Herringbone flooring is one of the most sought-after patterns in residential and commercial interior design. With its distinctive V-shaped weave, the herringbone pattern adds depth, movement, and a sense of craftsmanship to any space. At SKOV, we specialise in engineered timber herringbone flooring across our Sydney and Brisbane showrooms, with a range of species and finishes to suit both contemporary and traditional interiors.
What Is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone flooring is a pattern in which rectangular planks are laid at 90-degree angles to one another, creating a zigzag effect that resembles the skeleton of a herring fish — hence the name. It is one of the oldest and most enduring flooring patterns, with origins dating back centuries in European architecture.
Today, herringbone flooring is most commonly installed using engineered timber planks, which offer greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood and are better suited to Australian climatic conditions. Engineered herringbone flooring can be installed over concrete slabs — making it ideal for modern Australian homes — as well as over existing subfloors.
Why Choose Herringbone Flooring?
The herringbone pattern is chosen for its visual impact and its ability to make spaces feel larger and more dynamic. Key reasons homeowners and interior designers select herringbone flooring include:
- Visual interest: The diagonal lines of the pattern draw the eye and create a sense of movement that straight-lay flooring cannot achieve.
- Timeless appeal: Herringbone has remained a popular interior choice across centuries and design styles, from classic European to modern minimalist.
- Space perception: In narrower rooms, herringbone laid at 45 degrees can make the space feel significantly wider.
- Premium aesthetic: The complexity of the pattern is associated with quality craftsmanship, making it a popular choice for high-end renovations.
- Versatility: It works equally well in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and open-plan spaces.
SKOV Herringbone Flooring Range
SKOV offers a carefully selected range of engineered timber herringbone flooring in species and finishes suited to Australian homes and climates. Our herringbone collection includes:
European Oak Herringbone
European Oak is the most popular species for herringbone flooring in Australia. Its consistent grain, warm tones, and excellent hardness make it well-suited to high-traffic areas. SKOV’s European Oak herringbone range is available in a variety of natural, white, and grey finishes, allowing it to complement a wide range of interior palettes. European Oak engineered boards are available in 14mm and 20mm thicknesses. Browse our European Oak range and order a free sample.
Australian Blackbutt Herringbone
Blackbutt is a native Australian hardwood prized for its pale golden tones and characteristic fine grain. As a herringbone floor, Blackbutt brings a distinctly Australian warmth to interiors while retaining the elegant geometry of the pattern. It is a particularly popular choice in Sydney homes where a connection to natural Australian materials is desired. SKOV’s Blackbutt herringbone is available in 14mm engineered format. View our Blackbutt Eco engineered flooring.
Spotted Gum Herringbone
Spotted Gum is one of Australia’s most distinctive hardwood species, recognised for its rich colour variation ranging from cream and grey through to deep brown, and its characteristic interlocking grain. As a herringbone floor, Spotted Gum creates a visually striking result that is uniquely Australian. It is one of the harder domestic timber species, making it particularly durable in family homes and high-traffic areas. View our Spotted Gum Eco engineered flooring.
Herringbone vs Chevron Flooring — What’s the Difference?
Herringbone and chevron are two patterns that are frequently confused. The key difference lies in how the planks are cut and joined:
- Herringbone: Standard rectangular planks are laid so that the end of one plank meets the side of the next, creating a broken zigzag effect with a visible offset at each point.
- Chevron: Planks are cut at an angle so that they meet precisely at a central point, creating a continuous, unbroken V-shape.
Both patterns work beautifully in engineered timber. Herringbone tends to have a more relaxed, traditional character, while chevron creates a sharper, more contemporary look. SKOV’s team can help you determine which pattern is best suited to your space and design intent — visit our Sydney or Brisbane showroom to see both patterns installed at full scale.
Installation Considerations for Herringbone Flooring
Herringbone flooring requires more precision in installation than standard straight-lay flooring and results in higher off-cut wastage — typically 10–15% more material is required. It is important to work with experienced installers who understand the technical requirements of pattern flooring. SKOV’s certified installation team has extensive experience in herringbone and chevron installations across Sydney and Brisbane.
Herringbone flooring can be installed using either a direct stick (glue-down) or floating method, depending on the subfloor type and the specific product selected. Read our engineered flooring installation guide for more detail, or contact our team for a personalised recommendation.
Herringbone Flooring in Sydney & Brisbane
SKOV operates showrooms in both Sydney and Brisbane where you can view our herringbone flooring range installed in full-scale display settings. Seeing the pattern at scale — and under natural light — is the best way to understand how it will look in your home.
- Sydney Showroom: 302 Penshurst Street, North Willoughby NSW 2068 — Monday to Saturday, 10am–4pm
- Brisbane Showroom: 3/22 Masters Street, Newstead QLD 4006 — Monday to Saturday, 10am–4pm
We also offer free samples delivered to your door, so you can see how our herringbone floors look in your own space before making a decision. For Sydney customers, visit our dedicated Engineered Timber Flooring Sydney page for more localised information.
Frequently Asked Questions — Herringbone Flooring
Is herringbone flooring more expensive than straight-lay flooring?
The material cost per square metre is generally the same as straight-lay flooring of the same species and grade. However, installation costs are higher due to the complexity of the pattern and increased off-cut wastage of 10–15%. Overall, expect herringbone flooring to cost approximately 15–20% more in total than an equivalent straight-lay installation. See our full product range with pricing.
Can herringbone flooring be installed over concrete?
Yes. Engineered herringbone flooring is well suited to installation over concrete slabs, which are the most common subfloor type in Australian homes. The subfloor must be flat, dry, and within acceptable moisture tolerance levels before installation begins. Read our floor preparation guide for full technical requirements.
Can herringbone flooring be sanded and refinished?
SKOV’s engineered herringbone flooring with a wear layer of 3mm or more can be sanded and refinished, extending the life of the floor significantly. Our team can advise on the refinishing potential of each specific product in our range. See our timber floor care guide for ongoing maintenance advice.
How do I order a free herringbone flooring sample?
You can order free samples directly from any product page on the SKOV website. Select the species and finish you are interested in, click “Order a Free Sample,” and we will dispatch it to your door. Samples allow you to assess the colour, texture, and finish of the floor in your own lighting conditions before committing to a purchase.