What is herringbone parquet?
Herringbone is a laying pattern, not a material. Planks are set at an angle so the end of each one meets the middle of its neighbour, producing the repeating zig-zag that gives the pattern its name. The material itself is identical to standard parquet; what differs is the plank size and the way it’s laid.
The pattern came back strongly in 2026, as part of a wider move toward geometric floor patterns instead of conventional straight laying.
Herringbone in detail
Size and shape
Herringbone planks are shorter and narrower than standard parquet planks, because the pattern needs equal pieces that repeat. That means more individual pieces per square metre.
Available thicknesses
We stock several thicknesses for different uses: 6 mm, 8 mm and 12 mm. Thicker boards are quieter underfoot and more stable under heavy furniture; thinner ones suit lighter-use areas or situations where door clearance is tight.
Popular colours
Warm shades dominate: Chinese herringbone parquet in dark honey brown and herringbone in pale grey-beige, 8 mm, against greys such as herringbone in dark grey, 12 mm.
The waterproof SPC version
If you want the herringbone pattern somewhere exposed to moisture, there is Chinese SPC herringbone in beige, 6 mm, which combines the geometric look with water resistance.
Quick comparison table
| Criterion | Herringbone | Straight-laid parquet |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Bold geometric pattern that draws the eye | Quiet and neutral |
| Installation time | Longer - the angles demand precision | Faster |
| Waste allowance | Higher, because of angled cuts | Lower |
| Best space | Living rooms, majlis, entrances | Bedrooms, hallways |
| Visual effect | Widens the room diagonally | Lengthens the room along the run |
Is it right for your home?
- Yes if the space is open and generous and the furniture has simple lines - herringbone needs room to be seen.
- Yes if you want the floor to be the most striking design element in the room.
- Probably not if the room is small and crowded with furniture and rugs - the pattern disappears and you gain nothing from it.
- Probably not if the budget is tight, because both waste and installation labour run higher.
Herringbone and chevron are not the same thing
The two are often confused, and the difference is in the shape of the piece itself. In herringbone, the pieces are rectangles with square ends, laid so the end of one plank meets the side of its neighbour - producing a stepped, staggered zig-zag.
In chevron, the ends of the pieces are themselves cut at an angle, so they meet point to point and form continuous unbroken V shapes. The result is more regular and sharper, but the pieces are manufactured specifically for it. When ordering, confirm exactly which pattern you want so the finished floor matches what you pictured.
Where herringbone works best
Its best positions are entrances, generous living rooms and majlis spaces, where the floor is exposed and can be seen whole. It also works well in square rooms, because it breaks the symmetry and introduces a sense of movement.
It is not recommended in narrow corridors. The pattern needs enough width to complete itself, and in a narrow passage you will see more cut pieces along the edges than full repeating units.
Why choose Texa Decor?
Our parquet range includes herringbone in several thicknesses and colours, and our installers are experienced with this pattern specifically - which matters, because herringbone exposes an inaccurate angle immediately. Measuring is available before you order.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra waste does herringbone create?
Waste runs higher than straight laying because of the angled cuts at the edges. Allow for extra when ordering, and speak to our team after measuring so we can work out the precise quantity for your room shape.
Can herringbone parquet go in a kitchen?
Yes, if you choose the waterproof SPC version. Standard wooden parquet is not recommended in kitchens or bathrooms regardless of how it is laid.
Which thickness should I choose for herringbone?
For heavy daily use and larger areas, go with the thicker boards such as 12 mm. For lighter use, or where door clearance is limited, 6 mm or 8 mm is sufficient.
Tips before installation
Ask your installer to start laying from the centre of the room rather than from a wall, so the pattern balances evenly on both sides. And make sure the subfloor is level before starting - herringbone reveals any dip in the floor far more than straight laying does.
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