arrow pattern.
Pattern Guide
They're often confused — but they look and behave differently. Here's what sets them apart.
| Feature | Herringbone | Chevron |
|---|---|---|
| Plank cut | Square ends — no angle cut needed | Ends cut at 45° — more waste, more precision |
| Pattern look | Classic zigzag — each row offset | Clean arrow pointing forward — very contemporary |
| Room style | Works in traditional and modern homes | Best in modern, minimal or designer interiors |
| Installation complexity | Complex — requires precision marking out | More complex — angled cuts increase fit time and waste |
| Cost | Higher than straight-lay | Higher than herringbone — more labour and material waste |
| Most popular in | Hallways, living rooms, period properties | Open-plan spaces, master bedrooms, kitchens (in LVT) |
Why Choose Parquet?
Six things that make a pattern-laid floor worth the extra investment.
A herringbone hallway makes a first impression that a straight-lay floor never could. Pattern flooring transforms an ordinary room into something worth noticing.
Contrary to the myth, herringbone works in small rooms too. Laid diagonally it makes a narrow hallway feel wider. The right plank scale matters — we'll advise on proportions.
LVT herringbone is the most accessible and waterproof option. Engineered wood herringbone is the most authentic. Laminate is cost-effective. We'll match material to room and budget.
Parquet was the flooring of choice in Georgian and Victorian townhouses across Lancashire and Merseyside. Restoring or recreating that pattern is one of our specialities.
Pattern flooring — particularly engineered wood herringbone — is a recognised selling point in the North West property market. Buyers notice it and value it.
One misaligned row, one wrong cut — and the whole pattern is off. DIY mistakes in herringbone flooring are expensive to fix. We've been doing this for over 30 years.
Room by Room
Parquet and herringbone suit a wide range of rooms — the material you choose determines where it can go.
Wide-plank herringbone in engineered oak makes a living room look exceptional. Works in both open-plan and traditional layouts. One of our most-requested rooms for pattern fitting.
LVT herringbone in a kitchen is a brilliant choice — waterproof, practical and striking. Karndean's herringbone ranges work particularly well in open-plan kitchen-dining spaces.
Herringbone in a master bedroom adds a touch of luxury without being over the top. Engineered oak or walnut in a classic herringbone pattern works beautifully against neutral walls.
The hallway is where herringbone flooring earns its reputation. A diagonal herringbone makes a narrow hall feel wider and instantly lifts the entrance to any home. This is the room it was made for.
Our Recommendation
Herringbone and chevron aren't jobs for a first-time fitter. The pattern demands accurate marking, consistent cuts and meticulous alignment across the whole room. Here's what we bring to every parquet job:
From the Floorgear Range
We supply the TruWood Engineered Herringbone range from Floorgear — 90mm × 450mm blocks in 14/3mm construction, in a choice of species. Available in both standard and darker finishes.
TruWood Herringbone is available in 5 species options. We bring samples to your home — call to arrange a free consultation.
Recent Jobs
A selection of recent pattern-lay installations from across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
Karndean Van Gogh Warm Ash in herringbone — hallway and open-plan kitchen-diner. LVT chosen for waterproofing in the kitchen area. Laid diagonally to make the narrow hallway feel wider.
Woodpecker Harlech Pale Oak in engineered herringbone — large open-plan living and dining room in a new-build. Customer wanted warmth and pattern without the cost of solid wood.
Berry Alloc Charm laminate in herringbone — master bedroom and en-suite dressing area. Budget-conscious customer who wanted the pattern look without the engineered wood price.
"The herringbone hallway is the first thing every visitor comments on"
We asked Halvar to do LVT herringbone in our hallway after seeing a similar job they'd done for a neighbour. The result is stunning — the diagonal lay makes the space feel so much bigger. The fitting was meticulous: perfectly straight lines, tight pattern, no gaps at the edges. Worth every penny. Already asked them back to do the living room.
— Clare W., Fulwood, Preston
Also Worth a Look
Thinking about the material for your herringbone floor? Here are the pages that will help.
Common Questions
They look similar but are different patterns made different ways. Herringbone uses rectangular planks with square-cut ends, laid at 90 degrees to each other in a zigzag. Each row is offset, which creates the characteristic broken zigzag look. Chevron uses planks cut at 45 degrees so the ends meet in a sharp point — the result is a continuous arrow or V-shape pointing in one direction. Chevron looks more formal and contemporary; herringbone is more classic and versatile. Chevron also costs more because of the angled cuts and greater material waste.
Yes — and it's one of the most popular choices we fit. LVT herringbone gives you a realistic wood or stone effect in a geometric pattern, with the practical benefits of a 100% waterproof floor. Karndean in particular produce LVT planks specifically sized for herringbone laying, available in a huge range of wood effects and colours. LVT herringbone is ideal for hallways and kitchens where you want the pattern look but need moisture resistance. It's also more forgiving to fit than engineered wood herringbone — slightly better for rooms with minor subfloor imperfections.
Typically 20–40% more in labour costs compared to a straight-lay floor of the same material. There are two reasons: it takes significantly longer to lay (more cuts, more precision required in marking out and alignment) and there is greater material waste — more offcuts are generated by the pattern. The exact premium depends on room shape, room size and the material being used. Chevron costs more than herringbone because of the additional angled cutting involved. We'll give you a clear breakdown in our quote so you can see exactly what you're paying for.
Longer than most people expect. A medium-sized living room (around 20–25m²) in straight-lay LVT might take one day. The same room in LVT herringbone will typically take one and a half to two days. Engineered wood herringbone in the same room size might take two to three days, depending on the subfloor condition and any prep work required. A hallway with herringbone laid diagonally can take a full day for what seems like a small area — the diagonal cutting at the skirting boards is time-consuming. We'll always give you a realistic timeframe when we quote.
Free Consultation
Pattern flooring is a skilled job. We've been fitting herringbone and parquet across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside for over 30 years. Call us for a free home visit — we'll bring samples, assess your subfloor and give you a straight price for the pattern floor you're after.