Herringbone flooring is one of the most visually striking patterns you can install in an Australian home. But unlike straight-plank flooring, herringbone demands precision. Each plank sits at 90 degrees to the next, forming the characteristic zigzag pattern. This means more cuts, tighter subfloor tolerances and careful layout planning.
This guide covers everything you need to know about installing herringbone timber flooring — from choosing the right method to understanding real costs.
Why Herringbone Installation Is Different
Standard plank flooring runs in one direction. You start at a wall and work across the room. Herringbone is fundamentally different: planks alternate direction in a V-shaped pattern, which means every row requires precise alignment against two adjoining planks.
The key differences from straight-plank installation:
- More cuts — border and perimeter planks must be trimmed to fit the angled pattern against walls
- Tighter subfloor tolerances — any unevenness is amplified when planks meet at 90 degrees
- Higher waste factor — expect 10–15% waste compared to 5–8% for standard planks
- Longer installation time — a skilled installer will take roughly 30–50% longer than a standard plank job of the same area
For these reasons, we strongly recommend professional installation for herringbone floors. If you are comparing general flooring methods first, see our flooring installation guide.
Herringbone Installation Methods
Direct Stick (Glue-Down) — Recommended
Direct stick is the preferred method for herringbone engineered timber. Each plank is adhered to the subfloor with flexible flooring adhesive, giving a solid underfoot feel with minimal board movement.
Cost: $50–$70/m² installed (labour and adhesive)
Advantages:
- Superior stability — the adhesive bond prevents boards shifting over time
- Reduced hollow sound underfoot compared to floating
- Better for underfloor heating systems
- Recommended by most European Oak manufacturers for herringbone patterns
Floating Installation
Floating herringbone uses a click-lock system where planks connect to each other over an underlay, with no adhesive to the subfloor. It is faster and cheaper but less common for herringbone.
Cost: $25–$30/m² installed (labour and underlay)
Advantages:
- Lower installation cost
- Easier to remove or replace later
- No adhesive curing time — walk on it the same day
Limitations:
- Slightly more movement between boards over time
- Can produce a hollow sound, particularly on concrete subfloors
- Not all herringbone products support floating — check the product specification
Nail-down installation is not typical for engineered herringbone flooring and is generally not recommended for this pattern.
Subfloor Preparation
A flat, dry and structurally sound subfloor is critical for herringbone. Because the pattern amplifies any imperfection, subfloor tolerances are tighter than for standard plank flooring.
Concrete Subfloors
- Flatness: Maximum 3mm variation over 3 metres
- Moisture test: Relative humidity must be below 75% (in-slab testing). If above, a moisture barrier or epoxy system is required
- High spots: Grind down with a concrete grinder
- Low spots: Fill with a self-levelling compound
Timber Subfloors
- Check for bounce and deflection — excessive flex will cause boards to separate at joints
- Secure any loose or squeaky boards with screws
- Sand down any high points or raised nail heads
- If the existing timber subfloor is uneven, an overlay of 6mm plywood may be needed
For a full walkthrough of subfloor preparation for all types, see our floor preparation guide.
Layout Planning
Correct layout planning prevents costly mistakes and ensures the herringbone pattern looks balanced in the room.
Step-by-Step Layout Process
- Find the centre line — snap a chalk line down the centre of the room, running in the direction of the longest wall or the main light source
- Dry-lay the first row — place a full row of planks along the centre line without adhesive to check alignment and confirm the pattern fits the room proportions
- Run toward the light — orient the herringbone pattern so the V-shape points toward the main window or light source. This maximises the visual effect of the pattern
- Plan border cuts — check how the pattern meets each wall. Ideally, cuts at opposite walls should be symmetrical
- Leave expansion gaps — maintain 10–12mm around all perimeters and fixed objects
Professional installation is strongly recommended for herringbone flooring. SKOV can recommend experienced herringbone installers in Sydney and Brisbane — contact us for a referral.
Herringbone vs Chevron Installation
While both patterns create a V-shaped look, the installation complexity differs significantly.
Herringbone uses rectangular planks laid at 90 degrees. The end of one plank butts against the side of the next. This is more forgiving during installation because standard rectangular boards are used with no angled end cuts.
Chevron requires planks with angled end cuts (typically 45 degrees) so the ends meet in a continuous V-point. This means more precise cutting, more waste and longer installation time. Installation costs for chevron are typically 10–20% higher than herringbone.
If you are comparing costs between the two patterns, see our herringbone and chevron flooring price guide.
Cost Example: 60m² Herringbone Project
Here is a realistic cost breakdown for a 60m² hallway and living area using Chateau Herringbone ($79/m²) with direct-stick installation ($55/m²):
| Item | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring — Chateau HB (60m² + 12% waste = 67m²) | 67 × $79 | $5,293 |
| Direct-stick installation | 60 × $55 | $3,300 |
| Subfloor preparation (concrete levelling) | Allowance | $900 |
| Scotia and trims | Allowance | $350 |
| Total estimated cost | ~$9,843 |
For a premium option like Mani Herringbone ($95/m²), the flooring cost rises to $6,365, pushing the total to approximately $10,915.
For a complete breakdown of herringbone and chevron board prices, read our herringbone flooring prices guide.
Tips for a Successful Herringbone Installation
- Acclimatise the boards — leave unopened packs in the installation room for at least 48 hours before laying
- Use the right adhesive — for direct stick, use a flexible MS polymer adhesive recommended by the flooring manufacturer
- Work in sections — spread adhesive in small areas (2–3 rows at a time) to prevent it skinning over before planks are placed
- Check alignment frequently — use a straight edge every few rows to confirm the pattern has not drifted
- Do not rush the border — perimeter cuts are the most visible part of the job. Measure twice, cut once
Browse SKOV Herringbone Flooring
Our herringbone flooring collection features European Oak engineered timber from $79/m², including popular options like Sol Herringbone and Chateau Herringbone.
- Order free samples — see the colour and finish in your space before committing
- Contact us for installer recommendations in Sydney, Brisbane and other areas