Herringbone hardwood flooring
Herringbone lays rectangular blocks at 90 degrees in a staggered zig-zag, a pattern that has been in European homes for centuries and now shows up in condos, entryways and dining rooms across Canada. It draws the eye along the room and makes a small space feel deliberate rather than plain. Our herringbone range runs from $4.99 to $13.49 per sq ft from Vidar, Treeco, Bjelin, Unifloor, Grandeur, Biyork, Oakel City and Parador.
Herringbone or chevron?
Herringbone uses square-cut blocks that meet at right angles, so the ends form a staircase edge. Chevron uses blocks cut at an angle so they meet in a continuous V. Chevron costs more to make and to install; herringbone is the more common and more forgiving of the two.
Planning a herringbone floor
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Order extra: allow about 10–15% waste, more than the 5–10% you would add for straight planks, because of the angled perimeter cuts.
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Installation takes longer: most installers charge more per square foot for herringbone. Get that quoted before you buy.
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Layout matters: set the centre line from the room's main sight line, usually the entry or the longest wall, before any glue goes down.
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Blocks come in A and B sets in many collections, so the pattern mirrors correctly. Check you are ordering both.
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Glue-down is the usual method for herringbone, and it gives the most solid feel underfoot.
Sizes and rooms
Common block sizes run about 4-1/2 to 5 inches wide and 24 to 27 inches long. Smaller blocks suit hallways and entryways; larger blocks suit open living and dining rooms. In small rooms, run the pattern's long axis toward the main window to stretch the space visually.
Delivery across Canada
Orders ship from our Burnaby, BC location, with delivery across Metro Vancouver and freight to Alberta, Ontario and the rest of Canada. Shopping by region? See flooring in Vancouver or hardwood in Toronto and the GTA. Call 1 (604) 558-2195 for help with quantities or specs.
Related: white oak hardwood, wide plank, herringbone laminate for a lower-cost alternative, and all engineered hardwood.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra material does herringbone need?
Allow 10–15% waste, compared with 5–10% for straight planks, because of the angled cuts around the perimeter.
Is herringbone more expensive to install?
Yes. The layout and cutting take longer, so installers usually charge a higher rate per square foot than for straight planks.
Can herringbone go over radiant heat?
Yes, engineered herringbone can, when glued down with an adhesive rated for radiant heat and kept within the floor temperature limit.
Does herringbone work in a small room?
It does. Smaller blocks suit hallways and entries, and the pattern adds interest to a plain space without needing extra colour.
