Traditionally, wood flooring has been available mainly in plank style. However, more and more modern interiors are gravitating towards intricate patterns, with herringbone leading the way, closely followed by the chevron style. When you examine examples of herringbone wood flooring, it’s evident that these options are generally more expensive than their traditional plank counterparts. This price difference is largely due to the intricate and time-consuming craftsmanship required for herringbone styles. So, the question arises: is herringbone wood flooring worth the extra cost when compared to plank style?
What Is The Herringbone Shape In Regards to Flooring
The herringbone pattern in flooring refers to an arrangement of rectangular blocks or planks, traditionally made of wood, vinyl, or laminate, that are laid in a distinctive V-shape. This pattern closely resembles the skeleton of a herring fish, which is how it gets its name. In the herringbone pattern, each rectangular piece is aligned at a 90-degree angle to its neighbours, creating a series of adjoining Vs that span the floor.
This pattern is particularly popular because of its historical significance and the visual interest it adds to a space. It has a way of elongating a room, guiding the eye along the V shapes, and can add a touch of luxury or character that simpler patterns may not achieve.
The herringbone design is often confused with a chevron pattern, but there are key differences. In a herringbone pattern, the ends of each plank or tile are cut at a 90-degree angle, whereas in a chevron pattern, they are cut at a 45-degree angle, creating a more continuous zigzag effect.
What Are The Types of Herringbone Wood Flooring
The choice of hard flooring in a herringbone pattern offers both real wood and wood-effect solutions. Real wood options include solid wood and engineered wood, while wood-effect alternatives encompass luxury vinyl and laminate.
Herringbone Engineered Wood Flooring – Also referred to as semi-solid flooring, engineered wood flooring comprises a top layer of real wood shaped in a herringbone pattern. The core and backing are made from MDF, ply, and softwood. The top layer of real wood gives these floorboards an authentic, natural look and feel.
Herringbone Solid Wood Flooring – Also known as real wood flooring, this option consists entirely of natural wood. While impressive, the use of complete wood limits the floorboards’ suitability. For instance, they should not be installed in wet, humid, or temperature-fluctuating environments. Moreover, among the four options discussed here, these are the most expensive.
Herringbone Vinyl Flooring – Vinyl flooring consists of several layers: a wear layer designed to protect the floor, a design layer featuring a printable herringbone film, a core made from PVC, WPC, or SPC, and a cork backing. This results in a realistic wood-effect flooring featuring herringbone patterns.
Herringbone Laminate Flooring – Laminate flooring is similar to vinyl but differs in its core composition, which is wood-fibre-based rather than synthetic, as in vinyl. While herringbone laminate may look similar to vinyl (both have similar wear and design layers), it is less resilient and unsuitable for wet areas because wood fibre is a porous material that absorbs water.
What Are The Benefits of Herringbone Wood Flooring
Herringbone wood flooring offers a range of benefits that can enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a space. Here are some of the key advantages:
Visual Appeal – One of the most obvious benefits is the striking visual impact that herringbone patterns can create. The intricate V-shaped design adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Versatility – Herringbone flooring is versatile and can be adapted to suit various styles, from traditional to contemporary. The choice of wood type, colour, and finish can drastically change the look and feel of the pattern, making it highly customisable.
Sense of Space – The herringbone pattern can elongate a room and guide the eye in a specific direction. This can make a room appear larger and more open, which is particularly beneficial in smaller spaces.
Increased Value – Homes with unique features like herringbone wood flooring often have a higher resale value. The unique and custom nature of the design can make a property more appealing to prospective buyers.
Timelessness – Herringbone patterns have been used for centuries, giving them a timeless appeal. Unlike some other flooring trends, a herringbone floor is less likely to appear dated as time passes.
Is Herringbone Wood Flooring Worth the Price?
Herringbone wood flooring is truly exceptional, offering a ‘WOW’ effect that few other flooring solutions can match. When you consider that quality wood flooring can last for decades, the choice becomes even more compelling. If your budget doesn’t stretch to real wood, alternatives like herringbone vinyl or herringbone laminate flooring are also available.
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FAQ
What is the appeal of herringbone wood flooring over traditional plank styles?
Herringbone wood flooring adds a unique visual touch to your interior space, giving it a ‘WOW’ factor that is not easily achieved by traditional plank flooring. Its intricate V-shaped pattern also adds historical significance and elevates the room’s aesthetic.
How does the herringbone pattern differ from the chevron pattern in flooring?
While both patterns may look similar, they have distinct differences. In a herringbone layout, the ends of each rectangular plank are cut at 90-degree angles. In contrast, a chevron pattern features planks cut at 45-degree angles, forming a more seamless zigzag pattern.
What material options are available for herringbone flooring?
You can choose from various materials, such as real wood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl, and laminate. Each material offers its own set of advantages and limitations, such as suitability for specific environments or costs.
What are some of the key benefits of installing herringbone wood flooring?
Herringbone flooring not only enhances visual appeal but also offers versatility in design. The pattern itself can create a sense of spaciousness, making rooms appear larger. Moreover, this type of flooring can increase the resale value of a property and stands the test of time, rarely appearing dated.
Is herringbone wood flooring worth the extra financial investment?
Given its longevity and the significant visual and functional benefits, many consider herringbone wood flooring to be worth the additional cost. If you are on a budget, you can also explore alternatives like vinyl or laminate flooring that mimic the herringbone pattern.