You need to know about Herringbone Floors
Herringbone timber flooring is a type of parquetry, which broadly describes any hardwood floor laid in a pattern. Parquet floors, for instance, also include chevron patterns as well as triangles, squares and even curves.
Herringbone vs Chevron
Both herringbone and chevron patterns have repetitive V-shaped zig-zag formations with even-sized rectangular planks placed at 90 degrees to each other; however, a herringbone floor features staggered planks with the straight edge of one plank aligned with the side of the next;while creating a chevron pattern by laying boards cut at an angle and laid so that they meet in a straight line. A herringbone pattern adds a dynamic element to the floor while chevron lends consistency.
The application of herringbone and chevron patterns in wood floors began in the 16th century and became very popular amongst the French nobility and throughout Western Europe.
Herringbone flooring: Materials, colours and sizes
Though herringbone floors were originally preferred for large spaces; modern installations have been successful in adding depth in small areas. Various hardwoods can be used to create a herringbone floor including Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Sapele, Hickory and Walnut.
The distinctive woodgrain and colour of each hardwood add their unique touch to the final design outcome; – White Oak, for instance, has a straight grain with light-coloured sapwood and light-to-dark heartwood. Hardwood floors, with proper care, can last for generations.
Designers often use two or more hardwoods to maximise the contrast of colours as well as woodgrains in modern installations.
Floor patterns
Herringbone floors are made with wide or narrow planks; – broad planks are perfect for contemporary interiors while narrow blocks fit in with urban, industrial or shabby chic design schemes. Alternating the colours can also create a rich look in contemporary decor plans.
Engineered wood planks, which consist of an engineered wood or hardwood veneer over a hardwood plywood base; come in a wide choice of colours, finishes, textures and sizes, increasing design flexibility and giving room for unusual colour combinations. Bamboo and reclaimed wood tiles are also elegant material choices for herringbone floors.
Solid hardwood planks or blocks come unfinished and require staining, sanding and sealing before installation. Staining can help you achieve the tone you desire or highlight the grains more but keeping it natural is on-trend when it’s hardwood.
Popular shades in a herringbone floor’s colour palette include greys, blacks, browns and whites, transitioning from light to dark in colour depth.
Installation and maintenance
Are installed using the tongue-and-groove technique.
A professional installer is recommended due to the craftsmanship and precision work required to create the classic pattern.
A pre-installation inspection will check if the existing subfloor is suitable for the new flooring.
The floor installed in a variety of solid structures; flat and dry substrates such as plywood, particleboard, timber, concrete or dry screed.
The planks have a tongue-and-groove profile and are glued together using adhesive and nailed in place using a flooring nailer.
Alternatively, you can use the floating floor method for engineered wood boards.
A natural oil or lacquer coating protects the surface against spills, stains and wear. Regular vacuuming, mopping and cleaning with an approved wood floor cleaner will keep the floor in top condition for years. Besides, the natural ageing of solid hardwood floors lends to greater authenticity.
The finish on harringbone floors suggest that the floor could have lived a previous life in a grand building or may have survived many years of traffic in a popular place, both of which add to its charm.
We provide useful advises to both suppliers and architects around the US territories from the time we have started in this business. We also take pride in providing hardwood floors in the Tri-State area for more than 25 years now!
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