Wood Flooring Patterns and Design Options

Wood flooring patterns or parquet flooring as it is often described is a really popular wood floor option.  Allowing you to be as creative and as stylish as your imagination will let you, wood flooring patterns typically take the form of brickwork, herringbone, chevron, basket weave and random designs.

Random pattern

Random

Wood flooring involves the use of mixed lengths of planks, and as the name suggests, allows for a whole host of creativity and imagination.  Way less structured than the other methods of laying wooden floors, random patterns can nonetheless create dramatic and eye-catching effects.

Using regular plank lengths, many people opt for a brick pattern of wood flooring.  Brick pattern, as the name suggests is where the wood is installed in the style of traditional brickwork.  Brick pattern wood flooring installation can be applied to the whole floor or might involve the installation of blocks of brick pattern surrounded by borders or feature strips to add interest.

 

Herringbone pattern

Herringbone

Wood flooring is arguably one of the most popular wood flooring patterns found across Europe (and beyond).  Ideally suited to bigger rooms, with some clever planning, this method can also enhance the look of smaller rooms.  Herringbone and chevron patterns involve laying planks at 90 degrees to each other to create the immediately recognisable herringbone or chevron form, which is common in many designs, including clothing.

Chevron pattern

Chevron

Wood flooring, a variation of the herringbone style is particularly associated with grand buildings and chateaux throughout Europe.  This pattern of flooring can be laid either parallel to the wall or diagonally, depending on the desired look and outcome.  Diagonally installed herringbone or chevron wood flooring patterns, for example have a tendency to make spaces appear bigger, making this approach more suited to smaller rooms.

Herringbone and chevron wood flooring, by their very nature are more expensive and more time consuming to install than standard installation methods.  They also typically result in higher wastage.  That said, the upside is that this method of installation produces an extremely stable as well as attractive floor.

Basket weave flooring pattern

Is less commonly seen nowadays than it was only a few years ago.  A very flexible pattern which can be produced using most types of wood, basket weave flooring patterns can be created in either single or dual colours to create really attractive effects.  Equally suited to small and large rooms, basket weave flooring patterns date right back to Tudor times.  Fitted on the diagonal or parallel to a room’s walls, the impact of a well-laid basket weave wooden floor should not be underestimated.

Your Options Compared

 

PatternDescriptionInstallationBest for
RandomUses mixed lengths of planks, allowing for a whole host of creativity and imagination. Less structured than other methods.Depending on the desired look, it can vary.Rooms where a unique and creative design is desired.
BrickworkUses regular plank lengths and is installed in the style of traditional brickwork. Can involve the installation of blocks of brick pattern surrounded by borders or feature strips to add interest.Usually involves the installation of blocks of brick pattern surrounded by borders or feature strips.Both large and small rooms, especially where an interesting design element is required.
HerringboneOne of the most popular wood flooring patterns, usually found in larger rooms but can enhance the look of smaller rooms with careful planning. Planks are laid at 90 degrees to each other to create the recognizable herringbone form.Planks are laid at 90 degrees to each other.Larger rooms, or smaller rooms with careful planning.
ChevronA variation of the herringbone style, associated with grand buildings and chateaux throughout Europe. This pattern can be laid either parallel to the wall or diagonally.Can be laid either parallel to the wall or diagonally, depending on the desired look and outcome.Spaces where a sense of grandeur or spaciousness is desired, particularly suited to smaller rooms when laid diagonally.
Basket WeaveA flexible pattern that can be produced using most types of wood. It can be created in either single or dual colours to create really attractive effects. Dates back to Tudor times.Can be fitted on the diagonal or parallel to a room’s walls.Both small and large rooms, and those requiring a historical or traditional touch.

 

FAQ

What are some common patterns for wood flooring?

Common wood flooring patterns typically include brickwork, herringbone, chevron, basket weave, and random designs. These patterns allow for creativity and stylish layouts in a variety of room sizes and styles.

What is the Random pattern in wood flooring?

The Random pattern in wood flooring involves using mixed lengths of planks, allowing for a great deal of creativity and imagination. This method is less structured than other methods of laying wooden floors but can create dramatic and eye-catching effects.

What is the Herringbone pattern in wood flooring?

The Herringbone pattern in wood flooring involves laying planks at 90 degrees to each other to create the immediately recognizable herringbone form. It’s one of the most popular wood flooring patterns found across Europe and beyond, suited to bigger rooms but can also enhance the look of smaller rooms with some clever planning.

What is the Chevron pattern in wood flooring?

The Chevron pattern in wood flooring is a variation of the herringbone style and is particularly associated with grand buildings and chateaux throughout Europe. This pattern can be laid either parallel to the wall or diagonally, with the latter approach tending to make spaces appear bigger.

What is the Basket weave flooring pattern?

The Basket weave flooring pattern, less commonly seen nowadays, is a very flexible pattern that can be produced using most types of wood. It can be created in either single or dual colors to create attractive effects and is suitable for both small and large rooms. This pattern can be fitted on the diagonal or parallel to a room’s walls.

Jonathan Sapir

Jonathan Sapir has over 17 years in the flooring industry. As an authority on flooring, he infuses his extensive knowledge and passion for quality products into every article. Jonathan's expertise helps readers make informed decisions for elegant and durable flooring solutions.